Champions League Men 2020/21 in ARAG CenterCourt Düsseldorf In the final of the Champions League Men 2020/21 in ARAG CenterCourt Düsseldorf will play Borussia Düsseldorf and 1 FC Saarbrücken.   You can see all the results here. You can follow the action live here. You can see pictures here.   TTSC UMMC – Borussia Düsseldorf 2:3 Jonathan GROTH – Kristian KARLSSON 3:0 (11:8 11:8 11:3) Tomislav PUCAR – Timo BOLL 0:3 (6:11 8:11 6:11) Liam PITCHFORD – Anton KALLBERG 2:3 (12:10 7:11 5:11 13:11 3:6) Jonathan GROTH – Timo BOLL 3:2 (11:5 10:12 6:11 21:19 6:0) Tomislav PUCAR – Kristian KARLSSON 0:3 (9:11 9:11 2:11) Russia’s side had a better start of the match with Jonathan GROTH overcame Kristian KARLSSON in straight games. Both players Dane and Swede commenced the duel focused but GROTH managed to keep the match under the control with very good service game. In the second game KARRLSSON had a better start but GROTH kept the momentum going playing with more and more confidence. The close game continued but like in the opening one GROTH was able to shift up the gear in the closing stage. There were no gifts from the KARLSSON; Dane had to work hard for each point but it paid off eventually. Timo BOLL get Borussia Düsseldorf back on track with the straight games win over Tomislav PUCAR. PUCAR put some pressure on BOLL but Germany’s player denied all of his attempts to get control. PUCAR played very aggressive but BOLL was calm and forced his adversary into the mistakes. Errors flowed frustration was evident and BOLL won the match in dominated mode. It all came down to the good service in the opening game between Liam PITCHFORD and Anton KALLBERG. Swede had a better start but PITCHFORD settled into rhythm in the closing stage. PITCHFORD came from 1:5 in reverse to won the game by narrow margin. The momentum shifted from one side to another before crucial game went to Swede’s account. In fourth game KALLBERG moved up in convincing fashion before Zoran PRIMORAC called for time out at 1:3; Liam leveled and moved forward to 4:3. It was time for the time out called by Germany’s bench. Liam kept the pressure high KALLBERG faced three game points before PITCHFORD moved the match into the decisive game. KALLBERG stayed focused and won the tie break 3:6. On his second exit to the table BOLL faced very dangerous GROTH. Dane’s powerful strokes put BOLL into the defensive mode as GROTH kept the momentum going. Jonathan made a good start to 5:1 but BOLL came close at 6:5. PRIMORAC call for time out to halt Timo’s way back. German was slowed a little but he took the massive game in his favor. In the third game BOLL was in much safer zone at the beginning. Timo had 4:1 in advance before GROTH recovered to take the lead; it did not take long before Timo moved it to the next level. The final outcome of the fourth game showed the massive severity of this part of match – 21:19. GROTH forced BOLL into the fifth game. GROTH brave performance was awarded. He forced BOLL into the first defeat at the tournament. KARLSSON won the opening game against PUCAR by keeping the control from the very beginning. The power switched to the other side in the second game but in the finish it was KARLSSON who had a better nerves. “At the end it is important that all three of us scored. In matches like this complete team has to play at the highest level in order to win ” said BOLL. Fakel-Gazprom Orenburg – 1 FC Saarbrücken 1:3 Marcos FREITAS – Patrick FRANZISKA 2:3 (8:11 11:5 6:11 11:7 3:6) Vladimir SAMSONOV – SHANG Kun 1:3 (12:14 11:9 3:11 4:11) Dimitrij OVTCHAROV – Darko JORGIC 3:1 (4:11 12:10 11:6 11:5) Marcos FREITAS – SHANG Kun 2:3 (7:11 8:11 11:1 11:5 4:6) The crowned champion from 2019 Fakel-Gazprom Orenburg no one seed club who won the title five times in history of TTCLM failed to reach the final. 1 FC Saarbrücken will play on the final stage first time in history. Patrick FRANZISKA made safe gap at 6:1 before Marcos FREITAS managed to settle into the rhythm and did some service fine tuning; Portugal’s player moved to another gear but it was too late for the opening game. The match swung to the other side as Marcos kept the momentum. Again FRANZISKA dominated in the third game. With 7:1 he secured enough room to whitstood Marcos’ spirited come back in the second half of the game. Once again it was 7:1 in the fourth game but this time for FREITAS before he moved to decisive game. SAMSONOV had a better start against SHAN Kun but Chinese player’s aggressive approach was not to be denied. He maintained consistency and responded to Belarus experienced and tricky shots to win the opening game by narrow margin. In the next one it was SAMSONOV who reached 7:4 once again and it was SHANG who managed to stay calm to answer to it. SHANG leveled it but this time Vladimir sealed the game in his favor. In third and fourth game Kun dominated completely. Darko JORGIC won the opening game against Dimitrij OVTCHAROV in furious style. OVTCHAROV halted Darko’s run and returned into the game. The match remained close until the second half of the third game when OVTCHAROV started moving in fast lane. SHANG Kun plays a pivotal role in 1 FC Saarbrücken’s success. After victory over Vladimir SAMSONOV he overcame Marcos FREITAS. “We are extremely happy with the outcome. For us it was important to have the good start. It was very close game that I won against Marcos. SHAN Kun’s contribution was great. He outplayed SAMSONOV who was very good tonight. He was much faster and moved better. JORGIC usually played better against OVTCHAROV but tonight Dima was stronger ” said FRANZISKA.  

