For Roskilde Bordtennis BTK 61, the Europe Cup Men semi-finals are more than just another stage in the competition they are the realization of a long-held ambition.
After years of pushing for a breakthrough, the Danish side has finally reached the last four, where they will face SF SKK El Nino Praha in what promises to be a highly competitive tie.
“We have dreamed of a semi-final in the ETTU Cup for many years and now we are here,” said Alan BENTSEN. “The players are in good shape, and this is something special for all of us.”
Roskilde’s path to the semi-finals has been built on both quality and resilience. After a commanding 3-0 home victory against AS Pontoise Cergy TT, they faced a tougher challenge in France, eventually losing the second leg 3-2, but crucially doing enough to progress.
Even when the momentum shifted, the team showed maturity.
“In the return match, we kept our heads cool even when we fell behind,” BENTSEN explained. “The players showed real mental strength.”
Key contributions came from Jens LUNDQVIST and Tobias RASMUSSEN, who once again delivered when it mattered most, underlining the depth within the squad.
Entering the competition as the No. 13 seed in the ETTU Champions League Stage 1 at the beginning of the season, Roskilde have already exceeded expectations with impressive wins over ASC Grünwettersbach and AS Pontoise Cergy TT.
“I have always felt that the Europe Cup suits our level well,” BENTSEN noted. “If everything goes right, we can compete in the decisive matches and now we are there.”
With four players capable of stepping up, the Danish side has found a balance that allows them to compete with Europe’s stronger clubs.
“Jens and Tobias have played particularly well this season, but we have four strong players who can all perform.”
Standing in their way are SF SKK El Nino Praha a team Roskilde knows well, having faced them last season.
“We lost to them last year, but we are a bit stronger now,” said BENTSEN. “And a semi-final is a completely different situation.”
The Czech side, featuring players such as Tomas KONECNY, David REITSPIES, and Yevhen PRYSHCHEPA, brings experience and consistency, making this clash finely balanced.
Roskilde’s strong European run is mirrored by their domestic form. The team has also reached the semi-finals of the Danish league, with ambitions to go even further.
“In the Danish league, we have also played our way into the semi-finals, and the goal is to reach the final,” BENTSEN said. “These matches are very important for us as preparation for the Europe Cup.”
The challenge against El Nino Praha will not be easy but for a team that has already shown composure under pressure and the ability to rise when it matters, the semi-final represents not just a test, but an opportunity. And one they are ready to take.
