Bulgaria’s Stefani and Gabriela Stoeva were hoping for a rematch of the final from 2017 in Kolding, but the withdrawal from Kamilla Rytter Juhl and Christinna Pedersen shut down their hopes.
The Stoevas said they have many lessons yet to learn from the Danish double, but will try to stay focused throughout the tournament, even after the role as favourites has landed in their laps.
- Actually, we are a little bit disappointed because we wanted to play against them. We are a little bit sad because to play against them gives us lessons and more experience, Gabriela said to Badminton Europe.
- It was a surprise to us to see that they withdrew but, for us, each match is more important. And we are not going to say that we are going to win after they have withdrawn from the tournament. Everyone actually expects that we will win, but we are taking it match by match, Stefani pointed out.
The plan unfolds
The sisters from Bulgaria walked off court on Thursday feeling more confident than ever. They won their third round against Clara Nistad and Amanda Hogstrom from Sweden; 21-13, 21-12.
- For us, the season started pretty well. We feel in shape and now we have reached the quarterfinals, Gabriela said with a smile.
- Everything is going after the plan and we will try to do our best to win all the way to the final.
Find more results from the 2018 European Championships here