In the semi final of the Champions League Men 2020/21 in ARAG CenterCourt Düsseldorf will play:TTSC UMMC vs. Borussia Düsseldorf and Fakel-Gazprom Orenburg vs. 1 FC Saarbrücken. Both matches are scheduled for tomorrow. Borussia Düsseldorf the most successful club in the history of Men’s competition clinched the title 11 times. They won its very first one in the 1988/89 season while the latest crown has been taken in 2017/18. TTSC UMMC played two times in the final and in both occasions lost to Fakel-Gazprom Orenburg (2018/19 and 2011/12). Fakel-Gazprom Orenburg won the big trophy five times including the latest in season 2018/19. 1 FC Saarbrücken still awaits for the trophy. Last season they reached the semi final before Pandemic halted all games. It is interesting that we will continue tomorrow exactly where we stopped in February; the same clubs reached the penultimate phase and the draw was the same.  

Champions League Men 2020/21 in ARAG CenterCourt   The day packed with uncertainty concluded with thrilling duel between 1 FC Saarbrücken and GV Hennenbont TT.In the semi final of the Champions League Men 2020/21 in ARAG CenterCourt Düsseldorf on Thursday will play: TTSC UMMC vs. Borussia Düsseldorf and Fakel-Gazprom Orenburg vs. 1 FC Saarbrücken.   You can see all the results here. You can follow the action live here. You can see pictures here. Quarterfinal TTSC UMMC – KS Dartom Bogoria Grodzisk Mazowiecki 3:1 Liam PITCHFORD – Pavel SIRUCEK 1:3 (6:11 11:13 11:6 10:12) Jonathan GROTH – Marek BADOWSKI 3:1(11:7 11:2 9:11 11:7) Tomislav PUCAR – Milosz REDZIMSKI 3:1 (8:11 11:8 11:9 11:6) Liam PITCHFORD – Marek BADOWSKI (11:6 11:8 5:11 11:9) Russia’s TTSC UMMC runners up from 2019 and 2012 booked their place in the semi final of the Champions League Men 2020/21 in ARAG CenterCourt Düsseldorf. In the opening match of the quarterfinal they overcame Poland’s KS Dartom Bogoria Grodzisk Mazowiecki. The opening match of the quarterfinal commenced with the upset. Pavel SIRUCEK entered the match in full speed. Liam PITCHFORD could not settled into the rhythm in the opening game but commenced in better style second one. SIRUCEK took some time but adapted and recovered to close the second game by narrow margin. Liam PITCHFORD continued to fight and won third game; still SIRUCEK has not loosened his grip. Czech national champion ranked currently at the position no. 22 in Europe overcame Europe’s no. 4. Jonathan GROTH overcame Marek BADOWSKI. The opening game GROTH managed to take off after 7:7 and to close the game at 11:7. From that moment the match was heading his way. BADOWSKI halted GROTH progress in third game. He made safe 9:4 gap Groth came close at 10:9 but BADOWSKI forced Dane into the error. GROTH stayed focused and sealed the match in his favor. Tomislav PUCAR lost first game against Milosz REDZIMSKI but thanks to good service he leveled. The match remained close until the final points but it was PUCAR who was always ahead. On his second exit to the table PITCHFORD left no space for another upset. BADOWSKI was keeping the pressure but Liam held him one step behind. “Bogoria Grodzisk Mazowiecki is a very dangerous team. SIRUCEK was very good junior then he needed some time to adapt to next level but this year he improved his game a lot. Generally it was really difficult for me to make composition of the team for this match. SIRUCEK used to play against PITCHFORD when they were younger and from that time we know his style is not easy for Liam. In addition GROTH already had difficult moments against BADOWSKI last year in the Champions League. He lost one match and won one by narrow margin. He was under severe pressure after Liam’s match. It continued with PUCAR who is playing first Champions League for the club. Whoever plays in Russia’s League knows how much players are under pressure to meet the expectations. Now everything will be easier for him when he broke the ice ” said coach Zoran PRIMORAC.”It is great pleasure to work with this team. Our team spirit is very high and I enjoy being their coach.”   