The finish of the tie was intense, when France qualified for the semi-finals at the 2018 European Men’s Team Championships.

France got a good start of the tie, when Brice Leverdez won the men’s singles against Vladimir Malkov in straight games.

- We were quite in a tight game. I put more effort from 15-15. I tried not to lift, and I tried to attack. I gave it everything I had, and it worked, Leverdez says.

LIVESTREAM: 2018 EUROPEAN MEN’S & WOMEN’S TEAM CHAMPIONSHIPS


France in front
Russia equalized winning the first men’s doubles. Vladimir Ivanov and Alexandr Zinchenko beat Bastian Kersaudy and Julien Maio 22-20 21-7 making the tie all even 1-1.

French Lucas Corvee made it 2-1 for France winning 21-17 21-17 Against Sergey Sirant. It was the fourth time in a row, Corvee beat Sirant.

Gallery: #EMWTC18 – quarter-finals

Taking chance with the doubles
Russia chose to split their YONEX All England winning men’s doubles, so in the second men’s double Ivan Sozonov played next to Rodion Alimov. Taking the chance paid off in the first game, which the Russians won 21-9. After the second men’s doubles the tie was again even. Alimov and Sozonov won the second game 21-18

Lucas Claerbout became the match winner for France beating Shokhzod Gulomzoda in the third men’s singles. The world number 72 won in straight games claiming the spot in the semi-finals for France.

The favourites from Denmark was up against Finland, and the defending Thomas Cup Champions are ready for another semi-final at the Europeans. Denmark beat Finland 3-0.

See all the results from the 2018 European Men’s & Women’s Team Championships here