In a thrilling showdown, Denmark emerged victorious to claim their second World Cup title. The triumph was especially sweet after a heart-wrenching loss in the final by a mere point the previous year. The match against Great Britain was nothing short of spectacular, with both teams showcasing exceptional skill and determination. The line-ups were evenly matched, adding to the excitement and tension throughout the game, making it a memorable contest for all who witnessed it.
Denmark came into this event as the fourth seed, and ranking wise Great Britain was the favourite going into this match. With top 10 players in both teams, an extremely high-quality matchup and exciting for Racketlon fans all over the world. Leon Griffiths took the MS1 table-tennis against Jaksland 11-6, before Stine Jacobsen took the WS against Izzy Bramhall (they won the women’s world elite doubles title in Roehampton but were on opposite sides of the net now) and took it 11-6 as well, evening the score. Hougaard took table tennis in the MS2 against Luke Griffiths, and Steinmetz/Thyregod also took table-tennis in the doubles. Denmark went into badminton with a slight lead, and they managed to keep it throughout the match. Jacobsen managed to create a big lead in badminton especially, one that was one of the key elements for the team to get their win. Luke Griffiths brought the lead Denmark had down again, as he beat Hougaard in badminton 11-5. Squash was a big moment for the Danes, Jaksland stayed close to Leon Grifiths in squash, Jacobsen won 15-13 against Bramhall. As expected Davidson/Reid got some points back by taking it 11-3, Hougaard played some outstanding squash, taking it 11-6 from Luke, which meant that Denmark went into tennis with a lead.
Jaksland took tennis 11-5 against Griffiths, bringing them closer to the title. Stine Jacobsen also won tennis 11-6, which meant that Steinmetz/Thyregod only had to get six points to win the match. They produced some very good tennis, and sealed the match 5-6 to win a second World Cup title for Denmark. The overall score was +18 (140-122) to Denmark. The bronze playoff was won by France, in a close battle against Sweden.
Two titles for Hong Kong as they emerge victorious in the Nations Cup and Challenger Cup
Hong Kong had a great day as they defeated Great Britain in two finals. It has to be said that it was a unique achievement to have three teams from the same country in the final of each World Cup category and hats off to the Brits. The final of the nations cup was between Hong Kong China 1 and Great Britain 2. Hong Kong had been looking strong all weekend, and eventually only needed one game of tennis to seal the title. The Brits didn’t give in without a fight, but it was an impressive performance from the Hong Kong team, who looked strong throughout the tournament and deservedly won the Nations Cup title. Last year’s Challenger Cup winners USA were on the podium again, as they beat France 2 +11 (105-94) in the 3/4 playoff.
It was Hong Kong that came out on top again in the last match on Friday evening, as they beat Great Britain 4 in an incredibly close final. It was close all the way, neither country really pulling away, but it was Hong Kong’s day as they took the match +3 (102-99). France 4 defeated Switzerland 2 in the bronze medal playoff.
Sanne Veldkamp / FIR Media Officer