Fakel-Gazprom Orenburg – Roskilde Bordtennis BTK61 3:0 Marcos FREITAS – Michael MAZE 3:2 (11:8 10:12 13:11 9:11 6:4) Vladimir SAMSONOV – Jens LUNDQUIST 3:0 (11:6 11:9 19:17) Dimitrij OVTCHAROV – Alan BENTSEN 3:0 (11:4 11:6 11:3) The winners of the Champions League Men in 2019 2017 2015 2013 and 2012 Fakel-Gazprom Orenburg The power was on the menu in the duel between Marcos FREITAS and Michael MAZE. 2009 European Champion and player currently ranked at the position no. 152 in Europe forced Continent’s no. 8 FREITAS to go full distance in the neck and neck duel. “It was very hard match. I knew it will be that way. He is very good player with the good eye for the game. Also he has the game for my service and all of that makes the encounter very difficult for me. At the end I was little bit better and I am happy I gave the good start to my team ” said FREITAS. Vladimir SAMSONOV overcame Jens LUNDQUIST in straight games but the game was much closer than the result predicts. In second and third game SAMSONOV was severely tested. “The beginning for Marcos was extremely difficult but when he overcame MAZE it put some pressure off the team. We are very happy to reach semi final and also everyone is happy to see Dimitrij playing at such high level ” said SAMSONOV. After two close matches the third duel between Dimitrij OVTCHAROV and ALAN BENTSEN was relatively quiet affair. Europe’s no. 3 showed no weak spot. “After all the circumstances that preceded this tournament we are very happy that we are here and able to play and to reach the semi final. I sealed with the 3:0 win but I think the key point was Marcos’ victory over MAZE. I was very happy to see Michael playing again. He was as good as before. That is why Marcus’ win gave us great deal of confidence. I was playing against BENSTEN after 2:0 for my team so it took away all of pressure from me ” said OVTCHAROV.   Borussia Düsseldorf – Sporting Clube de Portugal 3:1 Timo BOLL – Bode ABIODUN 3:1 (10:12 11:4 17:15 11:7) Anton KALLBERG – Diogo CARVALHO 3:0 (11:7 11:4 11:8) Kristian KARLSSON – Thiago MONTEIRO 2:3 (4:11 8:11 11:4 11:7 4:6) Timo BOLL – Diogo CARVALHO 3:0 (11:7 12:10 11:6) Five time winners Borussia Düsseldorf was challenged but remained firm on its way to semi final. Against Sporting Clube de Portugal Germany’s club recorded four matches victory. Not everything went smooth for Timo BOLL at the beginning of the match against Bode ABIODUN but he managed to control the game. Anton KALLBERG beat Diogo CARVALHO in straight games before Kristian KARLSSON lost to Thiago MONTEIRO. KARLSSON recovered from

Champions League Men in ARAG CenterCourt in Düsseldorf The final day in Group phase in the Champions League Men is ahead of us. At the bubble tournament in ARAG CenterCourt in Düsseldorf after three days of great matches in four groups we will know the best eight clubs who will continue to fight for big trophy in most important club competition in Europe. Top two clubs from their respective groups will progress to the quarterfinal to be played on Tuesday after one day of break. You can see all the results here. You can follow the action live here. You can see pictures here. GROUP B Sporting Clube de Portugal (POR) – TTC Enfireex Ostrava (CZE) 3:0 Diogo CARVALHO – Simon BELIK 3:0 (11:5 11:7 11:8) Thiago MONTEIRO – Felipe OLVIARES 3:1 (11:9 12:10 8:11 11:5) Bode ABIODUN – Filip DELINCAK 3:2 (13:11 11:8 7:11 9:11 6:5) In Group B Russia’s TTSC UMMC already booked their place in the quarters day earlier. The B Group was the only one with three clubs and with two wins Russia’s representatives secured top spot as their rankings predicted. In direct clash this morning Sporting Clube de Portugal and TTC Enfireex Ostrava fought for remaining spot that leads to the best eight. In that fight Sporting prevailed in straight matches. Only Bode ABIODUN faced serious pressure and Filip DELINCAK forced him into the decisive game before the match ended by sudden death point. “We had great confidence since we already showed good shape yesterday. Although we lost our match against TTSC UMMC we played really well and put great pressure on them ” said Thiago MONTEIRO.”I also had much easier job today when Diogo CARVALHO opened the match with the victory. It took the pressure out of me. Now we have to wait the outcome of the draw. So far we know we will meet the winner of the group so we can not expect nothing but tough match.”   