Champions League Men | 7 Mar 2019
UMMC beats reigning TTCLM champion
The 2018/19 TTCLM semi-finals, Leg 1: UMMC – Borussia Dusseldorf 3:1. KUTERGINA: “My big gratitude to GROTH who managed to beat BOLL”
The 2012 TTCLM runner-up UMMC provided big advantage in the first semi-final leg, as they beat at home reigning champion, 11-time TTCLM winner Borussia Dusseldorf 3:1. FANG Bo won both his games, while Timo BOLL suffered two defeats, from Chinese player and Denmark’s Jonathan GROTH.
“Obviously, we didn’t expect such a big victory, as we faced the hardest possible opponent”, stated UMMC coach Tatiana KURETGINA speaking after the clash. “I just want to express my big gratitude to Jonathan GROTH who managed to beat Timo BOLL. It was, for sure, his best performance in our team. Regarding FANG Bo, my compliments to him for being able to reverse the score from 0-2 to 3-2 against Timo BOLL. All our players showed strong team spirit and provided me the best possible present for the March 8th (Women’s Day). I would thank as well to our fans for their huge support."
FANG Bo, former World Top 10 player, overcame Anton KALLBERG in straight games of the opener. GROTH lifted up his side to 2-0, as he prevailed against BOLL in four close sets. In that moment, German side was in very hard situation and their chances for the second leg depended of Kristian KARLSSON. Sweden’s player beat Alexander SHIBAEV to set the clash between two biggest stars: FANG Bo vs. Timo BOLL.
Recently crowned 13-time German champion BOLL won first two sets, but FANG responded by three games in a row to secure big victory for Russian club.
“We expected hard game, though Timo BOLL had a chance to turn the game in the different direction. But, it was very hard to fight against FANG Bo this time. We lost first leg 3:1, but we’ll give everything in the second match in Dusseldorf to make success, but now UMMC has better chances to progress in the final”, explained Borussia’s coach Danny HEISTER
TTCLM semi-finals, Leg 1
UMMC – Borussia Dusseldorf 3:1
FANG Bo – Anton KALLBERG 3:0 (11:5, 11:8, 11:2)
Jonathan GROTH – Timo BOLL 3:1 (12:10, 12:10, 9:11, 12:10)
Alexander SHIBAEV - Kristian KARLSSON 1:3 (6:11, 11:9, 9:11, 9:11)
FANG Bo – Timo BOLL 3:2 (11:13, 7:11, 11:4, 11:6, 11:4)
