08.09.2008, 10:10
Milli Piyango and Bratislava qualify

The home team clinched first place, but Bratislava also celebrate historic success.

Milli Piyango and Bratislava qualify

As it was expected before the tournament, Milli Piyango dominated Group A and took first place. Bratislava came in second with two victories and a defeat.

The last match of the tournament in Ankara was a derby: the two best teams decided the first place and Milli Piyango defeated Bratislava by 32:24 (18:11).

The Slovak team scored the first goals, but Milli Piyango equalised. After 2:2 the Turks started to increase the margin. They finished the first half with seven goals of difference, 18:11.

In second half Bratislava fought back to four goals, but not for long. The Özel sisters did not have mercy for the Slovak goalkeeper and Milli Piyango ended the match with a clear victory.

Senay Özel scored 10 goals and her sister Yeliz 7. Turkay added another 5 for Milli. Benuskova scored 9 goals for the Slovak team.

With the group victory Milli Piyango will continue in Group 2 of QT 2 with Byasen, Volgograd and Metz.

Bratislava will play in Group 3 of QT 2 against Ikast, Brasov and Lublin. Nota bene: this is the biggest success for a Slovak team in the European competitions so far.

TEXT: Ivan Ambros