The Romanian women's national team dramatically qualified for the quarter-finals at the World Team Championship in London

The Romanian women's national team is among the top eight at the World Team Championship. Romania and Egypt are neighbors in the world ranking, the “tricolors” being on seven, and their opponents on 8. They met in the same phase, the round of 16, at the previous edition of the World Championship, played in 2024, and our country's team prevailed 3-0.

In London, in the OVO Arena Wembley, where four tables were played simultaneously in the evening session, it was Bernadette Szocs who opened the match against the left-handed Dina Meshref (32). The Romanian controlled the game, being unhappy at certain moments when the shots did not go where she wanted. She solved the first set with two well-placed serves at the score of 9-9, then the player from Egypt did not come close to Berni, she prevailed 3-0 (11-9, 11-6, 11-8).

Andrei Filimon named Andreea Dragoman as Romania's second player in this match, who faced Hana Goda (18 years old), the world's 20th player.

It was a close match in which Andreea, ranked 57th in the world, surprised the teenager from Egypt. Andreea prevailed in the first set, then Hana gave her only five points in the second and four in the third.

Andreea returned to the match with a set won at 6. But in the decider, she couldn't face the strength of her opponent, who collected eight consecutive points. Hana Goda prevailed with 11-2 in the decisive set, and the confrontation reached the score of 1-1.

Eliza Samara, a clear victory

Eliza Samara, the left-hander from the Romanian team, faced Farida Badawy (22 years old) in the third game. Having gone through many complicated matches, the 37-year-old Romanian perfectly handled a better start by her opponent, managing to come back in the set and be calm when it went into extra time, winning 14-12.

The second set went in favor of the Romanian, she won it with 11-6, the third was tight again, Eliza managing to prevail with 11-7.

Romania was now leading 2-1, when it was the turn of the best players to face each other. Bernadette Szocs and Hana Goda have been at the same table before, knowing what to expect from each other. The Egyptian started the match better, being the more vocal of the two and winning 11-6. The Romanian came back and returned the score. An extremely balanced set followed, which Hana Goda won 11-9. Berni lost her patience in front of the talented player from Egypt and lost the match 1-3.

Andreea Dragoman, nerves of steel

The confrontation reached the decisive match, which was contested by Andreea Dragoman and Dina Meshref. The first set was full of tension and emotions, it went to extra time, where the player from Egypt prevailed 19-17. The Romanian had to put what happened behind her and sharpen her shots. Things he did, winning 11-6.

Andreea then led 5-1, but then lost eight consecutive points, and Dina Meshref prevailed 11-6. The pressure and tension reached incredible heights, after Andreea Dragoman equalized at 2, winning 11-9.

In the decider, the Romanian made three points in a row, but the Egyptian came back and equalized. “Come on, come on”, cried Andrei Filimon from the edge of the field. Andreea again put three points between her and the opponent thanks to an aggressive game. Dragoman led 9-6, but the opponent got closer to 9-8. Andreea then got two match balls, converting the first one and celebrating loudly in the arms of her teammates. Romania is again among the top eight at a World Championship.

Romania-Egypt 3-2

• Bernadette Szocs (#26) – Dina Meshref (#50) 3-0 (11-9, 11-6, 11-8)

• Andreea Dragoman (#57) – Hana Goda (#20) 2-3 (11-8, 5-11, 4-11, 11-6, 2-11)

• Eliza Samara (#44) – Farida Badawy (#181) 3-0 (14-12, 11-6, 11-7)

• Bernadette Szocs (#26)- Hana Goda (#20) 1-3 (6-11, 11-6, 9-11, 7-11)

• Andreea Dragoman (#57) – Dina Meshref (#50) 3-2 (17-19, 11-6, 6-11, 11-9, 11-8)

• the Romanian team also includes Adina Diaconu (#145) and Elena Zaharia (#106)

For a place in the semifinals, qualification that ensures a medal, Romania will duel with the winner of the France-Italy confrontation.

At the previous edition, in 2024, the Romanian women's team reached the quarter-finals, where they were defeated by Japan.

The record of the Romanian women's team includes five gold medals (1950, '51, '53, '55, '56), four silver (1952, '57, '63, '69) and four bronze (1939, '48, '61, 2000).

The Romanian team at the last editions of the World Championship

• 2024 – quarter-finals (Japan 0-3)

• 2022 – Round of 16 (Hong Kong 2-3)

• 2018 – quarter-finals (Hong Kong 0-3)

• 2016 – Round of 16 (North Korea 0-3)

• 2014 – quarter-finals (Singapore 1-3)