Vladimir Ivanov helped Russia set up a final with Denmark at the 2017 European Mixed Team Championships 
in Lubin, Poland, yesterday.
Ivanov was the hero for the Russians, winning both his matches to ensure a 3-1 margin. Ivanov and Ekaterina Bolotova won a tense opening Mixed Doubles encounter over Chris Adcock/Gabrielle Adcock, 23-21 23-21, to put the Russians on the path to victory.
Toby Penty brought England back into the hunt, winning his Men’s Singles over Anatoliy Yartsev, 21-16 21-16, but Russia made it 2-1 through Evgeniya Kosetskaya who prevailed over Chloe Birch in three games.
Ivanov and Sozonov (featured image) then held off Olympic bronze medallists Chris Langridge/Marcus Ellis, 18-21 21-17 21-18.
Defending champions Denmark had some trouble against Germany. Joachim Fischer Nielsen/Christinna Pedersen cruised past Mark Lamsfuss/Isabel Herttrich in 38 minutes, but Germany surprised Denmark by taking the Men’s Singles. Fabian Roth held his nerve against Viktor Axelsen in a 52-minute battle that he won: 21-18 10-21 21-18.
Line Kjaersfeldt made her mark, blowing away the challenge of Fabienne Deprez in the third game, 14-21 21-11 21-7, setting the tie up for Mathias Boe/Carsten Mogensen to finish it for Denmark. The Danes took the Men’s Doubles over Mark Lamsfuss/Josche Zurwonne 21-17 21-13.
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