Belgian women make history with first bronze at World Squash Team Championship
The Belgian women's team left the World Squash Team Championship with a bronze medal after losing to Egypt in the semi-finals on Friday. It is the first medal at a World Squash Championship in the country's history.
Belgium's team consists of Tinne Gilis, her sister Nele Coll and Belgian champion Marie Van Riet. The trio were among the favourites for the tournament, having won their first European title in May.
They lived up to that reputation by qualifying for the play-offs after a near flawless group stage, where they defeated Italy 3-0, India 3-0 and Colombia 2-1. In the quarter-finals, they beat hosts Hong Kong 2-1 to secure Belgium's first appearance in a World Squash Championship semi-final.
Defending champions
In the semi-finals, the Belgians were beaten 3-0 by favourites and defending champions Egypt. But as there is no third-place play-off, reaching the semi-finals guaranteed the women a bronze medal.
"I am very proud that we have come here as a team at our first World Championship," said Gilis. "Nele and I always give everything for Belgium and we did the same today. Although we didn't win, I believe we can go one step further next time."
Egypt have won the last three team World Cups. They will be strong favourites for gold again when they take on the USA in Sunday's final.
Tinne Gilis and Nele Coll during a previous tournament © PHOTO AARON GILLIONS / IMAGO
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