Champions League Men | 31 Jan 2014

Orenburg set all-Russian semis

Reigning Men’s European Champions League Fakel Gazproma Orenburg is confirmed semi-final ticket, beating again ten times European champion Borussia Dusseldorf at home 3:1. Five days ago, at Germany, Russian side won 3:0 in first quarter-final. They will p

Reigning Men’s European Champions League Fakel Gazproma Orenburg is confirmed semi-final ticket, beating again ten times European champion Borussia Dusseldorf at home 3:1. Five days ago, at Germany, Russian side won 3:0 in first quarter-final. They will play against UMMC in all-Russian semi-final on March.

Despite big loss at home, Borussia arrived to Orenburg in best possible line-up. Host coach decided to play with Alexei SMIRNOV (usual no. 3) on no. 1 and he was beaten by Timo BOLL in straight games. Six times individual champion of Old Continent didn’t give any chance to his rival.

Patrick BAUM led 1:0 in sets against Dimitrij OVTCHAROV and it looked like German side could do something more. But, actual individual European champion answered by three games in a row to secure semi-final for Orenburg.

In next two encounters, first Vladimir SAMSONOV defeated Kamal ACHANTA in four sets, while Alexei SMIRNOV concluded the match beating Patrick BAUM.

The 2013/14 Men’s ECL quarter-final (2nd leg

Fakel Gazproma Orenburg – Borussia Dusseldorf 3:1

Alexei SMIRNOV – Timo BOLL 0:3 (6:11, 5:11, 8:11)

Dimitrij OVTCHAROV – Patrick BAUM 3:1 (9:11, 11:4, 11:9, 11:8

Vladimir SAMSONOV – Kamal ACHANTA 3:1 (9:11, 11:9, 11:3, 11:5)

Alexei SMIRNOV – Patrick BAUM 3:0 (11:6, 16:14, 11:5)