In the European Championship two years ago, Linda Bergström and Stina Källberg were stopped in the quarterfinals. After 3–1 in sets against Annett Kaufmann and Nina Mittelham, Germany (11–9, 15–13, 7–11, 12–10), they are once again in the quarterfinals, and close to securing at least a bronze medal.
If they also win this one – against the Czech-Slovak pair Hana Matelová/Barbora Balázová on Saturday – a place on the podium is guaranteed, since the teams that lose in the semifinals share the bronze.
Both Swedish men's doubles pairs are in the same excellent position.
Reigning European Champions Kristian Karlsson and Mattias Falck continue to impress in Linz, and Friday's 3–0 victory over Germany's André Bertelsmeier/Fanbo Meng (13–11, 11–3, 12–10) means the duo is clear for the quarterfinals.
Shortly after the Karlsson/Falck victory, it was time for new blue-yellow celebrations in the hall. The Italians Matteo Mutti and Andrea Puppo had no chance against Truls Möregårdh and Anton Källberg. Möregårdh/Källberg also won in three straight sets, 11–3, 11–7, 11–8.
The men's quarterfinals are also played on Saturday. There, Möregårdh/Källberg will face the Polish pair Maciej Kubik/Milosz Redzimski, while Karlsson/Falck will face German opposition again: Dang Qiu/Benedikt Duda.
If there are two new blue-yellow victories, the Swedish teams will face each other in the semifinals.