The draw for final rounds of Men`s European Champions League held today had absolutely unexpected turn. French champion Chartres AS TT who showed an impressive 4-0 (12-0) score in group stage was disqualified because it turned out that its best player
The draw for final rounds of Men`s European Champions League held today had absolutely unexpected turn. French champion Chartres AS TT who showed an impressive 4-0 (12-0) score in group stage was disqualified because it turned out that its best player GAO Ning played in the Chinese League A between 25th and 29th September. According to the regulations French club is disqualified from all ETTU club cup competitions in the current season.
Third placed club from Chartres` group (D) Borussia Dusseldorf was included in the draw. So MECL quarter final pairs are: Fakel Gazproma Orenburg (Russia) – Borussia Dusseldorf (Germany) UMMC (Russia) – Hennebont (France) Pontoise Cergy (France) – Werder Bremen (Germany) Angers (France) – Niederosterreich (Austria). The first matches will be held on January 17-19th and second legs are on 24-26th January.
Ironically Chartres was the club which showed the most in group stage. “Super 3G” – GAO GARDOS and GERELL – beat twice 3:0 Borussia and Niederosterreich. On the other side ten times European champion Borussia was the biggest disappointment having all four defeats. It was very first time that Timo BOLL had no any victory in group stage (he had 0-2 score).
Possible rivals in the semi final (7-9 March 21-23rd March) if better ranked seeds win: Orenburg – UMMC Werder – Niederosterreich. The finals are planned for May 16-18th and May 30th – June 1st). Orenburg plays for third consecutive win achievement that already has Borussia (2009-11).
