After two days of top-class table tennis, 1. FC Saarbrücken TT successfully defended their title at the 2025 HYLO Champions League Final 4. In the final held at Saarlandhalle Saarbrücken, the reigning champions overcame Borussia Düsseldorf in a repeat of last year’s decisive clash.
This marks Saarbrücken’s third consecutive title, further solidifying their dominance under the Final 4 format. Meanwhile, Borussia Düsseldorf—the most decorated club in the competition’s history—remains on six Champions League titles and six Europe Cup of Champions trophy.
In Saturday’s semifinals, Borussia Düsseldorf secured a convincing win over KS Dartom Bogoria Grodzisk Mazowiecki, while 1. FC Saarbrücken TT overcame Polish challengers KS Global Pharma Orlicz 1924 Suchedniów to book their place in the final.
1. FC Saarbrücken TT – Borussia Düsseldorf 3-1
Patrick FRANZISKA – Anton KALLBERG 2-3 (13-15, 8-11, 11-6, 11-7, 5-6)
Anton KÄLLBERG held off Patrick FRANZISKA’s fierce comeback from 0–2 down to win their duel by the sudden death point in the fifth game.
With a strong service-receive game, KÄLLBERG stormed to an early 5–0 lead. FRANZISKA responded with several pinpoint balls into the corners, narrowing the gap and reaching 7–8 from 4–8. KÄLLBERG earned the first game point at 7–10, but FRANZISKA, relying on a strong serve, leveled at 10–10. After saving two game points, the German had his own at 12–11, but it was KÄLLBERG who ultimately converted his fourth opportunity to take the game 15–13.
KÄLLBERG kept up the pressure early in the second game. At 3–1, Borussia called a timeout due to a minor injury to the Swede’s hand. FRANZISKA leveled the score at 3–3 as they returned to the table. The game remained even until 7–7, but in the closing moments, KÄLLBERG capitalized on his first real opening and sealed it 11–8.
With the pressure mounting, FRANZISKA shifted the momentum. He raced to a 6–1 lead in the third game, pushed further to 8–3, and eventually closed it 11–6 on his second game ball. The tide had clearly turned. A 5–1 lead in the fourth game sparked loud cheers from the crowd. KÄLLBERG kept his composure and leveled at 5–5, then 6–6, but FRANZISKA surged ahead once more to 9–6 and closed the game 11–7 to force a decider.
In the decisive fifth game, FRANZISKA led 5–3, but KÄLLBERG stayed calm under pressure and ultimately delivered the first point of the match for Borussia Düsseldorf.
“We had so many matches going back and forth. I think after the second game, Patrick really started to play better. We had great rallies, but I couldn’t finish them. In the end, it’s the one with better nerves that matters,” said KÄLLBERG.
Truls MOREGARD – Dang QIU 3-0 (11-7, 11-4, 11-7)
In a match that appeared one-sided from the outset, Truls MOREGARD nullified Borussia’s early advantage and brought the tie back to level terms.
The Swede claimed the opening game without much trouble and maintained the same tempo, closing the second game even more convincingly. In the third, Dang QIU came close at 6–7, but after a timeout, Truls showed no signs of weakness.
“Against QIU, it’s important to be as aggressive as possible. You can’t afford mistakes—you have to do everything right if you want to beat him. I felt good and played well. My service worked fine too,” said MOREGARD.
Darko JORGIC – Timo BOLL 3-2 (17-15, 8-11, 11-7, 2-11, 6-1)
In his final appearance in the Champions League, Timo BOLL delivered a vintage performance, pushing Darko JORGIC to his limits in a fantastic match that showed his enduring class. Although the Slovenian ultimately prevailed, it was a gripping battle throughout.
JORGIC came out firing in the opening game, combining power and precision to establish a 7–4 lead. BOLL responded with composure, saving a game point at 9–10 and creating five of his own. Still, under pressure, Darko held firm and converted his second game point to take the lead.
The second game saw BOLL come out in dominant fashion. He raced to a 7–2 lead and earned his first game point at 10–4. Though JORGIC mounted a brief comeback, BOLL closed it out 11–8.
The third game was a rollercoaster. JORGIC led 5–1, but BOLL fought back to level at 5–5. However, JORGIC held his nerve and finished strong to win 11–7.
In the fourth, BOLL took full control, overwhelming JORGIC with his aggressive play and forcing a decider.
The fifth game began with JORGIC delivering outstanding serves, quickly pulling ahead 3–0. He maintained the momentum and eventually sealed the victory, ending a memorable contest against one of table tennis’s true legends.
Patrick FRANZISKA – Dang QIU 3-2 (11-6, 2-11, 11-6, 7-11, 6-5)
In the clash between two players who had both lost their opening encounters, Patrick FRANZISKA made the better start, but Dang QIU responded with intensity. The momentum shifted again in the third game, as FRANZISKA regained control, racing to a 5–0 lead and maintaining a safe margin to close out the game.
QIU, however, did not back down. With a commanding performance, he forced a decider.
In the fifth game, QIU started strongly, taking a 3–0 lead. The hosts called a timeout, and upon returning to the table, FRANZISKA won the next two points. QIU recovered quickly to earn match point at 5–2, but it was FRANZISKA who ultimately claimed the victory on a sudden death point.
