In the third round of the Europe Cup Women, Polish team FIBRAIN KU AZS Politechnika Rzeszów secured a hard-fought 3-1 victory over CP Lyssois Lille Métropole in the opening leg held in France.
Despite the seemingly comfortable scoreline, the match was far tighter, with three of the four games going the full distance.
Filippa BERGAND gave the hosts a promising start with a 3-2 victory over Zuzanna WIELGOS. However, experienced Fen LI turned the tide for Rzeszów. She edged past Shuohan MEN in a five-game thriller, leveling the match.
Katarzyna GRZYBOWSKA-FRANC also endured a grueling five-game battle to overcome Margo DEGRAEF, putting the Polish team ahead. Fen LI then sealed the victory by defeating her compatriot BERGAND in straight games.
The return leg is scheduled for February 14th.
CP LYSSOIS LILLE METROPOLE – FIBRAIN KU AZS POLITECHNIKA RZESZOW 1-3
- Filippa BERGAND – Zuzanna WIELGOS 3-2 (7-11, 7-11, 11-5, 11-9, 6-1)
- Shuohan MEN – Fen LI 2-3 (2-3, 3-11, 11-4, 11-9, 7-11, 2-6)
- Margo DEGRAEF – Katarzyna GRZYBOWSKA-FRANC 2-3 (11-13, 13-11, 11-6, 5-11, 5-6)
- Filippa BERGAND – Fen LI 0-3 (8-11, 8-11, 5-11)