Table Tennis: Satisfaction for nimble Syed

AN OUTSTANDING win by Matthew Syed over Peter Karlsson, the European No 4, was the high point for England during their 4-1 defeat by Sweden in the semi-finals of the European Championships at the National Indoor Arena in Birmingham yesterday, writes James Leigh.

Nevertheless, England gained satisfaction from their bronze medal and the fact that four matches went the distance against the world champions.

Had Chen Xinhua won the opening encounter against Thomas von Scheele, England might have given Sweden serious trouble. But Chen lost

14-21, 21-18, 21-18.

Syed, meanwhile, won his match against Karlsson 7-12, 24-22, 21-18 after saving a match point at 19-20 in the second game with some nimble and tenacious defence.

Later, Elena Timina won twice to lead Russia to a 4-1 victory over Germany in the women's final.