THOMAS and UBER CUPS: KEY INJURY DOWNS SWEDISH WOMEN

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February 20, 1998 (NEW SHUTTLENWS) - The hapless Swedish team suffered another setback today in the semifinals of the world men's and women's team championships (Thomas and Uber Cups) European Zone qualifier in Sandefjord, Norway when their ace, Marina Andrievskaia, injured her knee in the opening singles match of their crucial meeting with the English side.

Andrievskaia had won the first game against Donna Kellogg was ahead in the second 5-3 when she lost her balance and banged her knee hard on the court surface. The Swedish player was able to continue after receiving first aid on court but did not have the mobility to play on to victory. Kellogg went on to take the second game and the deciding third set.

Andrievskaia's teammates pulled together and won the next two singles matches to give Sweden the lead 2 matches to 1. Margit Borg beat Julie Mann, 2 games to 1, and Karolina Ericcson took out Tracey Hallam in straight sets.

However, England's strength lay in the doubles, specially with Andrievskaia hurt and unable to partner Catrine Bengtsson in the first doubles spot. The two English pairs came through to qualify England for the Cup Finals scheduled for mid-May.

Nicky Beck and Joanne Davies took the first doubles over Bengtsson and Jenny Karlsson, substituting for Andrievskaia, 2 games to 0, and the tandem of Kellogg and Joanne Goode disposed of Kristin Evernas and Margit Borg, also 2 games to 0.

Sweden's loss means that they have to play the Netherlands for the third and last qualifying spot from Europe in a playoff tomorrow. The Swedish men who lost an emotion-packed battle with the Dutch earlier today also must win in a playoff tomorrow against the English men's team in order to earn a trip to the Thomas Cup Finals.

In the other women's team semifinal in Sandefjord, Denmark whitwashed the Dutch 5 matches to 0. Camilla Martin beat Judith Meulendijks 2 games to 1, Mette Pedersen beat Brenda Beenhakker 2 games to 0, Mette Sorensen defeated Lonneke Janssen 2 games to 0, Ann Jorgensen and Majken Vange beat Erica van den Heuvel and Monique Hoogland 2 games to 0, and the pair of Marlene Thomsen and Rikke Olsen disposed of Nicole van Hooren and Lotte Jonathans 2 games to 0.

With their victories, Denmark and England qualify for the Uber Cup Finals, but will play each other tomorrow for ranking purposes.

(dsimmons)