EUROPEANS – Demark Champions but only just!!

Denmark retained their European crown at the Echo Arena in Liverpool this evening but only after been taken right to the wire by a determined English team. In a surprise turn of events Denmark lost both the mixed doubles and men’s singles to trail the English by two matches only to turn it around by winning the remaining three matches to claim the title by 3 matches to two


By Mark Phelan. Photos: badmintonphoto.com (live in Liverpool)


Denmark entered the arena today as strong favourites to retain the title they won in Herning last year and it was a foolish man that would have bet against them. In fact one eminent commentator said it was theirs to loose and in some respects they did there best to do just that early on.

Denmark fielded the world number six pair of Joachim Fischer Nielsen and Christina Pedersen in the first mixed doubles match after using Thomas Laybourn and Kamilla Rytter Juhl in yesterday’s semi final. The Danes were up against top English pair and veterans of the Super Series tour, Anthony Clark and Donna Kellogg. The English pair stormed into an early lead as they left the Danes in their dust as they sprinted to a 21-10 win in the opening set. In the second set the Danes seemed to find their rhythm as they never let the English out of their sights as both sides traded point for point for the bulk of the set. At 21-20 to the Danes it appeared that they might have the edge to take the game to a deciding rubber but the English had other ideas and rattled off 3 points without reply to take the set and the match 2-0.

Next up was the men’s singles and many felt that world number 6 Joachim Persson had the game to leave Andrew Smith (photo up) in his wake. Smith obviously thriving on the atmosphere in the stadium controlled the opening set to win 21-16 in a game that he was never headed. In the second set Persson had his chances and at 18-15 looked like taking the English number one to a third set. Smith then won the next five points to set up match point at 20-18 and even though Persson managed one more point Smith wrapped up the match to send the crowd wild and to give the home nation an unexpected 2-0 lead in this best of 5 final.

Tine Rasmussen then appeared on court and as Denmark’s banker it was clear she was in no mood to let her lower ranked opponent get into the match and get the crowd on her side. In a match that lasted only 25 minutes Rasmussen eased to a 21-14 21-10. Only once did the great Dane ever surrender the lead in this match and that was when Cann went 1-0 up at the beginning of the second set. What a player to have on your team and with her win brought her Denmark team back into the overall match at 2-1 to England.

In the men’s doubles the Danes fielded the in form pairing of Mathias Boe and Carsten Mogensen They were up against the English might of Clark and Robertson and one felt that this match was to be the key if either side were going to claim victory. This was an excellent match that had it all, drama, excitement and some tremendous badminton from some of the world’s best exponents. The Danes took the opening set 21-17 but the wily English battled back to level with a 21-16 win in the second. In the deciding rubber it was the Danes who held their nerve to keep the English in their rear view mirror for the entire set as they took the game 21-15 and in doing so levelled the overall match score 2-2 to send the match down to the wire.

The final match of this European championships would be fought out between Jenny Wallwork and Donna Kellogg for England and Kamilla Rytter Juhl and Marie Ropke for Denmark. In the first set the Danes seized the initiative when going to a 6 point winning streak to take a 18-11 lead and from that there was no recovery for the English. The second set continued in much the same mould as the previous with the Danes etching out a slender 6-3 lead early on. The Danes were now growing in confidence and both Ropke and Rytter Juhl’s calm demeanour on court was never going to be threatened by the partisan crowd. The Danes continued to press home their advantage and bit by bit frustrated the English pair to the point at 18-11 no one could envisage any way back for the new English pairing. The Danes wrapped up the game with a 21-15 win and with it the title as European Champions yet again.

“I'm so disappointed because we’d been 2-0 up in the match but just couldn’t finish them off.We hadn't played the Danish girls before but we knew it was going to be tough.“Kamilla Juhl is number one in the world at mixed and the plan was to try and play on the younger girl (Marie Roepke) but they were too strong. It's been a hard week, especially for Donna who has had to play two events on the same day. Personally, I’ve been pleased as myself and Nathan Robertson have started to gel as a pair and we had a good victory over the Ukrainians so there’s plenty to be positive about going into the All England Championships in Birmingham next month.” Wallwork told the Bolton News after her heartbreaking defeat

In what was an amazing tournament played at an amazing venue it is truly fitting that best team throughout the week should claim the ultimate prize. That prize as gold in the European Championships will be taken back to Denmark yet again as once again the Danish set the benchmark for everyone else to follow. England too can be proud of their achievements as they continue to develop ahead of the 2012 Olympics and congratulations to Poland and Russia who claimed historic bronze medals for their nations.

