Spain had to settle for a commendable fourth position in the European Senior Women's Team Championship in Dun Laoghaire (Ireland), where they were in contention for victory until the semi-final round, where they were derailed by a surprising Italy, who were defeated in the final by Germany 3-2.

The Spanish sextet was fighting for its chances of winning the bronze medal against the powerful England team, who proved superior on this final day of the tournament and won by a clear 4-1. The foursome – the first point of the day – went to the British side and there was no room for a comeback.

Spain was eliminated from contention for the title after losing to Italy 3.5-1.5 in the semifinals. This was despite Ana Vilella and Pía Allende securing the first point of the morning in the doubles match. However, defeats for Marta Estany – a very close loss – Cristina Marsans, and Catalina Castillejo gave Italy the opportunity to play Germany in the final.

Earlier, in the quarter-final round – which they reached after qualifying in third position in the first phase – Spain eliminated France by a tight 3-2 thanks to the individual victories of Cristina Marsans, Vicky Pertierra and, ultimately, Catalina Castillejo, in her case, against a player of the prestige of Cecilia Mourgue D'Algue.

Thus, Spain has not been able to repeat its 1996 victory, but has come within a hair's breadth of maintaining the second position it achieved last year at the Dutch course of Wowse Plantage. Back then, the Spanish team lost in the final to Sweden 3.5-1.5.

RESULTS
End
Germany beats Italy 3-2
Third and fourth place
England beats Spain 4-1