Denmark, Holland To Fight For European Title Website
Hot favorites Denmark and hosts Holland sailed into women's finals of the European Badminton Teams Championships with victories over Germany and Scotland respectively on Saturday in central Dutch city Almere. Holland dominated the match against "dark horse" Scotland, which eliminated France in the quarterfinals on Friday. Singles players Judith Meulendijks, Rachel Van Cutsen and Karina De Wit were all victorious in the first three rubbers, enabling the hosts to whitewash their opponents, 3-0. In another semifinal, Denmark met strong resistance from fast improving Germany, but eventually went through 3-1. World No. 9 Tine Rasmussen scored a hard-fought victory over Juliane Schenk in three games, 17-21, 21-15, 21-17. Germany leveled the score at 1-1 after Carina Mette/Birgit Overzier won the first doubles rubber in straight games. But Danish singles No. 2 Camilla Soerensen and No. 2 doubles pair Kamilla Juhl/Marie Roepke had few troubles with easy wins over their opponents. The final and the match for third-place will be held on Sunday. The Almere tournament kicked off on Tuesday. It also serves as a European qualifying event for the World teams championships. The top three teams in both the women's and men's competition will go to the final stages of the world championships scheduled for May in Jakarta, Indonesia.
Source: GNA