Vladimir Malkov helped Russia advance into the semi-finals with a 4-1 win over Ireland at the European Mixed Team Badminton Championships in Denmark ©Getty Images

Last year’s runners up Russia saw off Ireland 4-1 today to end the group stage unbeaten at the European Mixed Team Badminton Championships in Denmark.

Playing at the Frederiksberg Hallerne, the result means Russia finish top of Group Two with three wins from three, having already beaten England and Germany.

Against a side that has failed to win a match at the Championships this year, Russia initially went 1-0 down as Anastasiia Semenova lost to Sara Boyle in the women’s singles 18-21, 17-21.

But 31 minutes later the scores were back level though when Vladimir Malkov beat Joshua Magee 21-10, 21-17 in the men’s singles.

The score became 2-1 to Russia when Ekaterina Bolotova and Alina Davletova won the women’s doubles 21-11, 21-16 against Boyle and Rachael Darragh.

Mia Blichfeldt helped Denmark finish unbeaten in Group One ©Getty Images
Mia Blichfeldt helped Denmark finish unbeaten in Group One ©Getty Images

Russia’s win was sealed when Vladimir Ivanov and Ivan Sozonov then beat Magee and Paul Reynolds in the men’s doubles 21-8, 21-12.

In a dead rubber with the result already confirmed, Rodion Almov and Davletova kept their feet on the gas and beat Sam and Chloe Magee 21-13, 21-18 in the mixed doubles.

The other Group Two tie saw Germany see off England 3-2 to claim second place, meaning they are now set to face Russia in the semi-finals.

In Group One, meanwhile, defending champions Denmark beat Spain  5-0 to finish this stage unbeaten.

They are now scheduled to play The Netherlands, who beat France 4-1 in the other evening match up to take second place.