The very best of the European women’s singles are ready to challenge one of the greatest-ever at her home ground.
Having never lost to Line Hojmark Kjaersfeldt in ten previous encounters, Carolina Marin continued her dream comeback. The three-time world champion shook off yet another opponent in front of the home crowd. It couldn’t have been any more dramatic as the match unfolded. Winning 21-11 in double-quick time, Marin looked set for an easy win.
However, Kjaersfeldt upped her pace and began to find the lines, as the top seed took it lightly in the second game, eventually conceding it 21-14. The first half of the decider was hotly contested with the home favourite leading 11-10 at the change of ends. With the Dane’s visibility frustrated due to Marin’s loud celebrations, she ended up committing several unforced errors. She trailed 18-10.
Kjaersfeldt made one last effort to reach 19-17, making the Spaniard threw her racquet in frustration. However, it was not enough. Winning 21-17 against the Dane, Marin is now one step closer to an unprecedented and record-breaking sixth consecutive European Championships crown.
- I knew that today was going to be a tough game. I don’t want to think about tomorrow yet, I want to analyse what happened today on court with my team. We just need to know what we can improve for tomorrow. I know it will be tough again against Yigit, she’s been playing really well, but I will be ready, Marin said after the quarterfinal.
Another medal for Yigit
Up next will be a repeat of the last year’s semifinal: in her way will be Neslihan Yigit. The Turkish player ensured herself of a consecutive medal at the prestigious event. She turned heads by delivering a strong performance against Line Christophersen, runner-up at the previous edition. Yigit won 21-10, 15-21, 21-15.
- I am happy to have won another medal. I focused on my control and played well. That’s why I won, Yigit was delighted.
The repeat European Games final
While the two Lines failed to reach the business end of the tournament, Mia Blichfeldt kept alive the Danish hopes in the category. The reigning European Games champion made an incredible comeback against a motivated Qi Xuefei, winning 16-21, 21-10, 21-17 in almost an hour.
Facing Kirsty Gilmour tomorrow, the bottom-half semifinal will be repeat of the 2019 European Games final. The two-time European Championships silver medallist leads their previous record 2-1 and will be out for revenge.
- I am looking forward to the match against Mia. She is a good friend of mine, the Scot said.
Like her tomorrow’s opponent, Gilmour had her win in three games. She beat Lianne Tan 21-13, 12-21, 21-15 for the seventh consecutive time.