GROUP A Leka Enea TDM (ESP) – Fakel-Gazprom Orenburg (RUS) 0:3 Mikel ANGULO – Marcos FREITAS 0:3 (6:11 5:11 3:11) Oriol MONZO – Alexey LIVENTSOV 0:3 (6:11 6:11 6:11) Daniel PALACIOS – Dimitrij OVTCHAROV (4:11 4:11 4:11) In Group A Fakel-Gazprom Orenburg recorded third win in opening stage of the tournament. Two previous matches ended by 3:1 margin but today they showed no mercy against Spain’s Leka Enea TDM. For a first time at the tournament Dimitrij OVTCHAROV entered the playing field and he showed he is well prepared for the action. “My team did a really good job in two previous matches against Bogoria Grodzisk Mazowiecki and Post SV Mühlhausen 1951. I am also happy that I could win my match today in the straight games. We have to wait for the draw now the adversaries will get harder and harder for sure ” said OVTCHAROV. KS Dartom Bogoria Grodzisk Mazowiecki (POL) – Post SV Mühlhausen 1951 e.V. (GER) 3:2 Pavel SIRUCEK – Daniel HABESOHN 2:3 (11:8 10:12 11:9 10:12 4:6) Marek BADOWSKI – Ovidiu IONESCU 3:0 (11:3 11:5 12:10) Milosz REDZIMSKI – Steffen MENEGL 0:3 (8:11 8:11 9:11) Pavel SIRUCEK – Ovidiu IONESCU 3:1 (11:5 11:6 9:11 11:8) Marek BADOWSKI – Daniel HABESOHN 3:2 (11:2 11:13 13:11 7:11 6:4) The duel between Poland’s KS Dartom Bogoria Grodzisk Mazowiecki and Germany’s Post SV Mühlhausen 1951 e.V. proved that the matches for the second position today will deliver most of the excitement. A long after the leaders in Group A Fakel-Gazprom Orenburg went to the hotel two clubs were fighting for their place in the knock out stage. After the thrilling five matches of which fifth finished in decisive game KS Dartom Bogoria Grodzisk Mazowiecki booked the ticket for quarterfinal. The key player in Polish club’s victory was Marek BADOWSKI who beat Ovidiu IONESCU in straight games and prevailed in decisive against Daniel HABESOHN. “We were well prepared for this duel. Good tactics played key role ” said BADOWSKI. GROUP D K.S. Dekorglass Dzialdowo (POL) – Borussia Düsseldorf (GER) 2:3 Andrej GACINA – Ricardo WALTHER 3:2 (11:5 8:11 2:11 17:15 6:1) Jakub DYJAS – Anton KALLBERG 2:3 (6:11 12:10 11:7 6:11 5:6) WEI Shihao – Kristian KARLSSON 3:2 (11:8 10:12 9:11 7:11 6:2) Andrej GACINA – Anton KALLBERG 1:3 (7:11 5:11 13:11 7:11) Jakub DYJAS – Ricardo WALTHER 2:3 (8:11 11:3 11:6 8:11 2:6) With two 3:0 wins from two previous days Borussia had a luxury to give Timo BOLL some space to have a rest before heavy duels in knock out stage. They won 3:2 and secured leading place in the Group. Their victory launched GV Hennebont TT to position no two and to the quarterfinal whilst defeated K.S. Dekorglass Dzialdowo finished third. In opposite case Polish side will be second. Andrej GACINA opened the encounter against hosts with the win over Ricardo WALTHER. That match finished after five games. As a matter of fact four out of five matches went full distance. Anton KALLBER beat Jakub DYJAS in five games and DUJAS lost WALTHER also in decisive game. GV Hennebont TT (FRA) – De Boer Taverzo (NED) 3:0 Omar ASSAR – Dorian NICOLLE 3:0 (11:9 12:10 11:9) Samuel WALKER – Gabrielius CAMARA 3:0 (11:9 11:5 11:3) Cedric NUYTINCK – Yannick VOSTES 3:1 (4:11 11:4 11:7 11:5) GV Hennebont TT recorded second win in Group D. Their adversaries from De Boer Taverzo failed to post any win in Düsseldorf. However they had to wait the outcome of the second match in the Group D. GROUP C Roskilde Bordtennis (DEN) – SPG Walter Wels (AUT) 3:1 Jens LUNDQUIST – Petr HODINA 3:0 (11:7 11:3 11:4) Antoine DOYEN – Julian RZIHAUSCHEK 2:3 (11:6 11:7 7:11 9:11 4:6) Michael MAZE – Gabor BOHM 3:1 (11:6 11:7 7:11 11:2) Jens LUNDQUIST – Julian RZIHAUSCHEK 3:0 (11:6 11:4 11:2) Young Julian RZIHAUSCHEK won first match at the tournament for SPG Walter Wels. This was not an easy journey for youngsters but they acted bravely. Since Danish club pulled important victory on a first day against AS Pontoise-Cergy

Champions League Men The action continued on the second day of the play at the Champions League Men bubble tournament in ARAG CenterCourt in Düsseldorf. In the second round of the Group stage best European clubs will continued to fight for the top two position in their respective groups which leads to to the quarterfinal. Please follow the live action at ETTU TV. Group B Sporting Clube de Portugal (POR) – TTSC UMMC (RUS) 1:3 Diogo CARVALHO – Jonathan GROTH 2:3 (11:6 11:9 6:11 8:11 5:6) Thiago MONTEIRO – Liam PITCHFORD 2:3 (11:13 11:7 8:11 11:5 1:6) Bode ABIODUN – Tomislav PUCAR 3:2 (11:6 12:10 8:11 7:11 6:1) Diogo CARVALHO – Liam PITCHFORD 1:3 (2:11 6:11 12:10 4:11) In the Group B the only with the three clubs Sporting Clube de Portugal entered the playing box for a first time in this tournament – 40 minutes later we already