Champions League Men | 6 Oct 2016
TTCLM strong favorite presented its improved line-up
Photo: ZHURAVLEV
Top seeded TTC FAKEL GAZPROM ORENBURG showed his strength in the opening round of 2016/17 season, beating VAILLANTE SPORTS ANGERS TT 3:0
Top seed of the 2016/17 TTCLM, FAKEL GAZPROM ORENBURG won the opening match of Group A in a superb style, defeating at home VAILLANTE SPORTS ANGERS 3:0. First time in this prestigious competition one team played with three Top 10 players at the ITTF World Rankings list: Jun MIZUTANI (Japan, No. 5), Dimitrij OVTCHAROV (Germany, No. 6) and Vladimir SAMSONOV (Byelorussia, No. 9). Even more, all three are medalists from all biggest events on the planet, winning many medals at the World Championships and Olympic Games, as well as at the continental championships.
Actual individual European champion, Dimitrij OVTCHAROV was extended to full distance by Jon PERSSON in the opening clash, ended up by narrow margin in the fifth set (12:10). Guest had advantage of one set twice.
Fourth placed played at the recent 2016 Rio Olympics, Vladimir SAMSONOV was better than Jens LUNDQIST in close match which took four games. Each had its chances in the first two very intense sets, but both belonged to the host. These moments were crucial for the final outcome, though Swede managed to take the third set.
When one side have such strong line-up, its normal to see World No. 5 as team`s No. 3! Former UMMC`s member Jun MIZUTANI debuted in Orenburg`s jersey, overcoming Christophe LEGOUT in straight games. French side played without its best ranked player Emmanuel LEBESSON
The 2016/17 TTCLM Round 1, Group A
TTC FAKEL GAZPROM ORENBURG – VAILLANTE SPORTS ANGERS TT 3:0
Dimitrij OVTCHAROV – Jon PERSSON 3:2 (9:11, 11:9, 8:11, 11:5, 12:10)
Vladimir SAMSONOV – Jens LUNDQVIST 3:1 (12:10, 13:11, 7:11, 11:8)
Jun MIZUTANI – Christophe LEGOUT 3:0 (11:7, 11:7, 11:8)
