It is fair to say that European Games women’s doubles gold medallist, Cheryl Seinen, has struck up a successful partnership with the experienced Selena Piek for the Netherlands. What is going so right?

Seinen, 24, before partnering with Piek, had several title producing partnerships. In 2014, she won the Slovak Open with Croatian Katarina Galenić. In 2015, she regained the Slovak Open and added the Dutch International with Gayle Mahulette, then was runner up in the Finnish International with Alida Chen.

The year 2016 saw Seinen look abroad again, partnering England’s Jessica Pugh to the Romanian International title and runners up spot at the Slovenia International. Seinen added a Swiss International title with Iris Tabeling, before then linking up with Piek in 2017. Speaking about how she felt at this moment, Seinen says. 

- I was quite surprised that I was chosen by the staff and Selena to become her new partner. Furthermore, it gave me a good boost as I was just one year at the National Centre and then got this opportunity. 

Together they upped their level, winning the Belgian International, Scottish Open in their first season, and then in 2018, they were runners up at a World Tour event, their home tournament, the Dutch Open. Describing their professional relationship, Seinen says. 

- It is good. We both want the best out of ourselves and each other! 

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Great feeling

Many partnerships that develop and thrive over many years turn into long-term friendships. Is that the case for Seinen and Piek? 

- Selena and I are not best friends. But we both know we do not have to be a best friend to become better. We just have to be honest with each other and even that we aren’t best friends, we are friends who want the same thing and will do everything to reach our goal! 

Last year, the pair, who are currently ranked 24 in the world, reached new heights when becoming European Games champions defeating England’s top par of Chloe Birch and Lauren Smith. Talking about how much this meant to them. Seinen states.  

- It was a great feeling! For me it gave a really good boost because the hard work paid off all these years for myself! And also, the last two years that Selena and I worked as a couple to come to this point was an awesome feeling as we didn't expect to win this!