Romania makes a sensation at the European Table Tennis Championships: qualifying for the quarter-finals, after the victory against Egypt
The Romanian women's national team (world number 7) qualified for the quarter-finals of the World Table Tennis Championship in London, after passing Egypt (world number 8), score 3-2.
Bernadette Szocs had a superlative performance in the opening FOTO FR Table tennis
The “Tricolore” led 1-0, following Bernadette Szocs' uncontested victory in the opening match against Dina Meshref, 3-0 (11-9, 11-6, 11-8). Andreea Dragoman lost the second match, 2-3 (11-8, 5-11, 4-11, 11-6, 2-11) against Hana Goda.
Elizabeta Samara brought Romania back to the advantage, through the success with Farida Badawy, 3-0 (14-12, 11-6, 11-7), but Bernadette Szocs succumbed to Hana Goda, score 1-3 (6-11, 11-6, 9-11, 7-11), and Egypt sent the match to the decider.
In the last game, Andreea Dragoman met Dina Meshref. The Romanian lost a marathon first set, 17-19, equalized the situation, but was again led, 1-2.
Dragoman, however, had a spectacular comeback, reversed the result and won 3-2 (17-19, 11-6, 6-11, 11-9, 11-8). Thus, Romania qualified for the quarterfinals of the World Cup, where it will face the winner between France and Italy.
Male failure
The Romanian men's team stopped in the round of 16 of the World Championship, after being defeated by the holder of the trophy, China, score 1-3. The Asian team has won the last 11 editions of the World Table Tennis Championships.
Romania led 1-0, after Eduard Ionescu defeated Liang Jingkun, 3-0 (11-5, 11-7, 11-6). China equalized, after Iulian Chirița was defeated by world leader Wang Chuqin, 0-3 (5-11, 10-12, 5-11).
In the third match, Ovidiu Ionescu faced Lin Shidong and lost 0-3 (9-11, 6-11, 4-11). Returning to the table, Eduard Ionescu managed to take only one set from Wang Chuqin, who prevailed 3-1 (11-8, 8-11, 11-3, 11-4).
