The European Mixed Team Championships take place from 6-9 December with qualifications across seven different countries. Group 6 will be held in Sobotka, Poland in what could be a tightly contested group.
Three team matches will take place on each of the three days and the draw for Group 6 sees hosts Poland drawn alongside Spain, Czech Republic and Lithuania.
Just the winner of this group will qualify for the finals in Copenhagen on the 13-17 February so it’s all to play for this weekend.
Ludik looking to lead Czech’s to a shock win
Czech Republic star Milan Ludik is hoping his team can cause an upset in Sobotka this weekend. The World number 90 comes into this tournament off the back off an opening round defeat in the Korean Masters but is confident in his team’s ability.
- I think we have a strong team for the tournament and we are ready to get out there and cause some real upsets. Ludik said.
The Men’s Singles star feels a sense of pride in representing his country and is looking forward to working as part of a team.
- Ludik told Badminton Europe “I am looking forward to being a part of the Czech team. It is always a big honour to represent my country in a team competition because you are not just fighting for yourself but for everybody and that brings the best possible performance from me”
First matches on Friday
The Group 6 matches are taking place at the Sports and Entertainment hall in Sobotka and begin on the 7th December. In the opening round of matches, hosts Poland take on the Czech Republic whilst Spain face Lithuania.
Find the draws for Saturday and Sunday here
Who’s representing each country?
The Czech Republic has called up the most players in the group with 15 (9 men and 6 women) with Poland choosing to select 14 players (8 men and 6 women) with Lithuania selecting the least players in Group 6 with a team of just 8 players (5 men and 3 women).
Favourites for the group Spain have called up a squad of 12 players, (6 men and 6 women) including Carolina Marin. The Women’s World number 4 will no doubt be key to Spain’s chances of going far in this competition and will be expected to put on a dominant display.
Find the nominated players for Group 6 here: