Champions League Men | 1 Dec 2023

KS DARTOM BOGORIA Grodzisk Mazowiecki secured their place in the Europe Cup

In Group B of the Champions League Men, HB Ostrov z.s. concluded the Second Stage without a win. In Czechia, they suffered a straight-match defeat against KS DARTOM BOGORIA Grodzisk Mazowiecki.

The hosts exerted pressure on the Polish side in the opening match. Japan’s Takya JIN was stretched to the full distance in the duel against Tomas TREGLER. The real fight lasted until the decisive game when JIN sealed the match in a furious style. Another international player, Greek Panagiotis GIONIS, lost one game against David REITSPIES before Marek BADOWSKI beat Pavel SIRUCEK.

“We knew even before the match that we could expect a tough encounter. We needed two match wins against Ostrov to qualify for the Europe Cup one duel before the end of the Group Stage. As the match commenced, Takuya JIN was a little bit unlucky after 2-1 and 9-6; and he lost the fourth game against TREGLER. He was a little bit nervous but recovered his rhythm in the last game to win,” explained Panagiotis.

The Greek top spin artist was on duty against REITSPIES.

“On one hand, it was easier to enter the game after JIN won, but I still felt pressure because I know that REITSPIES is dangerous for players with a defensive style. Additionally, I had never played against him. Everything was resolved by the time of the third match and for us, it is important that Marek played very well in that encounter because he is still freshly recovered from the injury. He was very focused.”

GIONIS stated that their primary goal is reached.

“When we saw the draw, our aim was to stay in the circuit as Europe Cup qualifiers. However, we are yet to play against Neu Ulm this month, so we can try to cause an upset and reach the Final Four. Anyway, we have the time to prepare well, and we will not be under stress because, as I said, our main target is achieved,” concluded GIONIS.

In the previous three matches, HB Ostrov z.s. failed to secure a victory, while KS DARTOM BOGORIA Grodzisk Mazowiecki had one win and one defeat. TTC Neu-Ulm remains unbeaten in three matches, with two wins against the club from Czechia.

The last duel in Group B is scheduled for December 17th between KS DARTOM BOGORIA Grodzisk Mazowiecki and TTC Neu-Ulm.

HB Ostrov z.s. - KS DARTOM BOGORIA Grodzisk Mazowiecki 0-3

Tomas TREGLER - Takuya JIN 2-3 (11-7, 4-11, 11-8, 9-11, 0-6)

David REITSPIES - Panagiotis GIONIS 1-3 (6-11, 14-16, 11-7, 7-11)

Pavel SIRUCEK - Marek BADOWSKI 0-3 (4-11, 8-11, 9-11)