Romania’s hopes of obtaining a ticket to Stage 3 at ITTF Mixed Team World Cup Chengdu 2024 presented by CHINA TELECOM have received a huge boost, after the European team produced a stunning display to see off Japan 8-2.
Prevailing in all of its matches this week leading up to Thursday evening, Japan hit a roadblock early on against Romania as Bernadette Szocs and Ovidiu Ionescu made a serious impact in the Mixed Doubles, overwhelming Kaho Akae and Keishi Hagihara 3-0 (11-7, 11-9, 14-12).
It was then Elizabeta Samara’s turn to get in on the act, showing great resolve to overturn a one-game deficit against Asuka Sasao (6-11, 14-12, 11-7), before Eduard Ionescu followed up with a successful outing against Yuta Tanaka (3-11, 11-8, 16-14) to put Romania on the cusp of victory.
Bernadette Szocs would then return to Romaniathe table alongside Andreea Dragoman as Romania looked to finish the job, and they did exactly that, combining their efforts to land a decisive game against Asuka Sasao and Sakura Mori (11-6).
“We were very focused in the Mixed Doubles, because we knew that every game would make a big difference. So, we fought for every point. Even when they were leading the last game I didn’t want to give up because I knew how important it was. It made a big difference that we started 3-0… I am very proud of my team. They played unbelievably well.” Bernadette Szocs
Germany also ended Day 5 on a positive note, earning valuable games in an 8-4 victory over France.
Holding the edge in a tense Mixed Doubles showdown, Germany turned to Yuan Wan in the opening singles match, and she played her part, overcoming Audrey Zarif 2-1 (11-6, 6-11, 11-5). France hit back in the second singles encounter, but it wasn’t enough to kickstart a comeback bid as Yuan Wan and Franziska Schreiner shone bright in the Women’s Doubles to defeat Camille Lutz and Clea De Stoppeleire (11-7, 11-7, 14-12).
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“I think today we had a tough programme, because I think out of all the teams we had the shortest time to rest. But we managed quite well, and we were good from the start. So, I think it was a good team performance.” Franziska Schreiner
Elsewhere, defending champion China continues to lead by example, adding another win to its tally with an 8-0 success against Hong Kong, China, while Korea Republic came out on top 8-1 against USA.
