Orenburg mistreat Borussia

January 26, 2014
12:00 am
Champions League Men

Reigning champion of Men`s European Champions League, Fakel Gazproma Orenburg gained a big advantage in first quarter final leg, beating away Borussia Dusseldorf 3:0 (9:4 in sets). The clash of the titans was opened by two super stars Timo BOLL and Vladim,

It seems unbelievable to have Borussia with all five losses in five matches this season, and beside that four out of them with 3:0. “Red Lions” got a new chance after Chartres`s disqualification in group stage, but today`s game not promises to much in returning game at Orenburg (January 31^st, 12h20 CET)

Two best European players for years, owners of nine individual gold medals in total from continental championships, met in first encounter. Vladimir SAMSONOV, who reached his first three out of ten MECL titles in Borussia`s jersey, beat the six times individual winner of ECH Timo BOLL in four sets. As always, it was open fight with many beautiful points. Bielorussian, actual vice-champion of Old Continent, did a key step on his 8:7 led in fourth set. He attacked on German backhand side, to collect last three points in row.

Dimitrij OVTCHAROV, a member of Borussian winning team in 2009, defeated his team mate from the national team Patrick BAUM in four games. Host saved three set points in opening set (7:10, 10:10) but missed a good situation to take a lead. However, BAUM leveled on 1:1 in sets, while OVTCHAROV showed his power in last moments of next two sets (host led 9:8 in 3^rd, 9:5 in 4^th). Actual individual European champion concluded the game with six consecutive points.

Indian Kamal ACHANTA was on good way to win the game against Alexey SMIRNOV, but Russian turned the match after 2:0 lead of the host. Former Euro Top-12 winner showed why he is considered as the best no. 3 at MECL.

Quarter final of Men`s European Champions League Leg1

Borussia Dusseldorf – Gazproma Orenburg 0:3
Timo BOLL – Vladimir SAMSONOV 1:3 (9:11, 11:8, 9:11, 7:11).
Patrick BAUM – Dimitrij OVTCHAROV 1:3 (10:12, 11:8, 12:14, 9:11)
Kamal ACHANTA – Alexey SMIRNOV 2:3 (13:11, 11:3, 9:11, 6:11, 6:11)

CHIRIACOVA Stuns MATIUNINA as Women’s Favourites Enter Stage 2

The second day of competition at the ROMSTAL European Under 21 Championships saw the top seeds enter the Women’s Singles event, and it did not take long for one of...

FLORO and SAMUOLIS Claim Upset Wins in Stage 2 at ROMSTAL U21 European Championships

The second day of play at the ROMSTAL European Under 21 Championships marked the start of Stage 2, with the top eight seeds entering the singles competition for the first...

Anna HURSEY Returns to Cluj-Napoca Ready for a New Challenge

The ROMSTAL European Under 21 Championships is underway in Cluj-Napoca, with the opening days dedicated to Stage 1 and 2 of the singles events. Under the championship format, the top...

Home Hope ISTRATE Responds as PETEK’s Dream Start Comes to an End

One of the most intriguing stories of the opening day at the ROMSTAL European Under 21 Championships unfolded in Group 1, where Croatia’s Borna PETEK followed up a stunning victory...