Gabriela and Stefani Stoeva have advanced to the quarterfinals of the Korea Open 2026, maintaining their momentum just days after securing a bronze medal at the HYLO Open. The Bulgarian duo, seeded third in the Super 500 tournament, won a demanding three-game match in Yeosu City to remain in contention for another podium finish.
The Stoevas’ Three-Game Victory in Yeosu City
After receiving a bye in the opening round, the Stoeva sisters faced a new Japanese combination in Ririna Hiramoto and Chiharu Shida. The match proved to be a test of endurance, lasting exactly one hour. Despite dropping the opening game 19-21, the Bulgarian pair rallied to claim the next two games, 21-18 and 21-19, to secure their spot in the next round.
Quarterfinal Matchup Against Lauren Lam and Allison Quynh Lee
The path to the semifinals requires the Stoevas to overcome the eighth-seeded American pair, Lauren Lam and Allison Quynh Lee. The two teams share a professional rapport, as the Bulgarians and the American duo are known to be good friends off the court. This upcoming match serves as the final hurdle for the Stoevas to reach the medal rounds at the Yeosu City venue.
Gabriela Stoeva and Evgeni Panev Exit Mixed Doubles
Gabriela Stoeva’s campaign in the mixed doubles event concluded earlier in the day. Paired with Evgeni Panev, the Bulgarian duo faced a difficult draw against the second-seeded Chinese pair, Guo Xin Wa and Chen Fang Hui. The match ended in straight games, with the Chinese favorites winning 21-8, 21-11. Meanwhile, the tournament continues for other contenders, including the Ukrainian pair Polina Buhrova and Yevheniia Kantemyr, who are scheduled to face the home favorites Kim Hye Jeong and Lee Yeon Woo.
Stoeva Sisters Chase Another Top-Four Finish
The Korea Open 2026 represents a significant stop on the international circuit, categorized as a Super 500 event. For the Stoeva sisters, the transition to the court conditions at the Korea Open has been immediate following their success at the HYLO Open. The sisters are now one victory away from guaranteeing themselves another top-four finish in the tournament standings.
YEOSU VICTOR Korea Open 2026 WD – R16 🇧🇬Gabriela STOEVA🏅 19 21 21 🇧🇬Stefani STOEVA🏅 🇯🇵Ririna HIRAMOTO 21 18 19 🇯🇵Chiharu SHIDA 🕚 in 66 minutes
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