The first upset of the European Men’s and Women’s Team Championships happened this morning. Second seeds England in the Men’s event took on Estonia, with the opening match being Toby Penty, world number 54, against the experienced campaigner ranked 36 places lower, Raul Must.
Last year, these two players met twice, at the World Championships and the Dutch Open. Both went in favour of the Englishman. However, team events bring a different kind of pressure and in a three-game battle, Must came out on top in the end, winning 13-21, 21-17, 21-15 to give Estonia a 1-0 lead against last times silver medallists. Must after the match stated.
-It was a good performance in the end. I started bad because when I did not have the confidence. I was thinking too much. I then found my game and I think my opponent made a few easy mistakes. It was a good game after that.
I am surprised
When asked about whether Must expected such a result, he responded.
-I am surprised, Penty is a really good player. He has beaten me many times before, so I was thinking he will be one of the toughest matches here for me. So I am happy with that win, and also the extra points for the Olympic qualification.
For the full list of fixtures and results, click
here.