had one historical note. For a first time in Champion League Men the sudden death point was played. Diogo CARVALHO player ranked at the position no. 84 in Europe stretched Continent’s no. 11 Jonathan GROTH to full distance before he lost decisive game 5:6. CARVALHO missed the chance to finish the match in close fourth game and fifth game was played at the edge of the knife. “It was very tough match for us and you can see that by the results – three matches finished in decisive game. We used to play in similar way in Russia’s League where we play to seven points in tie break and it really add the extra excitement to the game. For sure it is difficult to play under such pressure ” said GROTH. Thiago MONTEIRO did not give the chance to Liam PITCHFORD to settle into the game before the scoreboard showed 9:5. However from that moment Liam took the control and won the opening game. Thiago MONTEIRO responded fast and leveled the match. No. 4 in Europe failed to hold his grip tight and MONTEIRO moved the match into the decisive game; once again Portugal’s club was denied of win. Tomislav PUCAR recovered from two games to null in reverse to level the match against Bode ABIODUN but first time today six points rule worked in favor of Portugal’s club. On his second exit to the table Liam PITCHFORD justified his status. “For me it was very good today that Jonathan came back from 0:2 down to win the match and put a little bit less pressure on me after that. In first match I did not get into the rhythm. I did not feel so good. I still getting used to come back to the table playing competitive matches but I did enough to win. In the second match I felt quite comfortable I controlled the game much better. My focus slipped a little at 2:0 10:7 but I managed to get it back and to win quite comfortably ” said PITCHFORD.   GROUP A KS Dartom Bogoria Grodzisk Mazowiecki (POL) – Fakel-Gazprom Orenburg (RUS) 1:3 Marek BADOWSKI – Vladimir SAMSONOV 3:2 (11:6 11:4 6:11 9:11 6:1) Pavel SIRUCEK – Marcos FREITAS 1:3 (11:9 5:11 6:11 10:12) Milosz REDZIMSKI – Alexey LIVENTSOV 2:3 (12:10 6:11 11:9 7:11 4:6) Marek BADOWSKI – Marcos FREITAS 0:3 (12:14 6:11 7:11) In Group A winners of yesterday’s rounds met today and the duel started with great upset. Playing like he is in the fire Europe’s no. 39 Marek BADOWSKI overcame no. 9 at the Continent Vladimir SAMSONOV. In opening two games Marek took complete control and with aggressive and fast game forced SAMSONOV into errors. However legendary Belarus made his way back into the match. He recovered but Marek continued to make the pressure with the fantastic service game and he left SAMSONOV with only one point in fifth game. That point came after one of the most beautiful rallies in the match but it was weak consolation for SAMSONOV. Marcos FREITAS brought club back into the game with the victory over Pavel SIRUCEK but that did not come easy. Poland’s club continued to put the pressure even in the third match when 14 years Milosz REDZIMSKI met Alexey LIVENTSOV. Milosz REDZIMSKI forced LIVENTSOV into fifth game and even had 4:1 lead but younger player stumbled in the closing stage. Marcos FREITAS’ s services dictated the rhythm in the duel against Marek BADOWSKI who did not find the answer to his adversaries game. “It was really tough duel. After SAMSONOV lost very close match I was under bigger pressure because it was crucial to win. I knew SIRUCEK very well and tactically I was well prepared but crucial was my confidence. We are all very happy because LIVENTSOV managed to win the fifth game for a first time in the Champions League ” said FREITAS. FREITAS radiated with confidence in the match. “Two wins day earlier gave me a lot of power. I was very calm and tactically I had a solution for every tough situation on top of all I knew if it come close I have advantage. I feel strong. No one expects easy matches here. Here are the best each country can offer in clubs competition and we are prepared for all challenges ” concluded FRAITAS. Leka Enea TDM (ESP) – Post SV Mühlhausen 1951 e.V. (GER) 0:3 Oriol MONZO – Steffen MENGEL 0:3 (7:11 5:11 2:11) Endika DIEZ – Ovidiu IONESCU 0:3 (5:11 8:11 2:11) Daniel PALACIOS – Lubomir JANCARIK 1:3 (11:4 11:13 4:11 3:11) Post SV Mühlhausen 1951 e.V. Recovered after yesterday’s defeat in the match against Fakel-Gazprom Orenburg to overcame Leka Enea TDM. They prevailed without be seriously tested. Both Steffen MENGEL and Ovidiu IONESCU dominated and recorded straight games victories whilst Lubomir JANCARIK lost one game. “It was important for us to restore our confidence after last round’s defeat. Also we knew that we can not underestimated Spanish club. We played against them before in the Champions League and they could be dangerous. Now when we won

