For the fourth consecutive season, 1. FC Saarbrücken TT lifted the trophy in the HYLO ETTU Champions League Men and, for the third time, did so on home soil at the Final 4. In front of 3,459 spectators inside a packed Saarlandhalle, the German club defeated Alliance Nîmes/Montpellier 3-2 in a thrilling final that was decided only in the fifth and decisive match.
After another dramatic European triumph, players and officials of Saarbrücken reflected on an emotional evening that further cemented the club’s place in European table tennis history.
For reigning Olympic champion FAN Zhendong, it was a first experience of the Final 4 atmosphere in Saarbrücken and another memorable milestone in his already extraordinary career.
“This was my first time playing the Final 4, so it is a very special moment for me,” said FAN. “The LEBRUN brothers put me under a lot of pressure today and I didn’t play my best table tennis, but it didn’t matter because our team was very strong. Truls and Darko played amazingly and helped us win the title. I also learned a lot this season from my teammates and from being part of this club.”
The hero of the final proved to be Truls MOREGARD, who delivered two crucial victories, including the deciding point against Alexis LEBRUN in the final match of the evening.
“I’m very happy that I could help the team,” MOREGARD said after receiving the Man of the Match award. “Montpellier is a fantastic team and the LEBRUN brothers are incredibly difficult to beat. To win this event in such an atmosphere is an amazing feeling. And of course, thanks to FAN Zhendong for bringing so many fans here. The arena was full and the atmosphere was unbelievable.”
For Darko JORGIC, the title carried even greater emotional weight, as it marked his final Champions League appearance for Saarbrücken after eight memorable years with the club.
“It was really emotional for me. Like you said, it was my last time playing the Champions League for Saarbrücken, and it is a special moment I will never forget,” JORGIC said. “These eight years were amazing. Montpellier fought brilliantly and in the end everything was decided by very small details. We showed a really high level and I’m very happy that I could also bring an important point for the team.”
General Manager of Saarbrücken and Head of Organisation, Nicolas BARROIS, praised both the sporting level and the atmosphere of the event, describing it as one of the strongest editions in recent history.
“We put so much effort into this competition over the past months together with ETTU, sponsors, partners and everyone involved. I think we brought the competition to another level this year,” said BARROIS. “The atmosphere during these two days was something truly special. We had Olympic champions, world top 10 players and so many stars together in one event. This is probably the most prestigious club competition we have had in the last 15 or 20 years.”
BARROIS also admitted that the level of the HYLO ETTU Champions League Men continues to rise every season and that nothing can ever be taken for granted, even for the defending champions.
“Of course we are already looking forward to next season and another Final 4 in Saarbrücken,” he added. “But this competition has proven once again how difficult it is. With clubs of such quality and so many world-class players, nothing is guaranteed. Every year you have to fight again to earn your place.”
BARROIS also highlighted the strong team spirit within Saarbrücken’s star-studded squad.
“When FAN joined the club, we knew that some top players would sometimes have to sit on the bench. But Darko JORGIC and Patrick FRANZISKA accepted that for the good of the team, and that says a lot about the atmosphere we have here,” he added.
MOREGARD also pointed to one of the unique aspects of this year’s Final 4 – the strong support coming from Chinese fans inside Saarlandhalle.
“There was one big difference this time,” MOREGARD smiled. “Usually the Chinese fans cheer for my opponents, but today they were cheering for me as well. When you walk out and hear them shouting your name, it really gives you energy. It was a very special feeling.”
You can see the pictures here
