Champions League Men | 7 Apr 2018
Borussia reaches TTCLM final thanks to better point-ratio
Photo: Courtesy Borussia Dusseldorf
Second semi-final match, in front of 1,100 spectators: Borussia – Ochsenhausen 3:2 (1st leg 2:3)
Stefan FEGERL became an unexpected Borussia`s hero in the second leg of the TTCLM semi-finals against TTF Liebherr Ochsenhausen in front of sold out ARAG CenterCourt (1,100 spectators). Dusseldorf`s side reached final, thanks to better point-ratio (23 points), as both matches ended by 3:2 win of home team (22:22 in sets).
Two Top 10 players at the ITTF World Ranking list, Timo BOLL and Simon GAUZY have provided one more thrilling clash in the opener, extended to full distance. German this time prevented young Frenchman to continue his winning streak against him, controlling the decisive fifth set.
TTCLM rising star Hugo CALDERANO leveled the score by beating Stefan FEGERL in four games. Turning point emerged on 10:9 when Austrian missed to lead 2:0. Guest responded by three points in a row and won next two sets in a style.
Kristian KARLSSON was stretched to full distance by Jakub DYJAS three weeks ago, but tonight beat Poland`s player in straight games. That secured 2:1 lead for Borussia.
CALDERANO upset BOLL in the fourth match and Ochsenhausen was closer to the victory, bearing in mind that Simon GAUZY was a favorite against Stefan FEGERL. But, Austrian player showed strong character and beat world no. 10 in spite of losing opening set.
Borussia faces reigning champion Orenburg in the final. These two teams met last year and Russian team won. It will be their fourth fight for the TTCLM crown and Orenburg leads 2:1.
TTCLM semi-finals, second leg
Borussia Dusseldorf – TTF Liebherr Ochsenhausen 3:2 (1st leg 2:3)
Timo BOLL – Simon GAUZY 3:2 (5:11, 11:7, 11:7, 8:11, 11:7)
Stefan FEGERL – Hugo CALDERANO 1:3 (11:9, 10:12, 8:11, 3:11)
Kristian KARLSSON – Jakub DYJAS 3:0 (11:2, 11:7, 11:5)
Timo BOLL – Hugo CALDERANO 1:3 (9:11, 11:3, 11:13, 6:11)
Stefan FEGERL – – Simon GAUZY 3:1 (7:11, 11:9, 11:4, 11:8)
