England made to work hard for their win Date: 12/12/2020 7:31 PM Published by : Alan Raftery
The second and third most successful nations in European Mixed Team Championships history, England and Sweden, faced off in the final match of Group 1.
This perhaps should have been a match to decide who qualifies from the group but following Sweden’s 3-2 defeat to Estonia on day one, it was just pride at stake.
In the mixed doubles, world number nine and reigning European Games Champions, Marcus Ellis/ Lauren Smith, made no mistake against Melker Z-Bexell/ Johanna Magnusson. Following their straight-game victory, Marcus spoke about despite not reaching the podium last year, they are bringing a lot of confidence to Finland next year.
Sweden bounce back strongly against Hungary Date: 12/11/2020 3:11 PM Published by : Alan Raftery
Day two of European Mixed Team Championships Qualification Group 1 saw Sweden take on Hungary, an important match for both teams.
Defeated nations yesterday, both Sweden and Hungary were looking to score their first win on the board. The first two singles matches looked like the ones that will dictate which way the tie will go.
In the end, they were split 1-1, with Gergely Krausz continuing his good form here, stunning Felix Burestedt in two games.
-I am quite happy about yesterday and today. He has a really good ranking and results. I am training hard in Hungary and I am happy that I could get this point for my country.
Estonia complete big comeback to topple Sweden Date: 12/10/2020 3:12 PM Published by : Alan Raftery
Group 1 in the European Mixed Team Championships Qualification got underway in Milton Keynes, England. Sweden took on Estonia in a well-fought match.
Players arriving in England two days before the start were subjected to the increasingly familiar COVID-19 restrictions necessary in competitive sport. However, once national anthems were sung, they were ready to play. Sweden even adding in a team battle cry!
First up was the mixed doubles. The established pair of Melker Z-Bexell/ Tilda Sjoo, Swedish Junior champions in 2018 and 171 in the world, took on the scratch pairing of Kristjan Kaljurand/ Helina Rüütel.