Today in Novi Sad, Serbia, the Tamanneftegas Women's Europe Cup concluded business. As expected, a French team took the top honors. It was not, however, the expected team. French squad CP Lyssois Lille Métropole were the top seeds headed into the Women's Europe Cup. They were upset in the semifinals, however, by fellow French federation Saint-Denis Us 93. In the 3-1 decision, it was 16-year-old Prithika Pavade who led Saint-Denis Us 93 with wins over world #81 Linda Bergstrom and #66 Dora Madarasz. In the final, Saint-Denis Us 93 faced SH-ITB Budaörsi of Hungary. In the 3-2 decision, Pavade provided key wins over world #53 Georgina Pota and #137 Sabina Surjan. Ultimately, it was Pavade's teammate Camille Lutz who claimed the championship point in the deciding fifth game of the deciding fifth match against Sabina Surjan. "I never expected this," said an elated Lutz, the world #498. "No one of us did. I played bad at the beginning of the tournament, but now everything fit to place. I am so proud of my teammates." Pavade has been on fire this year. The world #390 has not lost a match in international play since February, a stunning run which included a European Under 21 championship and Olympic qualification. With three wins over top-100 players in one day, Pavade seems assured of joining their ranks in short order. "I am feeling proud, but I was not alone there," said Pavade. "I needed my team to win the third point in every match. My victories count only with them." The Women's Europe Cup was not exactly Prithika Pavade's debutante ball, having already announced her presence on the world stage this year. She and Saint-Denis Us 93, however, certainly had a ball.

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