Champions League Men | 14 Feb 2023
1.FC Saarbrücken TT beat SV Mühlhausen 1951 e.V. in fantastic atmosphere
In the opening leg of the Champions Legue Men semifinal 1.FC Saarbrücken TT overcame Post SV Mühlhausen 1951 e.V. in four matches.
Patrick FRANZISKA secured two points for the guests. He beat Daniel HABESOHN (11:5, 11:7, 11:9), and in fourth match prevailed against Ovidiu IONESCU (9:11, 11:8, 12:10, 11:3). In the opening match Darko JORGIC also overcame IONESCU after five very close games (11:13, 11:6, 12:10, 8:11, 6:4).
The only point for the hosts was scored by Steffen MENGEL who beat Cedric NUYTINCK (11:4, 9:11, 11:6, 11:5).
“We are delighted to win this away-match because it was very difficult task. The spectators here are amazing; the atmosphere is amazing; really powerful,” pointed Patrick FRANZISKA.
Despite the challenge 1.FC Saarbrücken TT was up to the task.
“We played very good. I am happy with my win over Ionescu. He had two game balls to make it to 2:1, but at the end it finished in my favor. Now, we will have one day to rest and then with full power we will get ready for the Sunday’s return leg,” announced Patrick.
JORGIc also underlined the frantic atmosphere in Mühlhausen.
“It is always so difficult to play in Mühlhausen. The venue is small but always packed with fans. The team always perform at the top level when they play at home and today was not the exception. They played superb match and it could easily went the other side. Luckily it did not. We managed to keep the match under control and to win,” said JORGIC.
By giving the good start to the clubmates, JORGIC opened the doors to success.
“We all have that on our mind. I wanted to give initial push, because it is always easier when you have 1:0 in the pocket. I am very pleased with my performance. Both Ovidiu and I played great table tennis. We went full distance and this match pulled the best of both of us. Again, it could go either way. I won 6:4 in the decisive game only by managing to stay calm after I lost two games very close,” said JORGIC.
Darko praised FRANZISKA’s game.
“ He played outstandingly. He was so focused against HABESOHN and did not give Daniel much chances. Even when he was losing in the third game 3:7, he managed to recover and once again proved as a true leader of the team. He justified his status by showing no weak spots in close duels. In next match, it was MENGEL who showed superb performance. NUYTINCK made too many mistakes on first balls, so Steffen deservingly won this encounter.”
The last match was real jewel.
“Ovidiu already proved that he knows how to play against both of us, FRANZISKA and me. He played so good tonight, but Patrick managed to stay with cold head after IONESCU took the opening game. He stayed focused even when Ovidiu had 1:1 and 10:8 in third game. Now we have to beat Mühlhausen again and no one think it is going to be easy. There will be no calculations, we will go for a win,” said JORGIC.
