The Netherlands have been drawn into a strong group at the European Mixed Team Championships, in Copenhagen, Denmark, next week. Selena Piek spoke to Badminton Europe about the ambitions and chances for the Dutch team.

Two silver and two bronze medals – those are the successes of the Netherlands at the European Mixed Team Championships in the past. From 2000 to 2004, the team has always been successful at the event: it has at least reached the semi-finals.

This year, the Netherlands have strong opponents to face. The team is drawn into a group with the defending champion and host, Denmark, as well as France and Spain.

Find the match plan for the EMTC here

Selena Piek, Mixed and Women’s Doubles player, is confident that there will be a lot of great badminton shown on court in Copenhagen, Denmark.

- I think we have a 50/50 chance of getting through, as both France and Spain have a strong team. Of course, Spain is weakened by the injury of Carolina Marin, but we should not underestimate them, she said.

- I see Denmark as the clear favourite, so it will be a nice battle for that second spot, she added.

New year, new pair

Since the beginning of the year, Selena Piek is playing together with Robin Tabeling in Mixed Doubles, which is a new and successful partnership on court. The pair has reached the semi-finals at the Malaysia Masters in January.  

According to Piek, the Dutch team is ready to fight at the upcoming European Mixed Team Championships.

- The atmosphere in the team is good. A lot has happened lately, but we are willing to work hard for each other and to fight for every point, Piek said.

- It is very important for us to be part of the event, as it means that we are among the best eight teams in Europe. That is a good signal for Dutch badminton and our group in general, she added.

Buy your tickets for the European Mixed Team Championships from 13-17 February in Copenhagen, Denmark, here