With just days left until the 2021 European Mixed Team Championships, we take it in turns to look at each of the eight teams competing to be crowned the best in Europe.
Russia Group 2 opponents: England, France and the Netherlands.
Russia is crossing the border into Finland with the confidence that this year could be their year. After six podiums in a row and a clean sweep in the qualification group, the well-balanced team could well make the headlines this year.
Traditionally strong in the doubles, All England semifinalists and Denmark Open runners-up, Ivanov/ Sozonov lead the charge with their experience. Recently, their mixed doubles received a boost with upcoming pair Alimov/ Davletova who recorded a number of high-level results. Kosetskaya, European Games bronze medallist also poses a live threat in the singles.
Russia’s #EMTC trophy cabinet:
5 x BRONZE. 2009, 2011, 2013, 2015, 2019.
1 x SILVER. 2017
Strongest lineup based on squad and world ranking as of 09.02.21.
MS – VLADIMIR MALKOV (77)
WS – EVGENIYA KOSETSKAYA (21)
MD – VLADIMIR IVANOV/ IVAN SOZONOV (16)
WD – ANASTASIIA AKCHURINA/ OLGA MOROZOVA (38)
XD – RODION ALIMOV/ ALINA DAVLETOVA (21)
To watch all of the live-action from the 2021 European Mixed Team Championships, 16-20 February, visit badmintoneurope.tv