Team Moldova continued its impressive run at the home Davis Cup Europe Group III tournament being held at the National Tennis Center in Chișinău. On the second day of competition, Andrei Chumac’s team recorded another crucial victory, defeating Georgia 3-0 and securing first place in Group B before the conclusion of the group stage.
Following the opening-day victory over North Macedonia, Moldova faced another strong opponent. Georgia had started the tournament with a convincing 3-0 win over Kosovo and was widely regarded as one of the main contenders for top spot in the group.
However, from the very first matches of the day, the home team showed that it was fully focused on the task ahead.
Snitari Dominates Bakshi
Ilya Snițari
Aleksandre Bakshi
The opening singles match featured Ilya Snitari against Aleksandre Bakshi.
Despite the Georgian player holding a higher ATP ranking, Snitari delivered one of his best performances in recent months. From the opening points, the Moldovan controlled the match, dictated play from the baseline and gave his opponent very few opportunities to establish any rhythm.
As a result, Snitari secured a commanding 6-2, 6-0 victory.
Moldova took a 1-0 lead in the tie.
Rain Could Not Stop the Tournament
Shortly after the first singles match, a heavy but brief rainstorm swept across the National Tennis Center.
Play was temporarily suspended, but the excellent quality of the newly built courts once again proved its value. Thanks to the work of the tournament staff and the venue’s modern infrastructure, the courts were ready for play again within approximately thirty minutes.
Competition resumed without any significant disruption.
Albot Delivers the Decisive Point
Radu Albot
Saba Purtseladze
In the second singles match, Moldova’s leader Radu Albot faced Saba Purtseladze.
The encounter proved far more competitive. Albot claimed the opening set 6-4, but Purtseladze responded strongly to level the match after taking the second set 6-3.
In the deciding set, the experience and composure of Moldova’s greatest tennis player once again made the difference. Albot regained control, forced errors from his opponent and closed out the match confidently with a 6-1 final set.
The victory gave Moldova an unassailable 2-0 lead and secured the overall tie.
Snitari and Braun Finish in Style
Ilya Snițari și Mathys Braun
Nika Bidzinashvili și Aleksandre Shvangiradze
Although the outcome of the tie had already been decided, the doubles match provided an excellent opportunity for other members of the Moldovan team to gain valuable match experience.
Ilya Snitari partnered the youngest member of the squad, Mathys Braun.
The match carried special significance for Braun, who was making his official debut for Team Moldova. The young player, who recently joined the national team, had the opportunity to represent his country for the first time in front of home supporters at the Davis Cup.
The Moldovan duo played with confidence and excellent teamwork. They controlled the match from start to finish and left their opponents with little chance of mounting a challenge.
Moldova claimed the doubles match 6-2, 6-1.
The final score of the tie was 3-0 in favor of Moldova.
Moldova Secures First Place in Group B
After two days of competition, the situation in Group B could hardly be more favorable for the host nation.
Moldova has won both of its ties, defeating North Macedonia and Georgia, the two teams widely considered the strongest contenders for first place before the tournament began.
An additional boost came from North Macedonia’s victory over Kosovo later in the day. The standings after two rounds are as follows:
🇲🇩 Moldova – 2 wins
🇬🇪 Georgia – 1 win, 1 loss
🇲🇰 North Macedonia – 1 win, 1 loss
🇽🇰 Kosovo – 0 wins, 2 losses
Thanks to victories over both direct rivals, Moldova has already secured first place in Group B regardless of the outcome of the final group-stage match.
Tight Battle in the Other Group
The competition in Group A has been considerably closer.
Latvia currently leads the group with two consecutive victories, having defeated Azerbaijan 3-0 before edging Montenegro 2-1 in the second round.
Ireland kept its hopes alive with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Montenegro, ensuring that the battle for first place will continue until the final day.
The Group A standings are:
🇱🇻 Latvia – 2 wins
🇮🇪 Ireland – 1 win, 1 loss
🇲🇪 Montenegro – 1 win, 1 loss
🇦🇿 Azerbaijan – 0 wins, 2 losses
While Group B already has a confirmed winner, the outcome of Group A remains undecided and will be settled on the final day of round-robin play.
The First Objective Has Been Achieved
Team Moldova has successfully completed its primary goal for the group stage. Not only has the team advanced, but it has done so as group winner, demonstrating depth, consistency and true team spirit.
Particular credit goes to all members of the squad. Ilya Snitari delivered the crucial opening point against Georgia, Radu Albot once again proved why he remains the leader of Moldovan tennis, and Mathys Braun celebrated a successful debut by earning his first official victory for Team Moldova.
Mathys Braun
With victories over North Macedonia and Georgia, Moldova has secured first place in Group B and taken a major step toward promotion to Europe Group II. Under the current tournament format, the top three teams in Chișinău will earn promotion.
Attention now turns to the final group-stage match against Kosovo. Although first place is already guaranteed, Moldova will be eager to maintain its momentum ahead of the decisive matches that lie ahead.
The home Davis Cup campaign continues, and so does Team Moldova’s journey toward a return to Europe Group II.
🇲🇩 Go Moldova!
Photos of the tournament are here.
