After a 2016 to forget Soraya DeVisch Eijbergan has put all her woes behind her to make the final at the Forza Irish Open in Dublin. The Dutch woman has had semi final heart ache on four occasions this year so to finally get that monkey off her back is somewhat of a relief.
“Yes for sure this is great. Semi final loses in Greece, Belgium, Hungary and Scotland can play on your mind a bit but to get to the final now is a step in the right direction.”
In today’s semi final The Dutch woman had to find a new level of mental willpower to get herself over the line against Denmark’s Irina Andersen. DeVisch Eijbergen eventually came through 21-19 in the third set and her relief was palpable.
“In the first game Irina had it all her own way. I had to completely change my tactic and start taking the shuttle earlier to really put some pressure on her. I was so nervous also which didn’t help and after a year of near misses this is a welcome relief.”
DeVisch Eijbergen will now play Anna Thea Madsen in tomorrow’s final after the Dane prevented an all Dutch final beating Gayle Mahulette in two games.
Irish eyes certainly smiling
What a day it proved to be for the Irish on home soil. European bronze medallists Sam and Chloe Magee (pictured above) have put a few bad Irish Opens behind them to make the final in commanding fashion. Scotland’s Adam Hall and Ciara Torrance proved no match to the dominant Irish which now puts the siblings one step away from one of their long term goals, winning their home international.
Nhat Nguyen continued on his merry way blitzing all before him. Last weeks Welsh Open champion beat Adrian Dziolko in today’s semi final, a player he beat en route to his Welsh title last week. The 2016 European U17 champion will play Alexander Roovers tomorrow and will go into that match as favourite something that does not seem to faze him.
“The match in Scotland where I beat Pablo Abian has given me great confidence. That showed me I can beat these players. I still know I have to work really hard but I know I can win. Tomorrow is the final of my home tournament and I hope I can deliver a good match. I see it as 50/50 as anything can happen on finals day.”
WATCH –
Nhat Nguyen post semi final interview
In what was the match and performance of the day Sam & Joshua Magee came back from a set down to beat Bochat and Cwalina of Poland to make it a clean sweep for the Irish on semi finals day with the home athletes hunting a hat trick of titles tomorrow.
Anne Tran and Emilie Lefel continued their hunt for back to back Irish titles. The French have not dropped a set so far but either has their final opponents Jenny Moore and Victoria Williams. Jenny Moore will play two finals tomorrow after coming through her mixed semi final alongside Gregory Mairs.
For all results from semi finals day in Dublin Click HERE