Champions League Men | 4 Apr 2023

1 FC Saarbrücken TT clinched the Champions League title in nerves wrecking final

For a first time, 1 FC Saarbrücken TT clinched the title in the Champions League Men. They halted Borussia Düsseldorf in the final and denied them of winning seventh title. In the re-run of the ultimate stage of the last completed season, two German clubs switched roles. It took five grueling duels and golden match to decide the winner. The medals were presented by ETTU Acting President Pedro MOURA.

The “regular” second leg of the final ended in favor of 1 FC Saarbrücken TT. Guests recovered from being 1:2 in reverse to win the match.

In the opening duel QIU Dang proved that he did not lose the steam from the Friday’s 3:2 win. He overcame Darko Jorgic in four games.

Anton KÄLLBERG proceeded with the same power and with 1:0 and 2:0 in second match Borussia Düsseldorf was in driving seat. However, Patrick FRANZISKA had different plans. He managed to recover; Patrick levelled before eventually won the second match by death point.

Kay STUMPER beat Takuya JIN to give advantage to hosts once again, before Patrick FRANZISKA won his second duel tonight against QIU.

In last duel JORGIC was in control and he beat KÄLLBERG to push to the golden match.

In the golden match QIU Dang opened the duel with the game against Takuya JIN. Without due alarm he won it, but it was reverse scenario for Anton KÄLLBERG and Kay STUMPER. Patrick FRANZISKA beat Anton for a second time tonight and JORGIC justified his rankings against STUMPER.

“The whole team is very proud of this victory. We lost the opening match, but we came here believing in ourselves and our team. This is the huge success for the whole club and the whole Region. The match could not been closer. It took a lot of courage and luck to win such close match. It is hard to talk now, but I hope in day or two we will realize how huge victory we achieved," said Patrick FRANZISKA.

JORGIC also was struggling to find the words.

“After four and the half hours of thrilling matches it is hard to find the words. We lost at home 2:3, but we kept believing that we could win. We showed amazing performance already in Saarbrücken three days ago, but Borussia Düsseldorf was too strong then. Today, I had a good start but then Dang proved once again how strong he is, especially mentally. He played with so many variations. He played superbly also against Patrick, but FRANZISKA showed why he is the captain of this team and he led us to the victory. He won all his duels today.” said JORGIC.

Tactics prevailed in golden match.

“We knew Dang will play first game and that is why JIN was the starter for Saarbrücken. Last time he beat Dang, but tonight he did not created much chances. FRANZISKA was at the top of his game and he did not make any mistake. Against STUMPER, at the end, I played with little bit more spin, very bravely to finish the match,” added JORGIC.”This is our first title in Champions League and we looking forward next challenges.”

Tonight the team will celebrate.

“This was amazing final. We were fighting like crazy. It was unbelievable atmosphere with so many spectators and this is unbelievable result,” said Saarbrücken spokesman Nicolas BARRIOS.

Borussia Düsseldorf's headcoach Danny HEISTER stated:

"The sticking point today was the three match balls we had. If one of them had been put on the table, we would be here differently now. It was a very close game. It's nice to see that Kay delivered very well. Unfortunately, Dang gave away the three match balls and Anton was always close. He improved a bit after the game in Saarbrücken, but unfortunately it wasn't enough. Of course, it is bitter when you lose, but life goes on. We gave it our all."

Borussia Düsseldorf - 1. FC Saarbrücken TT 2:3

QIU Dang - Darko JORGIC 3:1 (9:11, 11:9, 11:7, 11:7)

Anton KÄLLBERG - Patrick FRANZISKA 2:3 (11:8, 11:9, 7:11, 8:11, 5:6)

Kay STUMPER - Takuya JIN 3:0 (11:6, 11:9, 11:9)

QIU Dang - Patrick FRANZISKA 2:3 (9:11, 8:11, 11:8, 12:10, 5:6)

Anton KÄLLBERG - Darko JORGIC 1:3 (9:11, 6:11, 11:6, 11:13)

Golden match

Borussia Düsseldorf - 1. FC Saarbrücken 1:2

QIU Dang - Takuya JIN 11:7

Anton KÄLLBERG - Patrick FRANZISKA 6:11

Kay STUMPER - Darko JORGIC 9:11