Impressive start of MECL champions

September 6, 2013
12:00 am
Champions League Men

Reigning Men’s European Champions League champion, Russian Orenburg opened successfully 2013/14 season. They beat French Angers 3:1 in front of their fans, thanks first of all to 2012 Olympic bronze medalist Dimitrij OVTCHAROV who took two points. Orenbur,

Orenburg`s players had an easily job in first two games. In opening one, German defeated Benjamin BROSSIER in straight sets, as ten times MECL champion Vladimir SAMSONOV did it against Jens LUNDQVIST.

Panagiotis GIONIS managed to bring unique point for guests. He overcame Russian Alexey SMIRNOV, the best no. 3 MECL player in last couple of years. Greek beat him in four games, missing one set ball in second set when host leveled on 1:1. Decisive moment came in the middle of fourth set when guest took three points in a row (6:6, 9:6).

In fourth clash, rivals were leveled. LUNDQUIST had some good moments in second set, coming from 5:7 to 10:7. But, in third OVTCHAROV from the start dominated (3:3, 7:3), while in fourth one he scored crucial point on 9:8 for him.

Gazproma Orenburg – Angers Vaillante 3:1
Dimitrij OVTCHAROV – Benjamin BROSSIER 3:0 (11:3, 11:8, 11:7)
Vladimir SAMSONOV – Jens LUNDQVIST 3:0 (11:6, 11:8, 11:6)
Alexey SMIRNOV – Panagiotis GIONIS 1:3 (7:11, 12:10, 7:11, 7:11)
Dimitrij OVTCHAROV – Jens LUNDQVIST 3:1 (11:9, 7:11, 11:6, 11:8)

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