ARAG CenterCourt Düsseldorf As Winston CHURCHILL once said “never waste a good crisis” we must learn to make the best of the moment. Pandemic halted many aspects of our life but at least it opened the door for a few opportunities. First time in history Champions League Men is playing as a tournament under specific “bubble” conditions. Making it possible required a lot of dedicated work but having top European clubs and top class players under the same roof is a wonderful win for our sport. The action at the Champions League Men 2020/21 commenced today in the ARAG CenterCourt the home for the Borussia Düsseldorf. Please follow the live action at https://www.ettu.org/en/ TTC Enfireex Ostrava (CZE) – TTSC UMMC (RUS) 0:3 Felipe OLIVARES – Tomislav PUCAR 1:3 (11:9 4:11 3:11 4:11) Simon BELIK – Jonathan GROTH 0:3 (1:11 10:12 7:11) Filip DELINCAK – Liam PITCHFORD 0:3 (4:11 6:11 3:11) Russia’s TTSC UMMC runners up from 2019 and 2012 opened the first day of the play at Champions League Men 2020/21 in ARAG CenterCourt Düsseldorf. TTC Enfireex Ostrava failed to upset the favorites which prevailed in straight matches. Croatia’s Tomislav PUCAR needed some time to settle into the rhythm against Felipe OLVIARES. However in four games Europe’s no. 13 gave the dream start to Russia’s club. “The most difficult part was to overcame the lack of the tournaments. I played very little official tournaments and matches since the start of the Pandemic. I was out of the focus at the beginning of the match but then I settled into my rhythm ” explained PUCAR. Dane Jonathan GROTH held the grip tight from the very start of the match against Simon BELIK. “It is nice to be back and to play at the team competition. I faced the player who beat few very powerful players in the Champions League before. He proved dangerous player in second game. I was down and under pressure. If it had been 1:1 it will make my win much difficult ” said GROTH. Liam PITCHFORD sealed the match with the win over Filip DELINCAK in straight games. “I am happy to get a win in the first match. I was playing against the younger player DELINCAK who I never play before. He looked quite good in practice and I knew it is going to be tough match. I had to be focused and that was the aim to try to get into the game. I received the service really well and that was the main point how I won. I could dominated the rallies and felt comfortable which is very nice in the opening match.   GROUP A Fakel Gazprom Orenburg (RUS) – Post SV Mühlhausen 1951 e.V. 3:1 Marcos FREITAS – Ovidiu IONESCU 3:1 (11:2 11:9 5:11 11:6) Vladimir SAMSONOV – Daniel HABESOHN 3:0 (11:7 11:6 14:12) Alexey LIVENTSOV – Steffen MENGEL 2:3 (12:10 10:12 11:7 7:11 3:6) Marcos FREITAS – Daniel HABESOHN 3:0 (11:9 11:1 11:8) Five time winners Russia’s Fakel Gazprom Orenburg recorded very confident victory in the opening Round of the Group phase in Group A. Post SV Mühlhausen 1951 e.V. only won one match. Marcos FREITAS looked very focused at the beginning of the duel. Ovidiu IONESCU failed to find a response for Portugal’s player aggressive play. “We have a very tough group and every match is important. That is why this victory is very important for us. Ovidiu IONESCU is not the adversary who should be underestimated and after I start with the win over him it gave me extra confidence. I was well prepared for that match. I stayed on good course in the match against Daniel HABESOHN. I hope I can keep this level on play in forthcoming matches ” said FREITAS. Vladimir SAMSONOV also prevailed against Daniel HABESOHN. “It is always tough to play first match and maybe in this one we surprised ourselves a little. We did not expect 3:1 win against Post SV Mühlhausen. Not the result but the way we did it exceeded our expectations. I am sure HABESOHN could play much better. On the other side Marcus gave us fantastic performance today. He was very aggressive; did not give any easy ball; he is very good shape. Alexey LIVENTSOV lost to Steffen MENGEL but he had few good chances ” stated SAMSONOV. Bogoria