RAPHOE’S BROTHER and sister duo Sam and Chloe Magee go in search of a third European medal tomorrow morning – and have a familiar foe across the court.
By Chris McNulty at the European Games, Minsk
The Magee siblings face Netherlands pair Selena Piek and Robin Tabeling in the mixed doubles quarter-final at the 2019 European Games in Minsk.
The Magees were made to sweat and fret before their place in the last eight was finally sealed.
Now, they’re one win away from a place on the podium. Previously, the Magees were bronze medalists at the 2015 European Games in Baku and bronze medalists at the 2017 European Badminton Championships in Kolding.
Two years ago, the Magees opened their bid with a win over a Dutch pairing. Piek, on that occasion, was partnered by Jacco Arends with the Magees winning 21-17 23-21 and went onto scoop bronze.
Piek is now playing with Tabeling while the Magee strength has grown.
“We need to bring our best performance,” three-time Olympian Chloe says.
“We know that and hopefully we can rest and recover to get ready. It was never going to be easy and we’re happy to be here.”
Sam believes that they need to bring their A game to the Falcon Centre tomorrow.
Sam Magee said: “It’s a good experience. These quarter-finals don’t come around too often. We’ll give it our all.
“It will take a world-class performance to beat them.”
A 21-9 21-11 win over Belarus duo Aleksei Konakh and Kristina Silich helped the Magees advance, but they had to endure the pain of sitting through a match between Russia and France before they knew they were safe.
Sam says: “It was horrible to watch.
“I enjoyed the game, but every time we were asking who we should be supporting now! It was such a strange situation.”
After opening with a win over Russia on Monday night, the Magees were back on court at first light on Tuesday and were pipped by the French.
Against Belarus, they played their best badminton of the week with a professional and efficient display.
Chloe says: “We’re happy because we had a tough group. It’s nice to get to the quarter-finals.
“We expect that from ourselves. Sometimes it’s hard when you know in your head that you have to keep the points low and every point matters, but it was good.”
The quarter-final is timed for around 8.5am Irish time on Friday.
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