England’s women came up narrowly short in their bid to qualify for the European Team Championships.
The strong England team that travelled to the town of Bad Camberg knew that they’d have to beat hosts Germany in a one-off tie on Saturday night to reach the tournament proper.
In the opening singles contest, world No.21 Yvonne Li had too much for Freya Redfearn who succumbed to a 21-6 21-8 defeat in 26 minutes.
Lizzie Tolman and Estelle van Leeuwen made the experienced pair of Linda Efler and Isabel Lohau work for their 21-15 21-19 victory.
Lisa Curtin produced a fine performance to keep her team in the tie at 2-0 down, cutting the deficit with a commanding 22-20 21-19 win over Miranda Wilson.
Germany’s overall victory was settled in the doubles match that ensued as Stine Kuespert and Emma Moszczynski’s fast start proved the undoing of Abbygael
Harris and Annie Lado, who were beaten 21-9 22-20.
With all ties played through to their conclusion, the home team wrapped up a 4-1 triumph thanks to Florentine Schoffski’s 21-7 21-13 success against Leona Lee.