Mazowiecki (POL) – Leka Enea (ESP) 3:0 Marek BADOWSKI – Daniel PALACIOS 3:0 (11:8 11:9 11:9) Pavel SIRUCEK – Endika DIEZ 3:1 (11:6 10:12 11:4 11:8) Milosz REDZIMSKI – Oriol MONZO 3:2 (10:12 7:11 21:19 13:11 6:2) Marek BADOWSKI and Pavel SIRUCEK took Bogoria Mazowiecki to relatively quiet ride in two opening matches against Spanish Leka Enea. In next one 14-yeras old Milosz REDZIMSKI was under severe test against Oriol MONZO. REDZIMSKI managed to recover from two games to null in reverse to win the match under the new rule of 6 points in decisive game. “I much against Daniel PALACIOS was tough. In two games it ended at 11:9. I am happy that I won it. Also it is great pleasure that our young player Milosz REDZIMSKI managed to have success against Oriol MONZO. He showed good nerves in close moments of the match ” said BADOWSKI. Group D Borussia Düsseldorf – De Boer Taverzo (NED) 3:0 Anton KALLBERG – Dorian NICOLLE 3:0 (11:6 11:8 11:6) Timo BOLL – Yannick VOSTES 3:0 (11:7 11:7 11:6) Ricardo WALTHER – Trinko KEEN 3:0 (11:8 11:5 11:7) The leaders in Group D Borussia Düsseldorf easily justified their status; all three wins were recorded by 3:0 margin. “It was must-win for our team we are big favorites. It is allways good to have such a opponent at the beginning so we can settle into the rhythm to fell the ball..Important games are in front of us and we must be ready ” said Timo BOLL. Dekorglass Dzialdowo (POL)- Hennbont TT (FRA)  2:3 WEI Shihao – Cedric NUYTINCK 0:3 (8:11 8:11 5:11) Andrej GACINA – Omar ASSAR 3:2 (5:11 11:7 11:5 8:11 6:4) Jakub

Table Tennis Champions League Men 2020/21 In the eve of the Table Tennis Champions League Men 2020/21 in ARAG CenterCourt the home of Borussia Düsseldorf clubs are warming up. In next eight days 15 clubs will fight for great trophy in the most prestigious club competition in Europe. The event is destined to be historical even before the start since it will be played as a tournament in special bubble format for a first time. However with the names of participants it is hardly to believe that will be the only reason the competition will be remembered. The host club Borussia Düsseldorf is led by the best ranked player on duty in the venue – Timo BOLL. He was not present at the recently held Asian series of tournament so the Table Tennis Champions League Men will be the first major tournament for him in a while. “I am recovering from the long injury I struggled during the summer. That is why I missed the Asia’s events but luckily I played few Bundesliga matches so I tasted some action this season. I am not in top shape but I hope one of my most powerful weapons the ability to rise the level of play during the tournament itself will work here well ” said BOLL. Since 1998 Borussia Düsseldorf won 5 titles and the club has six more from European Club of Champions. Now they are seeded no. two behind Russia’s Fakel Gazprom Orenburg. “I am always skeptical before the start. I always leave the role of the favoirites to others. This time I think that Russia’s clubs are very good not to forget 1. FC Saarbrücken. At this point I hope we will exit group stage successfully reach the semi final and then we will see ” stated BOLL. Leading name in 1. FC Saarbrücken Patyrick FRANZISKA is optimistic after club’s good run in Bundesliga. “We won all three previous matches and one of casualties was Borussia. That gives us great deal of confidence before the start of the Champions League ” said FRANZISKA.”Personally I feel very well healthy;I do not feel any pain. I am ready for the shutdown.” However Patrick remained reserved when the final outcome become subject. “I will stick to “classic”: let’s overcame the challenges in the group stage and then we will go step by step further. Borussia with Timo BOLL is great favorite Russian’s club are dangerous as ever and no one could forget that French clubs always play well clubs competitions. Polish Dekorglass Dzialdowo is also not to be underestimated.” Russia’s Fakel-Gazprom Orenburg is the leader at the seedings. Poland’s KS Dartom Bogoria Grodzisk Mazowiecki Germany’s Post SV Mühlhausen 1951 e.V. and Spain’s Leka Enea TDM are also in Group A. “It is very difficult Group. First step is of course to pass the Group but it is also important that we stay at the position no. one. The difference between no. one and two club in each Group is strong and it will be important to avoid leaders in the quarterfinal ” said Vladimir SAMSONOV. Like everyone lack of tournaments worried SAMSONOV. “I can not comment my current shape. I played one tournament in Madrid few weeks ago and I played in Zagreb but that is not enough to make clear view of my form. We will see when the game start.”   From December 11th you can follow the action live on  ETTU TV  ITTF TV Deutchland TV Borussia Dusseldorf TV        

