KS Orlen Bogoria Grodzisk Mazowiecki claimed a valuable 3–1 away victory over KS Bank Spółdzielczy Orlicz 1924 Suchedniów in the opening leg of the ETTU Champions League Men quarterfinals. Both clubs played in the ETTU Champions League Final 4 last year.
The quarterfinal tie opened with a high-quality duel between Deni KOZUL and Marek BADOWSKI. In a tightly contested match, BADOWSKI edged the Slovenian 3-2, with fine margins deciding the outcome in the decider and giving Bogoria an important early lead.
Suchedniów responded immediately through Seungmin CHO, who delivered an impressive performance to defeat Miłosz REDZIMSKI 3-1. The Korean was sharp and composed, thriving in the lively atmosphere created by the home crowd to level the score.
Bogoria regained the advantage in the third singles, where Panagiotis GIONIS overcame Mateusz ZALEWSKI 3–1. The Greek international made a strong start, taking the opening two games convincingly. ZALEWSKI then raised his level and claimed the third, but GIONIS remained calm and focused to close out a crucial point for the visitors.
The decisive moment came in the fourth match, as REDZIMSKI produced a superb performance to defeat KOZUL 3-2 in a thrilling encounter. With both players pushing each other to the limit and the match going to the deciding system, REDZIMSKI showed great composure and quality to secure Bogoria’s 3–1 victory.
“We knew from the start that we had to stay very focused,” said GIONIS. “They have KOZUL, one of the best players in the world, CHO, who is an amazing player, and ZALEWSKI, a young Polish player who is improving very fast and played extremely well today.
“BADOWSKI started very well and won a very close match where the small details made the difference. REDZIMSKI was also in great shape against CHO, and it is always difficult to play in such a hot atmosphere. My match was important for the rest of the tie, and after ZALEWSKI came back strongly, it was crucial for me to stay calm and focused.
“Finally, REDZIMSKI played an unbelievable match against KOZUL and showed his level. This victory is very important for us, but it is only the first step. The second leg will also be very tough, especially at home.”
KS Bank Spółdzielczy Orlicz 1924 Suchedniów (POL) – KS Orlen Bogoria Grodzisk Mazowiecki 1–3
- Deni KOZUL – Marek BADOWSKI 2–3 (9–11, 12–10, 11–9, 9–11, 4–6)
- Seungmin CHO – Miłosz REDZIMSKI 3–1 (12–10, 6–11, 11–1, 12–10)
- Mateusz ZALEWSKI – Panagiotis GIONIS 1–3 (2–11, 2–11, 14–12, 4–11)
- Deni KOZUL – Miłosz REDZIMSKI 2–3 (1–11, 6–11, 11–7, 11–9, 2–6)
