Czech Republic's SKST STAVOIMPEX Hodonin caused big upset in the first quarter-final leg of the 2018/19 ECLW, as they beat at home former four-time winner TTC Berlin Eastside 3:1. Reigning ECLW champion Dr. CASL swept away Etival Clairefontaine 3:0, and all three encounters were decided in straight games, so just miracle can prevent them to reach the semi-final. Former two-time ECLW champion Linz AG Frochberg and actual ETTU Cup winner Metz TT showed another close game between them, as Austrian side secured 3:2 advantage for the second leg.
China's GUO Ruichen secured two points for Hodinin, against Georgina POTA and SHAN Xiaona who lost both her games, first one to Iveta VACENOVSKA. Youngest Berlin's player Nina MITTELHAM provided unique point for her side, as she beat Natalia PARTYKA in the third match.
Dr. CASL recorded superb win, 3:0 with all three encounters in straight games: LI Jie vs. SHAO Jieni, YU Fu vs. Maria DOLGIKH, DOO Hoi Kem vs. Hana MATELOVA. Second leg will be held in the same hall, this Sunday (January 27) as two clubs earlier agreed about it.
Hong Kong's SOO Wai Yam Minnie was key player of Linz in the game held in Metz. She beat both, DING Yaping (in the opener) and Adina DIACONU (fifth match), while Sofia POLCANOVA overcame DIACONU in the second game. After fourth clash teams have been levelled, as Carole GRUNDISCH and DING Yaping prevailed against Linda BERGSTROM and Sofia POLCANOVA respectively.