As Timo BOLL predicted – nuance will decide today`s great match in Dusseldorf – but this nuance was Timo BOLL himself! Thanks to him German champion secured big advantage in the first finale leg of the 2014/15 Men`s European Champions League beating top seeded club from Russia: Borussia Dusseldorf – Fakel Gazproma Orenburg 3:1 (10:6). The six times individual champion of Old Continent and actual world`s no. 7 prevailed against no. 9 Vladimir SAMSONOV and no. 6 Dimitrij OVTCHAROV. These three are the best ranked MECL and European table tennis players.
The sold-out ARAG CenterCort witnessed an exciting clash between the two best MECL clubs who took five titles in last six years: Borussia three and Orenburg two. Deciding moment came in the fourth encounter when Timo BOLL met his team mate from German national team Dimitrij OVTCHAROV. In that moment host side led 2:1 thus the stake was enormous for both. In the big circumvention in all five games both were determined to do the final stroke and both showed how good serve is important in such an important fight.
After three sets OVTCHAROV had an advantage making reverse from 3:6 to 8:6. But BOLL tied in the forth one making three consecutive points (6:5 9:5). After three points in a row guest was much close to the win having 9:7 lead. Host leveled (9:9) after time out but best ranked MECL player first had a match ball. World`s no. 7 again survived and concluded the game by three points in a row.
BOLL opened today`s leg with a comfortable 3:0 victory against former World`s vice-champion Vladimir SAMSONOV who was a key Borussia`s players in his best days lifting many prestigious trophies with it. Byelorussian evinced his quality just in third set having a set ball.
OVTCHAROV who disappointed on the recent 2015 QOROS World Championships leveled the score in four games against Patrick FRANZISKA the biggest surprise on that event held in China. In the third match Panagiotis GIONIS defeated Alexey SMIRNOV in four sets.
After this match Timo BOLL has the best individual score 15-2. The second one is Dimitrij OVTCHAROV (13-2) who suffered his second defeat today.
2014/15 MECL final – Leg1
Borussia Dusseldorf – Fakel Gazproma Orenburg 3:1
Timo BOLL – Vladimir SAMSONOV 3:0 (11:3 11:7 14:12)
Patrick FRANZISKA – Dimitrij OVTCHAROV 1:3 (2:11 11:6 8:11 7:11)
Panagiotis GIONIS – Alexey SMIRNOV 3:1 (11:3 11:5 8:11 11:4)
Timo BOLL – Dimitrij OVTCHAROV 3:2 (7:11 11:7 8:11 11:7 12:10)
