Champions League Men | 21 Mar 2019
UMMC eliminates reigning champion to reach TTCLM final
Second semi-final leg of 2018/19 TTCLM: Borussia Dusseldorf – TTSC UMMC 3:2 (1st leg 1:3)
Russian club TTSC UMMC secured its place in the 2018/19 TTCLM finals, in spite of facing 0-2 deficit after second encounter of the return semi-final leg against reigning TTCLM champion Borussia Dusseldorf. The finalist was decided after second set of the fourth match, when it was clear that German team couldn’t match the score of the first leg (3:1, 10:6 for UMMC). Tonight, March 21st, in the sold-out ARAG CenterCourt, Borussia won 3:2, but Verkhnaya Pyshma's side goes toward second TTCLM finals in its history, after 2011/12.
Two left-handers met in the opener, as Kristian KARLSSON beat Jonathan GROTH in four games. The score was tied after first two games, but Swede was much better player in the other two sets.
The second match provided many breath-taking moments, thanks to Timo BOLL and FAN Bo who showed extraordinary skills in several amazing rallies. Chinese player was two games behind, but he refused to give up. Moreover, he saved two match points in the fourth set. But, seven-times individual European champion responded in the same manner, when he faced two consecutive match points of FANG in the fifth set. Thanks to his brilliant serve, BOLL survived and won clash.
Match went to the point when Omar ASSAR and Andrej GACINA were required to determine the destiny of this semi-finals. Guest won after four games, keeping his side alive and living Borussia in the need to win fourth match in straight games.
KARLSSON started well against FANG, but everything was decided when guest won second set. In the rest of the match fans in the ARAG CenterCourt could see some entertaining moments between KARLSSON and FANG, as well as Anton KALLBERG and Jonathan GROTH.
TTCLM semi-finals, leg 2
Borussia Dusseldorf – UMMC 3:2 (1st leg 1:3)
Kristian KARLSSON – Jonathan GROTH 3:1 (11:5, 7:11, 11:5, 11:5)
Timo BOLL – FANG Bo 3:2 (11:6, 11:6, 5:11, 12:14, 13:11)
Omar ASSAR – Andrej GACINA 1:3 (12:14, 11:8, 4:11, 8:11)
Kristian KARLSSON – FANG Bo 2:3 (11:7, 6:11, 3:11, 11:5, 8:11)
Anton KALLBERG – Jonathan GROTH 3:2 (11:9, 6:11, 7:11, 14:12, 11:9)
