The reigning ETTU Champions League holders, 1. FC Saarbrücken TT, opened their quarterfinal campaign with an away victory in France, overcoming GV Hennebont TT 3-0 and taking a strong advantage from the opening leg.
The three-time Champions League winners made it clear they were leaving nothing to chance, fielding a formidable lineup that included Olympic champion FAN Zhendong, Europe’s current No. 1 Truls MOREGARD and No. 6 Patrick FRANZISKA.
MOREGARD gave the guests dream start in the opening singles, defeating Vladimir SIDORENKO 3-1. After dropping the second game, the Swedish star quickly regained control to give Saarbrücken an early lead.
The highlight of the evening followed in the second match, where Simon GAUZY, ranked No. 11 in Europe, pushed Olympic and World Champion FAN Zhendong to the absolute limit that thrilled the French crowd. GAUZY produced a spirited and high-quality performance, forcing the Chinese superstar into a deciding fifth game. FAN eventually prevailed 3-2, but not before being tested to the fullest by the French No. 3 in a thrilling encounter.
“This was my first time playing in a Champions League quarterfinal,” said FAN Zhendong. “Today I played against Simon Gauzy, and I think we both performed at a very high level. I managed to win the match in a very difficult situation and was able to contribute to the team’s success. I’m really looking forward to the second leg at home and hope that I can keep improving my performances in the Champions League.”
In the third singles, FRANZISKA underlined Saarbrücken’s experience with a straight-games victory over Lev KATSMAN, sealing a clean sweep for the German club.
“We are very happy. It was a very tough away match in Hennebont, but we are delighted to come through with a 3–0 victory. Everyone was in very good shape, and now we are looking forward to the home match.I am very proud to be part of this team,” said FRANZISKA.
With this convincing away success, Saarbrücken have taken a significant step toward another Final Four appearance on their home soil, while GV Hennebont TT will face a challenging task in the return leg as they attempt to overturn the deficit against the reigning champions.
GV Hennebont TT (FRA)-1. FC Saarbrücken TT (GER) 0-3
- Vladimir SIDORENKO-Truls MOREGARD 1-3 (8-11,11-9,4-11,10-12)
- Simon GAUZY-Zhendong FAN 2-3 (11-4,5-11,11-7,14-16,2-6)
- Lev KATSMAN-Patrick FRANZISKA 0-3 (8-11,8-11,11-13)
