Bulgaria’s women made the semi-finals of the 2016 European Men’s & Women’s Team Championships with a 3-1 defeat of Turkey yesterday in Kazan.
Turkey grabbed the lead after Neslihan Yigit beat Linda Zetchiri but Bulgaria fought back through veteran Petya Nedelcheva (featured image), who overcame dogged resistance from Ozge Bayrak in a three-game win. Stefani Stoeva made it 2-1 beating Cemre Fere 21-7 21-13. Stoeva sisters Stefani and Gabriela made no mistake in their doubles shutting out Bayrak and Yigit 21-9 21-13. The semi-final spot gives Bulgaria entry to the Uber Cup finals in Kunshan.
In the semi-finals, Bulgaria will face Spain, who assured themselves of their first-ever European team medal blanking Ukraine 3-0. Denmark will face Germany in the other semi-final.
In the men’s team event, France, England, Denmark and Germany made the last-four. France powered past Ukraine 3-0, with Brice Leverdez leading the way. Leverdez needed just 31 minutes to overcome Dmytro Zavadsky, before Lucas Corvee consolidated with a win over Artem Pochtarev. Lucas Claerbout completed the rout with a 21-19 21-12 verdict over Valeriy Atrashchenkov.
Semi-finals: Men’s Team: Denmark vs Germany; France vs England
Women’s Team: Spain vs Bulgaria; Denmark vs Germany
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