Champions League Men | 1 Jun 2015

Borussia’s masterpiece remained unfinished

The ETTU president Ronald KRAMER congratulated the winners, accompanied by governor of Orenburg Region Yuri BERG and Russian Presidential aide Igor LEVITIN

Borussia had a successful 2014/15 season for sure, but not perfect. Bearing in mind how many problems they had in last few seasons, even in this one (Patrick FRANZISKA missed four months due to injury, as well as Kamal ACHANTA last few weeks), it looks like a nice score: two titles (German Cup and League) and one final (TTCLM). Nevertheless, Dusseldorf`s staff is not satisfied after the 3:0 defeat from Russian Fakel Gazproma Orenburg in the second final leg of the Men’s European Champions League.

„We are very disappointed”, commented Borussia`s manager Andreas PREUSS. „We had a real chance to win the title. This time we had no fortune and we didn't play our best table tennis. Congratulations to Orenburg”.

Bourssia entered the ultimate MECL game with 3:1 (10:6) victory from sold out Düsseldorf’s ARAG CenterCort. Above all Patrick FRANZISKA reached the opening set against Vladimir SAMSONOV, but from that moment Russian club dominated. When Dimitrij OVTCHAROV beat Timo BOLL in straight sets, it was the clear sign that host team will take its third MECL crown. Of course, most people would bet that Panagiotis GIONIS can overcome Alexey SMIRNOV in the third encounter, but that was the day when everything went smoothly for Fakel Gazproma who fully deserved their 15th title in just 14 years of its history: 3 MECL, 7 Russian League, 1 ETTU Cup winner, 3 Russian Cup and 1 Russian Super Cup. German champion continues as the most decorated European club (64 titles in total).

„Our players couldn't use their chances they had. So we lost. I don't find any words at the moment. We played a great season but we couldn't finish our work”, stated his first impressions after the final Borussia`s coach Danny HEISTER.

The final TTCLM match attended governor of Orenburg Region Yuri BERG, Presidential aide Igor LEVITIN who was appointed in that role by Russian president Vladimir PUTIN, the ETTU president Ronald KRAMER and Fakel Gazproma Orenburg president Sergey IVANOV.