EUROPEAN TEAM SF – If anyone CANN, England CANN

In an epic semi-final played in the afternoon session England beat Poland in the final set of the final match to set up the mouth-watering tie everyone wants to see with reigning champions Denmark in tomorrow’s final. Elizabeth Cann turned the tide in England’s favour as she fought back from a set down to beat Kamila Augustyn which acted as a catalyst for team England as they went on to win the tie 3-2.

By Mark Phelan. Photos: badmintonphoto.com (Live in Liverpool)

England certainly knew they were in a battle today as they took to the court against a Polish team who had reached this semi final stage without causing a fuss. From the outset this turned out to be a battle royal. In the opening mixed doubles the experience of world number three pairing of Clark and Kellogg had too much in their locker for Logosz and Pocztowiak in two straight sets.

Przemyslaw Wacha restored parity as he overcame the stubborn challenge of Andrew Smith. Wacha took the opening set with apparent ease 21-11 but had to call on all his experience to finally kill of the match with a 22-20 win in the second to level the match at 1 match apiece.

Eliabeth Cann was next up for England and needed to improve on the form that had seen her lose her previous two women’s singles matches in these championships. Cann was certainly under pressure to deliver today and in true Elizabeth Cann fashion she did just that. Things started terribly for the English number 1 as she lost the first set 21-11. In the second set she bounced back to level the match with a sublime display of controlled badminton to allow her opponent only 4 points in the entire game. Cann finished the job in the third, to rapturous home support, as she destroyed Kamila Augustyn 21-9. England now had a slender lead and were in no mood to surrender it lightly.

England were confident that they could wrap up the match in the men’s doubles but Clark and Robertson failed to sparkle to allow Logosz and Mateusiak cruise to an easy two set win 21-18 21-12 to take the match into the deciding game.

Who would win? Who would have the mental reserve and determination to take their team through to the final? The answers to these questions lay in the hands and hearts of the final two pairings Donna Kellogg and Jenny Wallwork of England and Kamila Augustyn and Malgorzata Kurdelska of Poland. It was the English who set the pace in the match by taking the opening set 21-12 but the Polish pair came right back in the second set to win 21-17 to take the tie and match into the final set of the final game. At 5-5 the home support were on the edge of their sets but Kellogg and Wallwork seemed to find an additional gear and pulled clear to eventually take the set 21-12 and with it a place in the final against Denmark.

Tomorrow’s final takes place at 2pm local time and while Denmark are clear favourites the English team are sure to have an extra man on their team in the form of the home support.

EUROPEAN Semi Finals – Rasmussen Unleashed

Denmark flexed their European muscles today at the European Championships as they destroyed Russia 3-0 to book their spot in tomorrows final. For the first time this week Tine Rasmussen was introduced in the women’s singles and after a slow start against Ella Diehl the world number one kicked into overdrive to signal that the sharp end of the tournament has well and truly begun.

By Mark Phelan. Photos: badmintonphoto.com (Live in Liverpool)

As if we were in any doubt that the team to beat this week are Denmark, in today’s semi final the Danes fielded an awesome team which had people talking and discussing for hours before play even commenced as to how Russia would ever break them down. All the talk and all the discussion proved pointless as Denmark coasted to an easy semi final win over a shell-shocked Russia.
Thomas Laybourn and Kamilla Rytter Juhl made their first appearance as a pair in this years event and the world number 5 pairing expended little energy in handing Denmark a 1-0 lead as they happily disposed of Vitaly Durkin and Nina Vislova 21-13 21-16. All this achieved with Joachim Fischer Neilsen and Christinna Pedersen watching from the sidelines. What a luxury to have the world number 6 pair in reserve if needed.
Joachim Persson made his first appearance since his shock defeat to Pablo Abian in the first qualifying match and this time the Dane was in no mood for extended three set battles. Persson took just 25 minutes to quell the advances of Ivan Sozonov 21-14 21-12 to give coach Kenneth Jonassen a massive headache as to whom he selects for the final tomorrow. Jan O Jorgensen has, without doubt, done his part for the Danish cause this week and is sure to be in Jonassens mind. Will Gade appear for the final? Who knows, but one thing is for sure whoever plays will more than likely start as favourite.
In the women’s singles today Denmark unleashed the force that is Tine Rasmussen on the Echo Arena. The world number 1 looked a bit rusty to start with and at 11-4 down in the opener the crowd sensed a shock on the cards. Even a 7 point lead is obviously not enough against a player who is at the summit of the world game as Rasmussen clawed her way back into the opening set to tie the game at 16-16. At this point her opponent Ella Diehl appeared to admit defeat as Rasmussen just coasted over the line to take the opening set 21-18. The second set was over in a blink of an eye as Rasmussen went on a 10 point winning streak to take a 15-3 lead. There was never going to be anyway back for Diehl at that point and Rasmussen just went into freewheel mode as she took the game 21-7 and with it a place in tomorrows final for her and her Danish team mates.

