Heading into the championships, Denmark and Bulgaria were the two top-seeded teams in the women’s competition — and now they will face each other in the final.

Denmark’s road to the semifinals consisted of three wins from three group matches. Although they encountered some challenges along the way — particularly in women’s doubles, where they have been without two of their strongest doubles players, Natasja Anthonisen and Alexandra Bøje, due to illness — their women’s singles line-up has been rock solid, winning every singles match during the group stage.

In today’s semifinal against Ukraine, Denmark’s powerful women’s singles once again led the way. The Danish team secured a 3–0 victory over the young Ukrainian side, meaning the tie was decided after the three singles matches:

1st WS
Line Kjærsfeldt vs Polina Buhrova 21–19, 21–17

2nd WS
Mia Blichfeldt vs Sofiia Lavrova 21–12, 21–14

3rd WS
Line Christophersen vs Anastasiia Alymova 21–14, 21–10

It has nevertheless been a historic championship for Ukraine, who win their first-ever medal at a European Men’s & Women’s Team Championships. A huge congratulations to the young squad.

Bulgaria Set Up Final Clash

In tomorrow’s final, Denmark will take on Bulgaria.

Bulgaria were not as convincing in the group stage as Denmark, suffering a 4–1 defeat to Türkiye on the second day. However, yesterday’s draw meant that the two nations would meet again today in the semifinals.

During the group stage, Bulgaria chose to rest their two strongest women’s singles players to preserve their resources for the later stages of the tournament. That decision may have proven to be the right one. In today’s semifinal against Türkiye, Bulgaria fielded their strongest possible line-up — and their women’s singles performed at an exceptionally high level.

Unlike the other semifinal, this tie progressed to the doubles. After three singles matches, Bulgaria led 2–1, sending the contest into the first women’s doubles. Bulgaria have had one of Europe’s strongest pairs for many years in the Stoeva sisters — and they once again delivered, securing Bulgaria’s first European Team Championships final in ten years.

Stefani Stoeva:
“It’s amazing — an amazing feeling to be in a European final again. We have a small team, but I think everyone gave their best. Kaloyana’s surprise win in singles helped us a lot, gave us more motivation and helped us keep going.”

Gabriela Stoeva:
“We really enjoy team events because the atmosphere is different — everything feels different. For us, it’s pretty amazing to be back in the finals.”

Individual Match Results

1st WS
Kaloyana Nalbantova vs Neslihan Arin 22–20, 16–21, 21–10

2nd WS
Stefani Stoeva vs Özge Bayrak 21–7, 21–18

3rd WS
Gergana Pavlova vs Zehra Erdem 17–21, 21–19, 10–21

1st WD
Gabriela Stoeva / Stefani Stoeva vs Bengisu Erçetin / Nazlıcan İnci 21–15, 21–15

It has been an outstanding tournament for Türkiye as well, securing the first-ever medal for the Turkish women’s team at a European Men’s & Women’s Team Championships.

All of this sets up a thrilling final tomorrow between Denmark and Bulgaria. The two nations also met in the 2016 final, when Denmark emerged victorious. Tomorrow, we will see whether the balance of power remains the same — or whether Bulgaria can dethrone Denmark.

If you ask the Stoeva sisters, they expect a tough final — but they believe in their chances and will step on court ready to enjoy the occasion.

As Stefani put it:
“Denmark, watch out.”

The final will be played tomorrow at 10:00 (GMT+3).