Champions League Men | 19 Feb 2023

1.FC Saarbrücken TT beat Post SV Mühlhausen 1951 e.V.

In the semifinal of the Champions League Men, 1. FC Saarbrücken TT was under great pressure to justify opening leg win against Post SV Mühlhausen 1951 e.V. with three matches out of four went full distance.

Darko JORGIC overcame KIM Taehyun (8:11, 11:4, 5:11, 11:8, 6:5) and he also overcame Ovidiu IONESCU (11:7, 10:12, 10:12, 11:8, 6:1). Patrick FRANZISKA also beat IONESCU (11:13, 12:10, 13:11, 11:5).

Takuya JIN lost to Daniel HABESOHN (6:11, 12:10, 11:6, 9:11, 1:6).

“It was another very difficult match for us. For the beginning it was clear the match could go either way. If I had lost the opening match that was resolved with sudden death point, Franziska would be under even greater pressure against IONESCU. KIM was also at the top of his game, he brought out the best in us. I believed I could beat him even in the moments when it went from e.g. 5:1 to 6:5. The good opening was the key. Patrick and Ovidiu met the expectations and they played close game as they always did. FRANZISKA maintained focus even when he was losing and thanks to that win and 2:0 we were in the final. We kept on fighting. JIN had his chances against HABESOHN, but Daniel won it deservingly. At the end Ionescu and I played the match that could not make the difference for neither of us, but we kept the level high.”

In the final they will meet Borussia Düsseldorf.

“We are constantly playing so many matches against each other. There is no secret among us. It will be difficult for both clubs. We are looking for surprises and we hope for the spectacular final. Our aim is to win first ever title in Champions League.”

Patrick FRANZISKA said: “We feel very relieved, It could be easily 2:0 for Post SV Mühlhausen at the beginning; we won it by narrow margin almost stole it. Now we are looking forward our match against Borussia Düsseldorf. They won last time, but we hope for our first title.”