(by Steve Hopkins)

Europe’s top teams are battling this week in Romania.  The top seeds have been impressive with Germany and Sweden looking strong in the Men’s event and Germany and Romania leading the way in the Women’s event.  The biggest surprise thus far was a win by Russia over Austria, sending Russia into the final four to face Germany tomorrow.

Germany and Sweden were the top two seeds and both have advanced to the Semifinals.  Denmark and Russia will join the top seeds, both teams are a bit of a surprise and both advanced with tight 3-2 wins.  Denmark’s upset win over England included a win by Tobias Rasmussen over Sam Walker and a pair of wins by Anders Lind who beat both Paul Drinkhall and Liam Pitchford.  Russia was down 0-2 before winning the final three matches – with wind by Lev Katsman (over Levenko), by Maksem Grebnev (over Habesohn), and by Vladimir Sidorenko (over Robert Gardos).  On Saturday Germany will face Denmark and Sweden will face Russia.  The Final will be on Sunday evening.

In the Women’s Teams Germany will face Portugal and France will face Romania.  Thus far, the event has progressed largely by seed with all of the matches decided at 3-0 or 3-1.

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