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