“Our team is feeling very good and we were ready for today’s game. We knew we had a better team than Russia but we were aware that they had some very good players and we needed to get the job done. Kamilla and Thomas were excellent in the mixed and Joachim Persson played vey well today in the men’s singles to give us a good lead. Tine needed a set to settle but after that she played to her best” said Marie Ropke after her team’s semi final win today

The Russians celebrated at the end as a bronze medal for them is a first in this European badminton team event. The Danes progress to the final, as was expected, and have clearly only one thing on their minds…. GOLD!!!

EUROPEANS – Germany and Russia go the distance!!

Quarter finals day at the Echo Arena in Liverpool and all eyes were on court 1 as the home English team attempted to book their place in tomorrow’s semi finals. Meanwhile at the opposite end of the arena Germany and Russia played out the match of the day which went right down to the wire.
By Mark Phelan. Photos: badmintonphoto.com (Live in Liverpool)


All the talk around the fantastic Echo Arena on quarter finals day was centred on England and their attempt to take another step in their efforts to make Sunday’s final at the European Team Championships. However, the most open match of the day was always going to be Germany V Russia and as predicted it lived up to its billing as Russia came through in the final women’s doubles match to win 3-2.
The match turned out to be a doubles versus singles game as Germany’s superior singles capabilities were always going to be to strong for Russia. The opening match went the way of the Russians as Valeria Sorokina and Alexander Nikolaenko took little time in beating Birgit Overzier and Johannes Schoettler 21-11, 21-13. The Germans then bounced back to take both the men’s and women’s singles as the cow bells rang around the stadium from the boisterous German support. Marc Zwiebler was first to level the overall match as he beat Vladimir Malkov 21-9 21-13 and Juliane Schenk followed with a 21-14 21-19 win over Ella Diehl to give the Germans a 2-1 match lead. Alexander Nikolaenko and Vitaly Durkin levelled the match in a tight men’s doubles game as they beat Ingo Kindervater and Michael Fuchs 21-17 21-19. Russia completed the 3-2 win when experienced women’s doubles pair of Valeria Sorokina and Nina Vislova beat the crack pairing of Xu Huaiwen and Birgit Overzier to book their place in tomorrows semi final.


The Russian will now meet Denmark in the semi final as the tournament favourites were taken to the fourth game before finally seeing off a very young French team. Jan O Jorgensen started well for Denmark by beating Brice Leverdez 21-13 21-14. France bounced back in the women’s singles as world number 5 Pi Hongyan defeated Nanna Brosolat Jensen 21-9 21-9. Brosolat Jensen appeared disappointed after the game but her epic wins earlier in the week have helped the Danish team reach this stage and she can, without doubt, be proud of her weeks work to date. Denmark finished off a professional days work with wins in the men’s and women’s doubles as Boe and Mogensen beat Careme and Labar 21-16, 21-11 and Ropke and Rasmussen defeated Choinet and Rahmawati 21-12 21-13.


England defeated Ukraine on the TV court 3-1 with wins in the men’s doubles, men’s singles (Andrew Smith, pictured here had to go all the way to three games) and mixed doubles. Andrew Smith was taken to three sets in his singles match to give England a valuable 2-0 lead before Larissa Griga consigned Liz Cann to her second defeat in two days in straight sets 21-15 21-19. England wrapped up the match with a win in the men’s doubles with an easy 21-14 21-12 win.
Poland continued their march to a medal with a 3-1 win over The Netherlands. Wacha struggled in three sets against Eric Pang which proved to be the turning point in an eventful match. Polands lack of competitiveness is sure to be their Achilles heel if they are to secure a medal as yet again they failed to deliver in the women’s individual event.

