KS Bogoria Grodzisk Mazowiecki (POL) completed the opening leg of the HYLO ETTU Champions League Men Round of 16 with a 3-1 away victory over ASD TT Santa Tecla Nulvi (ITA) on Saturday, recovering from an early setback to take an important advantage into the return leg.
The match also marked a historic occasion for Santa Tecla Nulvi, who hosted Champions League action in their Sardinian village for the first time.
The Italian hosts made an impressive start as Stéphane OUAICHE swept past Marek BADOWSKI in straight games, conceding just 11 points in a dominant opening encounter.
However, Miłosz REDZIMSKI quickly brought Bogoria level, defeating Tommaso GIOVANNETTI 3-0. After edging a tight opening game 14-12, the Polish player took complete control of the contest.
Experienced Greek defender Panagiotis GIONIS then put the visitors ahead with a convincing straight-games victory over Jordy PICCOLIN.
REDZIMSKI returned to the table to secure the overall victory, overcoming OUAICHE 3-1. The French player briefly revived Santa Tecla’s hopes by taking the third game, but REDZIMSKI responded immediately to seal Bogoria’s third point.
GIONIS reflected on the challenging start and praised his teammates’ performances.
“It was a difficult match. Marek BADOWSKI seemed to lack a little confidence, and it was a somewhat unusual encounter. He was also unlucky on a few points, while Stéphane OUAICHE played very well. Marek did not start well and, although he tried to come back, he became nervous and struggled to find his rhythm.
“Miłosz REDZIMSKI was very consistent and composed in both of his matches. He played extremely well.
“As for my match, I gradually improved after the opening game. I felt more comfortable as the match progressed, and Jordy PICCOLIN seemed to struggle against my defensive style, which gave me additional confidence.
“We now have an advantage, but we must remain focused. There is still another match to play,” said GIONIS.
Despite the defeat, Santa Tecla Nulvi captain and coach Francesco ARA emphasised the significance of the occasion for his club.
“We lost the match, but we cannot simply be satisfied with having had the opportunity to host a Champions League match in our small village for the first time in our history.
“We played against a great team full of champions, so we knew it would be difficult, but our players gave their best.
“Now we will prepare for the second leg in Poland in December. Regardless of the result, it has been an amazing experience for us, and we look forward to playing in this wonderful competition again in the coming seasons,” said ARA.
The result gives the Polish club a valuable advantage ahead of the second leg and concludes an opening round of matches that also featured major upsets by Roskilde against Alliance Nîmes/Montpellier and Lille Metropole TT against defending champions 1. FC Saarbrücken TT.
ASD TT Santa Tecla Nulvi (ITA) – KS Bogoria Grodzisk Mazowiecki (POL) 1-3
- Stéphane OUAICHE – Marek BADOWSKI 3-0 (11-5, 11-4, 11-2)
- Tommaso GIOVANNETTI – Miłosz REDZIMSKI 0-3 (12-14, 1-11, 7-11)
- Jordy PICCOLIN – Panagiotis GIONIS 0-3 (8-11, 7-11, 2-11)
- Stéphane OUAICHE – Miłosz REDZIMSKI 1-3 (9-11, 5-11, 11-6, 5-11)
HYLO ETTU Champions League Men – Round of 16, First Leg
- Roskilde Bordtennis BTK 61 (DEN) – Alliance Nîmes/Montpellier (FRA) 3-0
- Lille Metropole TT (FRA) – 1. FC Saarbrücken TT (GER) 3-2
- TTC Sokah Hoboken (BEL) – Real Club Priego Kutxabank (ESP) 3-2
- KS Dojlidy Białystok (POL) – KS Orlicz 1924 Suchedniów (POL) 0-3
- HB Ostrov z.s. (CZE) – GV Hennebont TT (FRA) 0-3
- SF SKK El Nino Praha (CZE) – KS Dekorglass Działdowo (POL) 1-3
- AS Pontoise Cergy TT (FRA) – Borussia Düsseldorf (GER) 1-3
