Nis, Ardesen fight close battles to reach quarter-finals

Four quarter-final places had still to be decided this weekend in the Women’s Challenge Cup, with three decisive encounters being played in a double-header format.

In the Sports hall “Cair” in Nis Fram from Reykjavik won the first leg against ZRK Naisa Nis 32:28 on Saturday.

Sunday, however, in the same venue, the Serbian team beat the visitors 22:17 which was just enough to proceed to the quarter-finals.

It became just as close in Turkey, where Croatian RK Zelina faced home side Ardesen GSK.

On Saturday Ardesen won the first leg 32:29, only to lose 28:30 the next day – hence once more just one goal decided the eventual outcome.

It did not become nearly as close in the third double-header this weekend.

Serbian hosts WHC “KNJAZ-MILOS” – Arandjelovac won the first match on Saturday against ABU Baku 37:28.

This meant that the Serbian team could afford a 27:28 defeat following day and still proceed to the next round.

The last team to complete the quarter-finals became Galytchanka who had virtually already reached the next stage after their 26:11 away win against Amyntas Amyntaiou last weekend – their 36:16 win on Saturday then made things all clear.