Both games in Women`s European Champions League Group B fulfilled expectations, as favorites beat twice 3:0 their opponents. Defending champion Linz AG Froschberg overcame Russian newcomer Tyumen, while Polish champion Zamek was better than Hungarian Buda,
Both games in Women`s European Champions League Group B fulfilled expectations, as favorites beat twice 3:0 their opponents. Defending champion Linz AG Froschberg overcame Russian newcomer Tyumen, while Polish champion Zamek was better than Hungarian Budaorsi 2i SC.
Linz defeated Tyumen 3:0, but, result doesn`t create a real picture of the game, because Russian side in first two encounters had good chances to take minimum one victory. Two former European champions, LIU Jia and Ruta PASKAUSKIENE got opening clash. Guest led 2:0 after two close sets, but Linz`s leading player answered by three comfortable sets in her favor.
Iveta VACENOVSKA and Alexandra PRIVALOVA also showed good fight in five games. After many upside-downs on both sides, host easily won ultimate chapter to secure 2:0 lead for two times WECL champion. Finally, Petrissa SOLJA continued her good performance from last season, defeating Polina MICHAILOVA in four games.
In nice atmosphere, supported by several hundred fans and one music group (between sets and games), Zamek won its very first WECL clash, losing just two sets. It was, actually, clash between two runner-ups from 2012/13 season, because Polish side played in ETTU Cup final.
HAN Ying brought first advantage to the host, defeating Dora MADARASZ in straight games. Promising Hungarian player, who had a few important wins in previous season, now had no chance against world`s no. 34 HAN who dominated from the first to last moment. Budaorsi`s Szandra PERGEL managed to level result after two sets against Margaryta PESOTSKA, but after that she had no energy to stop world`s no. 47. Ukrainian lost just seven points in last two sets.
Renata STRBIKOVA secured victory for her side, beating Maria FAZEKAS in four sets. In first set both had their chances, but host won, needing two set balls. Budaorsi`s player succeeded to turn the lead in his favor in third set (5:6, 8:6, 10:7) after time out requested by her coach. She refused to give up in fourth set, even she was five points down (1:6, 7:8) but STRBIKOVA played her best in decisive moments.
Linz AG Froschberg โ Tyumen 3:0
LIU Jia โ Ruta PASKAUSKIENE 3:2 (9:11, 9:11, 11:4, 11:7, 11:5)
Iveta VACENOVSKA โ Alexandra PRIVALOVA 3:2 (11:6, 8:11, 11:9, 7:11, 11:2)
Petrissa SOLJA โ Polina MICHAILOVA 3:1 (11:7, 11:8, 8:11, 11:7)
Zamek Tarnobrzeg โ Budaorsi 2i SC 3:0
HAN Ying โ Dora MADARASZ 3:0 (11:6, 11:7, 11:2)
Margaryta PESOTSKA โ Szandra PERGEL 3:1 (13:11, 6:11, 11:4, 11:3)
Renata STRBIKOVA โ Maria FAZEKAS 3:1 (12:10, 11:7, 7:11, 11:9)