COSTA BALLENA 2026 INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S ABSOLUTE MATCH
See the full results and photo gallery below, in Related Content.
Spain secured fifth place in the Costa Ballena Women's Absolute International Match (Rota, Cadiz) after defeating Belgium 6-3, while France, the defending champion, retained their title after beating Ireland in the final by a clear score of 6.5-2.5.
The Spanish women took control of their match against the Belgians by winning two of the three initial foursomes matches. Liz Hao and Martina Navarro defeated Chloé Lam and Ashling Poynton 1 up, and Cristina García and Daniela Montolio did the same against Théa Vanderput and Violette Gérard 4/3.
With that 2-1 score, the individual matches began, in which Spain maintained their momentum, securing three wins, two draws, and one loss. Liz Hao, Daniela Montolio, and Ángela Revuelta defeated Chloé Lam, Violette Gérard, and Théa Vanderput, respectively; Carlota López and Carlota Carmona drew against Ashling Poynton and Laetitia Vandeplas; and Belgium's only victory came courtesy of Anais Nicolas against Martina Navarro.
In the other two matches that helped determine the overall standings of the tournament, Switzerland defeated Austria (5.5-3.5) and finished third, and Sweden finished seventh by beating Germany 6.5-2.5.
It should be remembered that due to the adverse weather conditions suffered during the tournament, the final and the match for third place were played over 18 holes, and the other two, in which the fifth and seventh places were at stake, were played over 13 holes.
Spain lost to France in their opening match
On the first day, Wednesday, Spain fell to the tournament's main rival, France (6-3). The home team lost both sets of matches; first in the foursomes, where only Ángela Revuelta and Carlota López (2/1) managed to score. Later in the afternoon, despite Spain starting strong, France gradually won matches until they secured the victory. Marta Muñoz (3/2) and Ángela Revuelta (1up) were the only Spanish players to score a point.
A lifeline for Spain after beating Germany
The Spanish team secured their first victory in the Costa Ballena Women's International Open on the second day. The team, captained by Beatriz Cid, defeated Germany 5.5-3.5, a result that avenged their defeat to France on the first day.
On the second day, given the difficulties the course presents these days - somewhat soft and with puddles due to the heavy rains - the 9-hole foursomes were played and in the afternoon the 18-hole individual rounds.
These reduced foursomes resulted in a 1.5 tie, with Liz Hao and Martina Navarro winning, and Ángela Revuelta and Carlota López drawing. In the afternoon, Spain struck first with clear victories from Marta Muñoz (7/5) and Cristina García (4/3), and rounded off the win with victories from Daniela Montolio (4/2) and Ángela Revuelta (5/4).
Spain couldn't beat Switzerland
The Spanish team fell in a tight tie against Switzerland on the third day of the Costa Ballena Women's Absolute International Match by 5-4, which forced them to compete for fifth place with the Belgian team.
The Spanish team took the lead in the foursome matches, winning two of the three duels. Martina Navarro and Liz Hao defeated Anahie Lohner-Hutzli and Liliya Favre 3/2, and Ángela Revuelta and Carlota López beat Maé Hinnen and Vincente Savioz 2/1.
However, the Swiss players managed to turn the situation around in the individual matches by achieving three victories and two draws, with only one defeat, which was carried out by Carlota López after beating Liliya Favre by 1 up.
Despite everything, the Spanish players were close to at least tying the tie, a result that would have given them passage by accumulated ups, since several matches were decided by details, such as Marta Muñoz's three putts on the 8th hole that allowed her opponent, Seraphine Müller, to tie, or Carlota Carmona, who went 1 up to the 9th hole and ended up losing the hole to sign another tie against Axelle Martin.
Remember that these matches, both the foursomes and the singles, were played over nine holes due to the harsh weather conditions.
As for the other matches, France and Ireland qualified for the final after defeating Germany and Belgium 7.5–1.5 and 6.0–2.5 respectively. Austria, who drew with Sweden (4.5–4.5), earned the chance to play for third place against Switzerland, who had eliminated Spain, while Germany and Sweden faced off to decide seventh place.
Eight national teams in competition
This year, for the third time in a row, the number of contenders is eight, which raises the level of difficulty of a test that has already earned a place on the calendar and a growing prestige.
This time, the local team consists of Liz Hao, Marta Muñoz, and Ángela Revuelta from Madrid; Cristina García from León; Martina Navarro from Alicante; Carlota López from Valencia; and Daniela Montolio and Carlota Carmona from Barcelona. These eight golfers are assisted by captain Beatriz Cid and coach Marta Prieto.
The eight participating teams are made up of between six and eight golfers, mostly in the Under 18 category. The teams are divided into two groups of four, Red and Blue; and the leaders of each group at the end of the first three days of play will face each other in the final on Saturday.
Final Classification
1. France
2. Ireland
3. Switzerland
4. Austria
5. Spain
6. Belgium
7. Sweden
8. Germany
