French club GV HENNEBONT TT became the first team to advance to the quarterfinals of the Champions League Men after a dominant performance in both legs against Polish side UKS Dojlidy Białystok. Following a 3-1 victory in Poland last week, HENNEBONT needed just three matches at home to secure their spot in the next stage.
Tonight, Vladimir SIDORENKO, Lev KATSMAN, and Iulian CHIRITA left no room for doubt, delivering straight-game wins over Piotr MICHALSKI, Machi ASUKA, and Patryk CHOJNOWSKI.
“This was much easier for us compared to the opening leg. With the home crowd and fantastic supporters, we had an advantage. It worked in our favor, and they were also very tired after the trip and their Polish league match on the 17th. We’re just happy that we could play at the same level at home,” said SIDORENKO, who also defeated Machi ASUKA and Patryk CHOJNOWSKI in the first leg.
In the quarterfinals, GV HENNEBONT TT will face the winners of the clash between HB Ostrov z.s. and 1. FC Saarbrücken Tischtennis e.V. Reigning champions Saarbrücken lead the tie after a 3-0 win in the opening leg.
“We are currently in very good shape. Right now, table tennis is very close, and there’s a 50/50 chance for everyone,” SIDORENKO added.
Round of 16
GV HENNEBONT TT – UKS Dojlidy Białystok 3-0
- Vladimir SIDORENKO – Piotr MICHALSKI 3-0 (11-4, 11-4, 11-6)
- Lev KATSMAN – Machi ASUKA 3-0 (11-9, 11-7, 11-5)
- Iulian CHIRITA – Patryk CHOJNOWSKI 3-0 (11-6, 11-3, 11-6)
First leg
UKS Dojlidy Białystok – GV HENNEBONT TT 1-3
- Machi ASUKA – Lev KATSMAN 3-0 (11-6, 12-10, 13-11)
- Patryk CHOJNOWSKI – Vladimir SIDORENKO 1-3 (7-11, 19-17, 8-11, 7-11)
- Piotr MICHALSKI – Iulian CHIRITA 0-3 (5-11, 3-11, 13-15)
- Machi ASUKA – Vladimir SIDORENKO 1-3 (4-11, 13-11, 8-11, 8-11)
