European Mixed Roundnet Championship 2023 Preview
Will Kunzelmann (LaFarabi) become a Mixed European Champion at last, earning one of the last accolades missing from her storied collection. Can Leybourne/Dziruni (Uniley) finally climb to the very top? One is for certain though! At least one new Mixed European Champions will be crowned, since P. Siemer (DE) is not defending his title this year.
What is the European Mixed Championship?
Get ready for a whirlwind of athleticism and intensity as the historical, European Mixed Championship in Roundnet takes center stage in Brussels. For the first time ever, Mixed Roundnet Divison is going to be represented in a stand-alone event.
This innovation, brought to you by European Roundnet Association (EURA) is another step into establishing roundnet as a legitimate sport. Usually, Mixed ETS (European Tour Series) tournaments are played on Sunday’s, after a tournament day on Saturday (open/women’s). Therefore, players have to fight with fatigue as well as their opponents. Will jumping in the tournament with fresh legs create a significant impact on final standings?
The Venue
The championship will take place on 7th October 2023. The matches will start early in the morning and continue throughout the day. The schedule will be released closer to the date of the event.
You can follow the tournament live here and watch the stream coverage by Tops Roundnet here).
The Teams
With 45 teams from across Europe competing, the spotlight falls on the formidable trio of Kunzelmann/Claus (LaFarabi, CH/DE), Haas/Krehle (Khraas, DE) , and Leybourne/Dziruni (Uniley, A), hailed as the favorites of the tournament.
LaFarabi's strength is Fabian Claus, a recent European Squad Champion, whose lethal backhand serve strikes fear into opponents. Additionally, Kunzelmann, regarded as the best individual women´s player of the world, boasts an impressive record, winning three out of four ETS Mixed events with three different partners.
The only lost Kunzelmann had to endure was of the hands of Haas (Khraas) at ETS Paris early in the season. Unfortunately, Haas’ original partner, Peer Kanis, cannot compete due to an injury. However, she will be joined by her fellow European Champion colleague, Krehle, who is said to have the “widest cut” in Europe. With Krehle’s serving pressure and Haas’ experience, Khraas is set to make a deep run.
Meanwhile, Uniley stands as the only team to have podiumed at the last European Mixed Championship, showcasing their consistent prowess on the Roundnet court. Both Leybourne and Dziruni are coming directly from Philadelphia (USA) after participating at the Spikeball Tour Series Championship. Could this experience catapult them on the top of Mixed Europe?
Aren't you forgetting us?
In the highly competitive second tier, teams like D. Kadlec/R. Jonas (Ananas Rose, A), I. Paysan/R. Florinda (Backlick, F), and A. Peusch/M. Rolf (DE) are prepared to challenge the frontrunners. All but one (M. Rolf who is a substitute of mixed European Champion 2022 and Peusch’s regular partner, P. Siemer) of these players secured a podium at Mixed ETS events this season. These squads have honed their skills and are determined to make their mark, promising fierce contests and unexpected outcomes. Will we witness another “backspin serve madness” by R. Jonas?
Keeping the tournament even more intriguing are the dark horses, established team of N. Alt/D. Améziane (Na-Da, F) and one mash-up, starring the underrated tactician and team chemistry master, Y. Vandaele (B). If Vandaele can steer his partner’s energy the right way, the ambidextrous L. Washburn (DK) should thrive and as a result, Always Room Temperature can surprise anyone, including themselves.
The City
Brussels is a beautiful city with a rich history and culture. It is known for its stunning architecture, delicious food, and vibrant nightlife. There are many things to see and do in Brussels, including visiting the Grand Place, the Atomium, and the Manneken Pis.
The Conclusion
As if the competition isn't challenging enough, the players must contend with the unpredictable Brussels October weather. Rain or shine, these athletes are poised to deliver a tournament filled with unforgettable moments and jaw-dropping plays.