Champions League Men | 29 Nov 2014

HABESOHN shapes Group B top spot

Daniel HABESOHN played main role in game in which his club needed victory to stay in the race for quarter-final of 2014/15 Men`s European Champions League: Wienviertel Niederosterreich – Eslovs 3:2. He brought two points to 2008 MECL winner, so now three clubs in Group B have 3-2 score before the ultimate chapter of group stage: Wienviertel Niederosterreich, Eslovs and Chartres. Final decision comes on December 5th when Eslovs expects Charetres and Werder Bremen hosts Niederosterreich (both games at 19h00 CET).

Tonight everything went smoothly for Austrian side until third encounter. First HOU Yingchao defeated Robert SVENSSON in straight games, then Daniel HABESOHN overcame XU Hui in four sets. It looked like the end is very close, because world`s no. 53 Stefan FEGERL was a clear favorite against no. 177 Mattias OVERSJO. But Swede won in five games giving a chance to XU to play against HOU.

XU Hui showed in first meeting in Sweden that he knows how to play against well known defenders of Niederosterreich, when he beat him 3:1. Tonight Eslov`s player did it much easier, in straight games.

Robert SVENSSON accustomed us this season to be master of fifth encounters, but this time Daniel HABESOHN was too strong for him. Austrian played confidently all the time, providing very important win to his side.

In Group D Bogoria beat away Walter Wels 3:0. It means that Polish champion will fight next week against Hennebont for the group`s 2nd place which guaranties MECL quarter-final, while Austrian side lost all chances for that. Interestingly, when these two clubs met in Poland, guests also won (3:1).

It could say that first two matches decided final result, both played in five games. First Daniel GORAK beat Zolt PETE who defeated him in crucial encounter in Round 2 in Grodzisk Mazowiecki. They again fought in five sets.

In second match Lehel DEMETER played one of his better games this season, but he lost from former World`s Top 10 player OH Sang Eun. Korean took close third set thanks to his experience and that was one of decisive moments.

The third encounter was unique without excitements. Robert FLORAS overcame Dominique PLATTNER in straight games.

MECL Round 5

Group B: Wienviertel Niederosterreich – Eslovs 3:2
HOU Yingchao – Robert SVENSSON 3:0 (11:9, 13:11, 11:7)
Daniel HABESOHN – XU Hui 3:1 (3:11, 11:9, 13:11, 11:9)
Stefan FEGERL – Mattias OVERSJO 2:3 (12:14, 13:11, 6:11, 11:6, 9:11)
HOU Yingchao – XU Hui 0:3 (5:11, 4:11, 10:12)
Daniel HABESOHN – Robert SVENSSON 3:0 (11:6, 11:7, 14:12)

Group D: SPG Walter Wels – Bogoria Grodzisk Mazowiecki 0:3
Zolt PETE – Daniel GORAK 2:3 (7:11, 11:6, 11:9, 9:11, 6:11)
Lehel DEMETER – OH Sang Eun 2:3 (7:11, 11:8, 11:13, 11:9, 8:11)
Dominique PLETTNER – Robert FLORAS 0:3 (6:11, 7:11, 9:11)

Alex MILETIC, EWT, Alex MILETIC, EWT