EUROPEANS – Quarter finals line up decided

Marc Zwiebler, Germany


Elizabeth Cann



The evening session on the final day of the round robin stages of this years European Team Championships drew few surprises as all 8 seeds booked their place in tomorrow’s quarter finals. Denmark were first to show their true colours as they whitewashed a young Irish team 5-0 to top group 1. England and Germany duly followed with Susan Hughes supplying the only ray of light in the battle of Britain in beating Elizabeth Cann in three sets.

By Mark Phelan (Live) Photos: badmintonphoto.com (Live in Liverpool)
Denmark took to the court this evening fielding almost a full strength team against Ireland and in doing so dented some Irish pride as the Danes sailed into the quarter final with a somewhat easy 5-0 win. Joachim Persson refuelled his confidence tank after his defeat yesterday with a 21-13 21-18 win over Scott Evans. Nanna Brosolat Jensen, playing her 3rd match in two days, saw off a resurgent Chloe Magee but had to fight hard in her 24-22 21-15 victory over the Irish number 1. Boe and Mogensen came together for the first time this tournament and cruised to a 2 set win over Irish national champions Gleave and Magee in the men’s doubles. Roepke and Pedersen followed their team mates and in just 16 minutes claimed a 21-8 21-8 win over Sinead Chambers and Donna Scott. Denmark completed the rout as the experienced duo of Laybourn and Rytter Juhl defeated a visibly jaded Evans and Magee 21-11 21-19 after the Irish pair had given all for their country this week.
“In the first set I was in control at 15-4 but relaxed to much and mentally was not there so I became angry instead of enjoying the game. I just injected a little bit more speed into my game then and I managed to win. I was really great for me to win the three games I played in this week” Brosolat Jensen commented after her win over Magee.

Poland never looked in trouble against Bulgaria in the top of the table group 6 match as they cruised to a 4-1 win but are sure to be worried about their continued lack of prowess in the women’s singles department. Once again the Poles lost the discipline as Linda Zechiri beat Anna Narel in two sets. Poland now play number 5 seeds The Netherlands in tomorrows quarter final. Germany coasted to a 5-0 win over former champions Sweden but were pushed the distance in both the Men’s singles and the women’s doubles. In the quarter final the Germans will play Russia who beat Belarus earlier in the day to top group 4.

The anticipated final between Denmark and England is still on course as the English beat near neighbours Scotland 4-1 in an entertaining match on court 2. The English didn’t have it all their own way as Susan Hughes kept the Scots in the game with a 3 set win over Elizabeth Cann in the 3rd match on court. Clark and Robertson took three sets to finally see off the challenge of Briggs and Bowman before Donna Kellogg and Jenny Wallwork beat Jillie Cooper and Imogen Bankier in two sets.
“It was great to get this win today and was made all the more sweet given the fact it was against England” said Susan Hughes after her win
Elsewhere Spain Beat Slovenia to take third spot in group 1 and Czech Republic defeated Wales in the bottom of the table clash in group 8.

All Results can be found HERE.

EUROPEANS – Ireland and Spain steal the show.

In this mornings session Russia defeated Belarus to claim the top spot in group 4 and advance to the quarter final where they will meet the winners of the Germany V Sweden in Group 3. Ukraine topped group 7 to set up a potential ¼ final against England and Denmark stamped their authority on group 1 with an easy win over Slovenia while in the same group Ireland and Spain fought out a titanic battle in a match that lasted 3 hours 35 minutes on court number 5.

By Mark Phelan (Live) Photos: badmintonphoto.com (Live in Liverpool)

Russia are the first team to progress to the quarter finals as they defeated their nearest rivals in group 4 Belarus 5-0. After stuttering in the opening set of the opening match Ekaterina Aninina and Ivan Sozonov composed their nerves to take the remaining sets and the game to give Russia a 1-0 lead. The rest of the Russian team capitalized on the good work of their opening mixed doubles as Russia won the remaining 4 matches without dropping a set to move untroubled into the quarter final.

Ukraine were hot on the heels of the Russians as they booked their quarter final spot with a 4-1 win over Iceland. After beating Italy and Hungary 5-0 it was not until the very last match that Ukraine dropped their very first point of the tournament as they failed in their effort to capture a three in a row 5-0 whitewash.

