In a match where they were on paper the big underdogs, Gabriella and Stefani Stoeva managed to book their place in the quarterfinals at the World Championships.

Against world No. 8 Matsumoto/Fukushima, the experienced Bulgarians were pushed to three games after missing a match point at 20-19 in the second game.

In the third game it was the Bulgarians’ turn to save match points — three in fact, from 20-17. At 20-19, the shuttle had already landed on the sisters’ side, but a quick challenge, and a wait that felt like an eternity for them, showed the shuttle was just out. Suddenly the momentum shifted to the Bulgarians. They carried it all the way to the end, winning the match 22-20.

In the quarterfinals they will face Tan/Thinaah from Malaysia.