MADRID, 17 Oct. (EUROPA PRESS) –
This Thursday, paddlers Álvaro Robles and María Xiao secured their first medal as a couple in the mixed doubles category at the continental level in the 2024 European Absolute Championship, which is being held in Linz (Austria), after reaching the semifinals of the tournament.
This milestone marks a significant achievement in their respective careers, being the first time that both have stood on the podium together at a European Championship. For Álvaro Robles, this success adds to his silver medal in men’s doubles at the 2019 World Championships, where he partnered with Romanian Ovidiu Ionescu. María Xiao, for her part, repeats her success after having won bronze in women’s doubles with Adina Diaconu at the European Championships in Munich 2022.
The day began with a solid victory for the Spanish couple in the round of 16, defeating the Germans Andre Bertelsmeier and Mia Griesel 3-1 (11-4, 11-5, 5-11, 12-10). Later, in the quarterfinal match, they demonstrated their excellent form with a resounding victory over the Croatian couple Filip Zeljko and Andrea Pavlovic, by a clear 3-0 (11-9, 11-7, 11-8), ensuring thus your pass to the semifinals and the medal, which will be a minimum of bronze.
“One of the keys to this match and to everything we have in the championship has been the type of preparation, not only at a tactical level, but also in reducing unforced errors,” said Robles after the quarterfinal match.
With the medal already secured, the Spanish couple will face the French Simon Gauzy and Prithika Pavade in the semis, a duel that will be played next Friday, October 18 at 12:30 p.m.
This championship represents a unique opportunity for both players, who also continue to compete in their respective doubles categories: Álvaro Robles with Ovidiu Ionescu in men’s doubles, and María Xiao with Adina Diaconu in women’s doubles.