Denmark continued on their merry way with a 5-0 win over group 1 outsiders Slovenia. In the process the Danes blooded Jan O Jorgensen (photo top left) in the men’s singles and introduced world number 1 Tine Rasmussen albeit in the unfamiliar position as partner to Marie Ropke in the women’s doubles. Jorgensen captured the first men’s singles point for Denmark after the defeat of Joachim Persson yesterday. The Danish world number 34 beat Luka Petric 21-13 21-11 in the opening match. Nanna Brosolat Jensen won her second match in two days but had to fight hard against Slovenia premier women’s singles player Maja Tvrdy.

“I felt really good on court and I really like this hall as in some ways it is great preparation for the upcoming All England’s. I probably need to get on track again after my poor performance at the nationals so this win has been important to me for that reason. We are playing well as a team and we are motivated to win this tournament as anything less would be a disaster” commented Jorgensen after his debut win

Without doubt the game of the session was Ireland and Spain as their marathon match went right down to the wire as all but 1 game went to three sets. Pablo Abian and Scott Evans served up a badminton delight that lasted an hour. Evans took the first set 21-15 but Abian, spurred on by his victory over Joachim Persson yesterday, fought back to take the second and third 21-19 21-19 to give Spain a slender lead. Anything Abian could do Chloe Magee could do as she also fought back from a set down to take the women’s singles in the deciding set. In the men’s doubles Evans and Sam Magee teamed up to blast past Pablo Abian and Carlos Longo in two 21-8 21-17 and Spain immediately bounced back to take the women’s doubles again in another three set battle. The tie now hung in the balance with only the mixed doubles up for grabs. With all other matches over on the 5 adjoining courts the brother sister duo of Sam and Chloe Magee (photo right) pitted their skills against Spanish pair Carlos Longo and Haidee Ojeda. The Spanish took the opening set 21-16 but the Irish battled back into the game with a 21-12 win in the second. The final set was a cliff-hanger as both pairs battled with their countries pride on there sleeves and with the attention of the whole stadium firmly fixed on the final few points it was the Irish, at 20-20, who seized the initiative and took the next two points to claim an historic victory for the small Island nation.

“This is amazing for Ireland and amazing for our young team. We have such a great team spirit going and to win that third set in that final match was as about as good as I have ever felt on a badminton court. There is such an amazing buzz within this squad and now we can go and enjoy the game against Denmark later and who knows what might happen” said an elated Chloe Magee after her epic doubles win in this mornings match

Results Day 2 European Mixed Team Championships ’09 Pablo Abian Makes A History

24 years old player from Spain, Pablo Abian succeed to make a history and the biggest upset of yesterday’s match. Against Denmark #2, Joachim Persson, Pablo played tactics and effectively before winning rubber set match, 21-19, 19-21, 21-18 for more than two hours. Eight country who will booking tickets to quarterfinal also could be predictable now.

Group 2 :

France vs Cyprus 5-0
MS : Matthieu Lo Ying Ping beat Charis Charalambous 21-8, 21-8.
WS : Barbara Mathias beat Dometia Ioannou 21-7, 21-14.
MD : Sylvain Grosjean/Laurent Constantin beat Charis Charalambous/Vasilis Vasou 21-11, 21-15.
WD : Weny Rahmawati/Pi Hongyan beat Maria Ioannau/Dometia Ioannau 21-12, 21-13.
XD : Baptiste Carame/Laura Choinet beat Vasilis Vasou/Maria Ioannau 21-19, 21-14.

France playing clever strategy when put Pi Hongyan in Women’s Doubles. Pi replacing Elodie Eymard and partnering with Weny. Most of France players are ‘new comer’ and need more experience.

Switzerland vs Portugal 3-2
XD : Anthony Dumartheray/Sabrina Jaquet lost from Alexandro Paixao/Telma Santos 21-14, 17-21, 18-21.
MS : Christian Bosiger lost from Pedro Martins 17-21, 20-22.
WS : Jeanine Cicognini beat Telma Santos 21-13, 16-21, 21-9.
MD : Christian Bosinger/Anthony Dumartheray beat Alexandre Paixao/Gil Marthins 17-21, 21-17, 21-12.
WD : Jeanine Cicognini/Sabrina Jaquet beat Helena Pestana/Ana Reis 21-14, 21-14.