Table Tennis Champions League Men 2020/21 Borussia Düsseldorf won the Champions League in 2018 Fakel Gazprom Orenburg from Russia a year later. At the beginning of 2020 both were in the semifinals then the season was canceled. Both are top favorites again this year. Table Tennis Champions League is always a great challenge but this year even greater. Without tournaments for months; in completely new format under very strict measures players will have to cope with much more than they used to. From December 11th to 18th the whole season will be summarized in eight days. During that period the finalist had to play six matches. It will show how well the teams from Orenburg and Düsseldorf can face the large number of games in this short time. However it is not only two clubs who want to win the title TTSC UMMC Yekaterinburg (Russia) and 1. FC Saarbrücken (Germany) are also among the favorites . These four teams are at the top of the seeding list. GV Hennebont TT (France seeded no. 5) and Dekorglass Dzaldowo (Poland) will also enter the race with chances although the Poles are only ranked 13th. However this is due to the fact of the new criteria for the creating the seedings which takes into account the club’s successes of the past three years and no longer the world rankings as before. Borussia’s four biggest competitors for the title have all already played in the ARAG CenterCourt and nine of the other ten clubs have already been to Düsseldorf. Only de Boer Taverzo from the Netherlands is coming to the state capital for the first time the team will have the premiere in the Champions League this year. The club from South Netherlands is Borussia’s opening opponent on Friday. “It’s nice that a Dutch team is there and also in our group ” said coach Danny HEISTER.. “De Boer Taverzo is definitely the weakest team in our group so I’m hoping for a good start for my team. After that it’s about getting through to the knockout round against Hennebont and Dzialdowo.” The first and second placed club from the Group advance to the quarter-finals. The group winners meet a runner-up the draw for this takes place after the preliminary round matches. “We want to be first so that we can meet the other top teams in the semi-finals at the earliest ” said HEISTER. “But that is still a long way off. First of all we have to get into the tournament well and survive the group. “ World-class players such as Timo BOLL (world ranking: 10) Dimitrij OVTCHAROV (12 Fakel Gazprom Orenburg) Liam PITCHFORD (15 TTSC UMMC) and Patrick FRANZISKA (16 1. FC Saarbrücken) lead the select field of Champions League participants which with other top athletes such as Marcos FREITAS (25 Fakel Gazprom Orenburg) Vladimir SAMSONOV (27 Fakel Gazprom Orenburg) Kristian KARLSSON (29) Jonathan GROTH (30 UMMC) Darko JORGIC (31 1. FC Saarbrücken) Tomislav PUCAR (33 TTSC UMMC) Omar ASSAR (41 GV Hennbont TT ) Daniel HABESOHN (44 Post SV Mühlhausen) and Andrej GACINA (47 Dekorglass Dzialdowo). Saarbrücken’s SHANG Kun Michael MAZE from Roskilde and Dzialdowos Jakub DYJAS should not be missing from the list even if they are not listed at the World rankings or are not (no longer) placed in the top 50. Kun is one of the best Bundesliga players but not listed MAZE is hardly active internationally (332) or DYJAS is currently “only” number 65 in the world. The Pole played for Ochsenhausen in the last play-off semi-final and turned things around with his narrow win over Anton KALLBERG (2: 3). Not only the tournament format mode will be new for all teams but also there are few rule changes. There will be no more coaching breaks after games one and three and the sudden death decisive game will be introduced as well as it was in Women’s Champions League earlier in December. In addition there are hygiene-related adjustments to the regulations. This includes that there are no more sides to be changed the balls are exchanged after each individual match… You can find Borussia Dusseldorf web page here