Champions League Men | 24 Apr 2013

Chartres to knock down forecast

Chartres ASTT goes to the city of Orenburg determined to play and enjoy in ultimate 2012/13 Men European Champions League’s match. The result from first leg doesn’t promise so much – 3:1 (10:7) for Russian side – but GAO Ning & Co. already fulfilled their goal, to play in the final. The returning game will be held this Friday (12h20, live and free on LAOLA1.tv) in front of more than 4,500 spectators.

This club showed huge progress in last couple of seasons, reaching national title last year, 2011 ETTU Cup trophy, 2012 MECL semis and now – 2013 MECL final. “We will completely play to try to knock down the situation and the forecast. Our players are competitors and they will do their best”, stressed Chartres` head coach Calin TOMA.

Last year, in the semis, Orenburg beat Chartres twice 3:2, but French side was just two points from big surprise (GARDOS against SMIRNOV in moment when Chartres had 2:0 lead). Now, situation is much worst, but if Singaporean GAO Ning manage to bring two points, everything is possible. “We play for the second consecutive year in Orenburg following our semi finale last year. This year, we will play the finale, proud to reach this ultimate aim. We respect our opponent but we will do all what we can to knock down the result of the first leg”, said Chartres` president Loic BREHU.

In first leg, two weeks ago, the man of the match was Dimitrij OVTCHAROV who beat Par GERELL and GAO Ning. Third point came from Alexey SMIRNOV against Robert GARDOS while GAO reached unique victory for Chartres, defeating Vladimir SAMSONOV in opening clash.

Alex MILETIC, EWT, Alex MILETIC, EWT