First half surge gifts gold to Russia

Gothenburg’s Scandinavium arena was the scene of the Women’s 18 European Open Final on Friday night.

Russia and Denmark flew through the tournament at the Partille Cup, both coming into the final game with 100% records.

The first half was played at a rapid pace, which appeared to suit Russia perfectly as they raced into a 17:10 lead at half-time.

Denmark came back into the game in the second period, restricting Russia in attack and improving in attack, with Pauline Boegelund leading the Danes with five goals and 11 goal scorers providing a threat from all areas of the court.

Nevertheless, Russia’s first half lead proved to more than enough, as they held on to take a 26:22 win and the entire squad and staff erupted with joy at the final whistle.

Golikova and Belikova top scored with six goals apiece for the Russians, who went one better than the team that lost to Norway in the final two years ago.

The bronze medal game was between Norway and Czech Republic just before the final. The crowd were treated to an exciting game which either side could have won. After going into the dressing rooms one goal down, Norway turned the game around and take bronze with a 23:22 win.

All-star team

Goalkeeper: Sofie Börjesson (SWE)
Left wing: Viede Karoline Nord (NOR)
Left back: Yulia Golikova (RUS)
Centre back: Mette Thrysted (DEN)
Right back: Valentina Vernigorova (RUS)
Right wing: Nikolett Dioszegi (HUN) 

Top scorer: Cristina Laslo (ROU)
Best defence player: Aleksandra Zimny (POL)
Most Valuable Player (MVP): Yaroslava Frolova (RUS)

Final standings:

Gold - Russia

Silver - Denmark

Bronze - Norway

4. Czech Republic

5. Romania

6. Sweden

7. Hungary

8. Switzerland

9. Netherlands

10. Slovakia

11. Poland

12. Iceland

13. France

14. Lithuania

15. Austria

16. Faroe Islands

17. Finland

18. Kosovo