Borussia Dusseldorf won the all-German Champions League Men semifinal against 1.FC Saarbrucken TT. In the opening leg Borussia Dusseldorf succeeded in straight matches whilst in the return match at home soil they needed one match more.
At the beginning Dang QIU gave hosts dream start by beating the winner of last week’s CCB Europe Top 16 Cup Darko JORGIC. QIU was under severe pressure in three games but in closing stages he left no space for JORGIC to try to come back.
Last week’s semifinalists and compatriots Timo BOLL and Patrick FRANZISKA faced each other in second duel in the furious battle. Patrick took two opening games before Timo settle into the rhythm. Next two went on BOLL’s account but already in the closing stages of the fourth game FRANZUSKA started to recover. He took the fifth game by the storm.
Anton KALLBERG pushed Borussia Dusseldorf into the lead again with straight games victory over Tomas POLANSKY. At that point it was all over and hosts secured semifinal victory. The next match could not change anything so Dang QIU and Patrick FRANZISKA’s duel was unstressed exhibition for joy of table tennis fans.
Borussia Dusseldorf – 1.FC Saarbrucken TT 3:1
Dang QIU – Darko JORGIC 3:1 (14:12 12:10 7:11 11:2)
Timo BOLL – Patrick FRANZISKA 2:3 (6:11 8:11 11:9 13:11 2:6)
Anton KALLBERG – Tomas POLANSKY 3:1 (11:6 11:5 7:11 13:11)
Dang QIU – Patrick FRANZISKA 3:1 (10:12 11:9 12:10 12:10)
First leg
1.FC Saarbrucken TT – Borussia Dusseldorf 0:3
Patrick FRANZISKA – Dang QIU 2:3 (7:11 5:11 11:9 13:11 3:6)
Darko JORGIC – Anton KALLBERG 1:3 (10:12 11:8 8:11 13:15)
Tomas POLANSKY- Timo BOLL 0:3 (6:11 7:11 9:11)
