Stoeva Sisters Bag a First for Bulgaria
Group B in women’s doubles served up a spicy treat at the HSBC BWF World Tour Finals 2021 today with Gabriela Stoeva/Stefani Stoeva striking form to pull off a straight games win over Ashwini Ponnappa/Reddy N. Sikki.
· DIANNE PIERRE
The 21-19 22-20 victory sees the siblings claim a first-ever semifinal spot for themselves and their nation Bulgaria at a year-ender. Prior to this edition, the Stoevas in 2018 and women's singles player Petya Nedelcheva in 2010 were the only Bulgarians to qualify for a season finale group stage.
The pressure of carrying that responsibility almost undid Stefani.
“We went on to the court with a bit of pressure, especially me, as I knew it was an important match and we wanted to secure a semifinal spot," said the 26-year-old.