Team Switzerland ran out 4-1 winners against hosts Portugal this evening but not without suffering a singles scare along the way.
After winning the opening mixed doubles Bernardo Atilano drew the hosts level at 1-1 by beating Christian Kirchmayr in two sets, a player the Portuguese lost to just last week in Wales.
-This is a big win for me after loosing to Christian last week in Wales. It is a confidence boost and also gives our team the belief we can win matches here at home.
In the following match Sonia Goncalves took a set of Sabrina Jaquet but was unable to carry that momentum as the Swiss ace found her rhythm to win comfortably in the deciding set.
-I think Sonia showed to much respect in the opening set which I won easily said Jaquet. She played very well in the second set to win that and caused me some problems. In the end I found a rhythm to win which I am happy about.
Switzerland followed up with victories in the men’s and women’s doubles where Jaquet took her second point of the evenings play.
-I really enjoyed the doubles with Jenjira (Stadelmann). I was smiling on the court. She is fun to play with for sure.
Dutch destroy Iceland
Group favourites The Netherlands arrived in Portugal with a weakened team minus some top stars. With no Caljouw, Piek or Arends through injury team Netherlands were still dominant against Iceland who had no answers to the sheer power of the Dutch.
Gayle Mahulette continued her good form of late and back up Joran Kweekel’s men’s singles win to prove that the Dutch are more than just Doubles strong.
-We have no pressure this week said Mahulette. We have come here to win and personally I feel good on court as all the things I am working on are starting to show in my game.
