The ETTU Europe Cup reigning champions secured their place in the quarterfinals as HB Ostrov z.s. recorded a 3-1 home victory over Energa Manekin Toruń, repeating their success from the opening leg of the Round of 16.
The hosts made a strong start, with Pavel SIRUCEK delivering a dominant performance to defeat Stepan VOLKOV in straight games and give the Czech side an early lead. Energa Manekin Toruń responded through Dimitrije LEVAJAC, who edged Tomáš TREGLER in a tight five-game battle to level the score.
HB Ostrov regained the advantage in the third singles, where Jiří VRABLIK outlasted Konrad KULPA in another closely contested five-game encounter, putting the hosts 2–1 ahead.
In the fourth match, SIRUCEK returned to the table against LEVAJAC, but the encounter was cut short when the Serbian player was forced to retire due to injury. HB Ostrov z.s. were consequently awarded the match, sealing the overall 3-1 victory and confirming their progression to the quarterfinals.
“We had a clear tactical plan,” said Pavel SIRUCEK. “We knew the opponent needed at least a 3–1 win to have a chance to advance, so we expected young Stepan VOLKOV to play the opening singles. That’s why I’m very glad I managed to start well and secure the first point.
“The match between Tomáš TREGLER and Dimitrije LEVAJAC was very even, and Tomáš was very close to winning it. The decisive encounter, however, was between Jiří VRÁBLÍK and Konrad KULPA – everything was at stake there. Jiří managed it, and we are moving on.
“It’s a pity for the spectators that LEVAJAC was slightly injured and couldn’t continue, but of course that doesn’t change our qualification,” he added.
HB Ostrov z.s. – Energa Manekin Toruń 3-1
- Pavel SIRUCEK– Stepan VOLKOV 3-0 (11-6, 11-1, 11-5)
- Tomas TREGLER– Dimitrije LEVAJAC 3-2 (9-11, 11-8, 11-3, 5-11, 6-3)
- Jiri VRABLIK– Konrad KULPA 3-2 (11-9, 7-11, 11-6, 8-11, 6-3)
- Pavel SIRUCEK– Dimitrije LEVAJAC 3-0
Opening leg
Energa Manekin Toruń (POL) – HB Ostrov z.s. (CZE) 1–3
- Dimitrije LEVAJAC– Pavel SIRUCEK 3–2 (9–11, 11–7, 11–9, 8–11, 6–2)
- Konrad KULPA– Vladislav URSU 1–3 (9–11, 2–11, 11–2, 8–11)
- Stepan VOLKOV– Tomas TREGLER 0–3 (7–11, 9–11, 8–11)
- Dimitrije LEVAJAC– Vladislav URSU 2–3 (11–9, 13–11, 2–11, 7–11, 4–6)
Sokah Hoboken Take Narrow Away Win
TTC Sokah Hoboken claimed a narrow 2–1 away victory over UTTC Paneceo Stockerau in the opening leg of the Round of 16.
The Belgian side took the lead through Quentin ROBINOT, who defeated Khalid ASSAR in straight games. Stockerau responded as Mykhailo LOVHA edged Benjamin BROSSIER in a tense five-game encounter, but Sokah Hoboken regained the advantage thanks to Max RADIVEN, who overcame David SERDAROGLU.
With the tie decided, both teams shared wins in the remaining matches, leaving everything open ahead of the return leg.
UTTC Paneceo Stockerau – TTC Sokah Hoboken 1-2
- Khalid ASSAR – Quentin ROBINOT 0-3 (10-12, 8-11, 9-11)
- Mykhailo LOVHA – Benjamin BROSSIER 3-2 (11-7, 12-10, 9-11, 9-11, 6-5)
- David SERDAROGLU – Max RADIVEN 1-3 (11–9, 9-11, 7-11, 7-11)
- Khalid ASSAR – Benjamin BROSSIER 3-2 (11–6, 11-13, 11-5, 6-11, 6-2)
- Mykhailo LOVHA – Remi BETELU 0-3 (7-11, 10-12, 5-11)
