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.
Last year in Spain, Ashwathi Pillai and Daniella Gonda went the distance. So when Gonda stormed away with the opening game, it seemed right that Pillai would bounce straight back. In the deciding game, however, the Swede pulled away.
-To be quite honest I am not too happy with my performance. I was quite nervous and I could not control myself in the first game. But I am happy that I can still turn it around when I am not having the best day.
From singles to doubles
For the next two matches, Hungary had players who ordinarily ply their trade in singles, playing in the doubles. Gergely Krausz/ Gergo Pytel played Joel Hansson/ Melker Z-Bexell, and although pushing the Swedes close, it was a straight-game loss.
Moa Sjoo/ Tilda Sjoo were too strong for Vivien Sandorhazi/ Laura Sarosi in the women’s doubles. They highlighted the importance of this result for their final match in the group tomorrow.
-Winning 4-1 is important to get a good feeling and spirit in the team before we play England, where we will be the underdog.
No plan yet for Magnusson
Melker Z-BexellSweden/ Johanna Magnusson completed the 4-1 win against Gergo Pytel/ Daniella Gonda in the mixed doubles. When asked about her future, following the early retirement of Emma Karlsson, the former European Junior Champion stated.
-I haven’t planned my future right now. Of course, it is really sad and strange for me to be alone. But hopefully, it will be a good future.
England face Estonia in a clash of the winners from yesterday at 14:00 (local time)