Last eight line-up taking shape in Klagenfurt

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Marketa Slukova and Barbora Hermannová have made it through to the quarterfinals. Photocredit: Sebastian Marko.

Marketa Slukova and Barbora Hermannová might not have liked getting up at 6am this morning but they didn’t care as they won the first game on Center Court to storm into the A1 Major Klagenfurt quarterfinals.

What’s more the Czech duo achieved their best result of the season by beating Poreč Major champions Laboureur/Sude in straight sets in front of a packed stadium.

“We knew the German girls are super strong so we knew we had to play a really good game and of course being awake since 6am is hard!” Marketa told us. “It’s easier, though, when you play in front of such an amazing crowd.”

The Czech Republic’s top team booked their place on the Copacabana via the Continental Cup and are delighted with their best result of the season so far on the FIVB World Tour.

“We started with three 17th places and then got our first ninth in Moscow so this is kind of unexpected,” said Barbora. “We’re happy with this result. It’s amazing to play in front of so many people. It’s crazy that so many fans are cheering for us even though we’re not from the same country.”

The girls will meet rising young Swiss stars Hüberli/Betschart in the last eight after they blitzed Brazilian girls Fernanda/Josi in straight sets.

It was a really good morning for Swiss fans, too as Copacabana-bound Forrer/Vergé -Dépré also made it through to the quarters with an epic 2-1 win over Australians Bawdy/Clancy.