What a great comeback from Switzerland after went down 0-2 from Portugal. Thanks to Jeanine whose not effected by previous results and played very well in her singles and doubles matches. Bosi finally gave 1 point to Switzerland when partnering with Anthony in doubles sector.

Switzerland vs Cyprus 5-0
XD : Anthony Dumartheray/Sabrina Jaquet beat Vasou/Maria Ioannau 21-13, 21-9.
MS : Livio Dorizzi beat Charis Charalambous 21-15, 21-12.
WS : Monika Fischer beat Dometia Ioannau 21-18, 22-20.
MD : Christian Bosinger/Anthony Dumartheray beat Charis Charalambous/Vasilis Vasou 21-16, 21-16.
WD : Jeanine Cicognini/Sabrina Jaquet beat Dometia Ioannau/Maria Ioannau 21-15, 21-8.

Switzerland finallay swept away 5 points in their 2nd match yesterday against Cyprus. Jeanine and Bosi take a rest from their singles and let their younger palyers, Livio and Monika gets more experiences.

France vs Portugal 4-1
XD : Baptiste Careme/Laura Choinet beat Alexandre Paixao/Telma Santos 21-14, 21-17
MS : Brice Laverdez lost from Pedro Martins 19-21, 21-11, 13-21
WS : Pi Hongyan beat Telma Santos 21-13, 21-7
MD : Baptiste Careme/Sylvain Grosjean beat Alexandro Paixao/Gil Martins 21-13, 21-16
WD : Laura Choinet/Weny Rahmawati beat Helena Pestana/Ana Reis 21-7, 21-7

In the afternoon session, Pi just play once in singles and lets Laura Choinet replaced her job in doubles. Brice seems little bit tired when he has to play 3rd set and gave his point to Pedro Martins

Group 6 :

Bulgaria vs Lithuania 4-1
MS : Blagovest Kisyov lost from Kestutis Navickas 21-10, 21-10
WS : Petya Nedelcheva beat Akville Stapusaityte 21-11, 21-8
MD : Julian Hristov/Krasimir Yankov beat Klaudijus Kasinskis/Kestusis Navickas 21-11, 21-14
WD : Petya Nedelcheva/Dimtria Popstoykova beat Kristina Dovydaityte/Akvile Stapusaityte 20-22, 21-12, 21-12
XD : Stiliyan Makarsi/Diana Dimova beat Ramunas Stapusaitis/Ligita Zukauskaite 21-12, 21-17

The semiquarterfinalist, Kestusis Navickas showed off his talent when he successfully stole 1 point from Bulgaria. But two Bulgarian whose has more experience, Petya and Diana secured other 3 points and wrapped up quarterfinal ticket.

Poland vs Finland 4-1
XD : Robert Mateusiak/Kamilla Augustyn beat Tuomas Nuorteva/Noora Virta 21-18, 21-6
MS : Przemyslaw Wacha beat Ville Lang 21-7, 25-23
WS : Natalia Pocztowiak lost from Anu Nieminen 21-17, 21-19
MD : Michal Logosz/Robert Mateusiak beat Mikko Vikman/Tuomas Nuorteva 21-10, 21-9
WD : Kamilla Augustyn/Malgorzata Kurdelska beat Noora Virta/Sanni Rautala 21-11, 21-12

The 32 round Olympic player, Anu Nieminen succeed give 1 point to her country. But Wacha seems too strong for another Olympic player from Finland, Ville Lang although he can forced Wacha with 3 match point in set 2.

Group 1 :

Denmark vs Spain 4-1
MS : Joachim Persson lost from Pablo Abian 19-21, 21-19, 18-21
WS : Nanna Brosolat Jensen beat Beatriz Corrales 21-13, 21-13
MD : Thomas Laybourn/Carsten Mogensen beat Carlos Longo/Eliecer Ojeda 21-7, 21-11
WD : Kamilla Rytter Juhl/Marie Roepke beat Carolina Marin/Ana Ma Martin 21-15, 21-14
XD : Joachim Fischer Nielsen/Christinna Pedersen beat Haidee Ojeda/Elecer Ojeda 21-9, 21-10

Pablo succeed to make his history when he beats Denmark # 2 MS, Joachim Persson. After suffereing for 2 hours tight match, Pablo celebrate his winning which is the only point for Spain. Nuller whose usual partnering with Boe now having another edge with Thomas when Kamilla stopped playing for a while with Lena Frier whose gets injury and try to play with another doubles player, Marie Roepke.

