Champions League Men | 24 Dec 2013

Chartres disqualified from Men’s ECL!

The draw for final rounds of Men`s European Champions League, held today, had absolutely unexpected turn. French champion Chartres AS TT, who showed an impressive 4-0 (12-0) score in group stage, was disqualified because it turned out that its best player

The draw for final rounds of Men`s European Champions League, held today, had absolutely unexpected turn. French champion Chartres AS TT, who showed an impressive 4-0 (12-0) score in group stage, was disqualified because it turned out that its best player GAO Ning played in the Chinese League A between 25^th and 29^th September. According to the regulations, French club is disqualified from all ETTU club cup competitions in the current season.

Third placed club from Chartres` group (D), Borussia Dusseldorf was included in the draw. So, MECL quarter final pairs are: Fakel Gazproma Orenburg (Russia) – Borussia Dusseldorf (Germany), UMMC (Russia) – Hennebont (France), Pontoise Cergy (France) – Werder Bremen (Germany), Angers (France) – Niederosterreich (Austria). The first matches will be held on January 17-19^th, and second legs are on 24-26^th January.

Ironically, Chartres was the club which showed the most in group stage. “Super 3G” – GAO, GARDOS and GERELL – beat twice 3:0 Borussia and Niederosterreich. On the other side, ten times European champion Borussia was the biggest disappointment, having all four defeats. It was very first time that Timo BOLL had no any victory in group stage (he had 0-2 score).

Possible rivals in the semi final (7-9 March, 21-23^rd March), if better ranked seeds win: Orenburg – UMMC, Werder – Niederosterreich. The finals are planned for May 16-18^th, and May 30^th – June 1^st). Orenburg plays for third consecutive win, achievement that already has Borussia (2009-11).