Ireland vs Slovenia 3-2
XD : Sam Magee/Chloe Magee beat Luka Petric/Spela Silvester 21-18, 17-21, 21-15
MS : Scott Evans beat Iztok Utrosa 21-12, 21-8
WS : Chloe Magee lost from Maja Tvrdy 15-21, 17-21
MD : Scott Evans/Sam Magee beat Iztok Utrosa/Luka Petric 21-12, 21-19
WD : Sinead Chambers/Dona Scott lost from Spella Silvester/Maja Tvrdy 18-21, 11-21

The 32 round Olimpyc player, Maja Tvrdy had great performance yesterday and stoles 2 points for Slovenia. But in the men side, two Ireland Scott Evans and Sam Magee are too strong for Slovenian. Those two finally won 3 points which put their victory over Slovenia.

Group 4 :

Russian vs Norway 5-0
XD : Vitaly Durkin/Nina Vislova beat Matz Menkin/Mari Helena 21-6, 21-8
MS : Vladimir Malkov beat Jonas Christensen 21-7, 21-8
WS : Ella Diehl beat Sara Kverno 21-10, 21-12
MD : Vladimir Ivanov/Ivan Sozonov beat Jonas Christensen/Maz Menkin 21-6, 21-14
WD : Nina Vislova/Valeri Sorokina beat Mari Helena/Ingrid Teistung 21-10, 21-3

Another big victory for Russian to take huge step for quarterfinal. Not with their full team appearance but they’re still the best in their group.

Belarus vs Latvia 5-0
XD : Aliaksei Konakh/Vlada Cherniavskaya beat Eduards Loze/Kristine Safere 22-20, 21-17
MS : Yauheni Yakauchuk beat Raimonds Cipe 21-17, 21-14
WS : Alesia Zaitsava beat Kristine Sefere 21-12,2 1-12
MD : Yauheni Yakauchuk/Aliaksei Konakh beat Karlis Vidass/Guntis Lavrinovics 24-22, 21-10
WD : Alesia Zaitsava/Vlada Cherniavskaya beat Madara Pukite/Alesia Hodokovska 21-5, 21-3

Within 2 days, Belarus successful swept away 10 points from their opponents. Tomorrow should be their biggest match against Russia to book quarterfinal ticket at Friday match.

Group 3 :

Germany vs Estonia 5-0
XD : Michael Fuchs/Annekatrin Lillie beat Ants Mangel/Koroline Hoim 21-13, 21-10
MS : Dieter Domke beat Raul Must 21-17, 21-19
WS : Xu Huaiwen beat Kati Tolmoff 21-11, 21-16
MD : Michael Fuchs/Ingo Kindervater beat Ants Mangel/Raul Kasner 21-8, 21-6
WD : Sandra Marinello/Annekatrin Lillie beat Laura Vana/Karoliine Hoim 21-15, 24-22

Although adding 2 younger players, Deieter Domke and Annekatrin Lillie from their 1st match, German still keep their record with 5 points swept away. No wonder dan they’ll be the favourite’s one to book quarterfinal ticket.

Sweden vs Slovakia 5-0
XD : Joel Johansson/Emma Wengberg beat Jarolim Vicen/Gabriela Zabavnikova 21-16, 21-13
MS : Kristian Karttunen beat Michal Matejka 21-14, 21-7
WS : Sophia Hansson beat Zuzana Orlovska 21-5, 21-8
MD : Joel Johansson/Johan Kasperi beat Jarolim Vicen/Michal Matejka 21-13, 21-13
WD : Emma Wengberg/Elin Bergblom beat Zuzana Orlovska/Gabriela Zabavnikova 21-14, 21-7

After won tight match 3-2 two days ago over Estonia, Sweden finally easily grab out 5 points from Slovakia. All the games in straight set less than 2,5 hours.

Group 7 :

Iceland vs Italy 3-2
XD : Helgi Johannesson/Tinna Helgadottir beat Rosario Maddaloni/Federica Panini 21-7, 21-15
MS : Magnus Ingi Helgason beat Giovanni Greco 21-16, 21-16
WS : Tinna Helgadottir lost from Agnese Allegrini 18-21, 18-21
MD : Magnus Ingi Helgasson/Helgi Johannesson beat Pierluigi Musiari/Giovanni Traina 21-12, 21-12
WD : Karitas Osk/Snjolaug Johannsdottir lost from Agnese Allegrini/Federica Panini 14-21, 9-21

Magnus and Helgi still on their best form but lack of skill in the women side. The Olympic 2008 qualification player, Agnese Allegrini took 2 points from Sweden for her country.

Ukraine vs Hungary 5-0
MS : Vitaly Konov beat Henrik Toth 21-16, 21-18
WS : Elena Prus beat Sarolta Varga 21-15, 21-14
MD : Valeriy Atrashchenkov /Dmytro Zavadskyy beat David Sarosi/Andras Nemeth 21-10, 21-14
WD : Mariya Dibtan/Anna Kobceva beat Sarolta Varga/Orsolyna Varga 21-9, 21-8
XD : Vladislav Druzchenko/Larisa Griga beat Henrik Toth/Krisztina Adam 21-14, 21-13

Ukraine defeinetely booked their ticket to quarterfinal after taking 10 points from their 2 matches. Really an uniqe way when they change singles players into doubles. Elena Prus replacing Larisa Griga in singles when Larissa played with Vladislav in Mixed Doubles.

Group 8 :

Scotland vs Czech Republic 4-1
XD : Watson Briggs/Imogen Bankier beat Petr Koukal/Martina Benesova 21-20, 24-22
MS : Kieran Merrilees lost from Jan Vondra 21-15, 13-21, 16-21
WS : Susan Hughes beat Kristina Ludikova 21-16, 21-12
MD : Andrew Bowman/Watson Briggs beat Jan Vondra/Pavel Florian 21-10, 22-20
WD : Imogen Bankier/Jillie Cooper beat Kristina Lduikova/Martinea Bensova 21-14, 21-16

MS seems the weakest sector of Scotland. Kieran have to get more experience if he wants to be equal as Imogen or Susan. Bad performance of Petr Koukal from previous match should be the reason he wasn’t played yesterday.

England vs Wales 5-0
MS : Andrew Smith beat Irwansyah 21-8, 21-10
WS : Helen Davies beat Harriet Johnson 21-13, 21-17
MD : Anthony Clark/Nathan Robertson beat Martyn Lewis/Matthew Huges 21-12, 21-5
WD : Jenny Wallwork/Maria Agathagelou beat Carissa Turner/Caroline Harvey 21-12, 21-16
XD : Christoper Adcock/Gabrielle White beat Jonathan Morgan/Kerry Ann Sheppard 21-5, 21-13

Domination of home’s players still continued last night. Ex-Indonesian player, Irwansyah has no chance to repeat his victory on his first match when he has to face England #1 MS, Andrew Smith. Gabby also shows her performance very well when she duet with Chris in XD.

Group 5 :

Belgium vs Austria 4-1
XD : Wauter Claes/Nathalie Descamps beat Roman Zinwald/Elisabeth Baldauf 21-12, 21-15
MS : Yuhan Tan beat Michael Lahnsteiner 21-18, 21-14
WS : Nathalie Descamps beat Claudia Meyer 21-19, 21-10
MD : Wauter Claes/Frederic Mawet lost from Peter Zauner/Michael Lahnsteiner 23-25, 20-22
WD : Steffi Annys/Severina Corvilain beat Belinda Heber/Elisabeth Baldauf 21-14, 21-14

Peter Zauner for the 2nd time proves that he still at his best form. But unfortunately it’s not enough to hold Belgium when they have Yuhan Tan and Nathalie Descamps. Today will be the final moment for Belgium when they meet Netherlands if they really want through quarterfinal round.

Netherlands vs Israel 4-1
MS : Dicky Palyama beat Shai Geffen 21-12, 21-13
WS : Patty Stolzenbach beat Mor Bitterman 21-3, 21-1
MD : Jurgen Wouters/Koen Ridder beat Anton Kracheny/Ilia Konyak 21-8, 21-8
WD : Yao Jie/Pauline Van Dooremalen beat Mor Bitterman/Alina Pugach 21-8, 21-10
XD : Joritt De Ruiter/Ilse Vaessen lost from Misha Zilberman/Svetlana Zilberman 21-11, 16-21, 19-21

The new comer, Israel needs more practice and experience as they’re not being the good one. Lost so easy from Belgium and Netherland they have no chance going through quarterfinal round this year. But participating in this badminton event which is the 1st time for them should be adding valuable experiences to their players.