The reigning ETTU Europe Cup champions, Czechia’s HB Ostrov z.s., began the knockout phase in convincing fashion, securing a 3–1 away victory over Energa Manekin Toruń in Poland.
The hosts took an early lead as Dimitrije LEVAJAC edged Pavel SIRUCEK in a tense five-game encounter, showing resilience to give Toruń the opening point. However, the Czech side responded immediately through Vladislav URSU, who controlled the key moments to defeat Konrad KULPA in four games and level the match.
Momentum swung decisively in HB Ostrov’s favour when Tomas TREGLER delivered a composed straight-games win against Stepan VOLKOV, putting the visitors ahead. The contest was sealed in the fourth match, where URSU once again proved decisive, overturning a two-game deficit to outlast LEVAJAC in a dramatic five-game battle and secure the victory for the defending champions.
With this result, HB Ostrov z.s. confirmed their intent to defend the title, taking a valuable advantage from the first leg of the knockout phase.
“It was a very difficult match for us, but we had full confidence in Vladislav URSU. He is very experienced and played the decisive shortened fifth game with a very cool head. Dimitrije LEVAJAC was definitely the biggest challenge for us. We followed his performances in the Polish league and knew he would be very strong at home, which makes this victory even more valuable. The atmosphere in the hall was excellent, and we have taken the first important step towards promotion,” said Dmitrij PROKOPCOV, coach of HB Ostrov.
Energa Manekin Toruń (POL) – HB Ostrov z.s. (CZE) 1–3
- LEVAJAC Dimitrije – SIRUCEK Pavel 3–2 (9–11, 11–7, 11–9, 8–11, 6–2)
- KULPA Konrad – URSU Vladislav 1–3 (9–11, 2–11, 11–2, 8–11)
- VOLKOV Stepan – TREGLER Tomas 0–3 (7–11, 9–11, 8–11)
- LEVAJAC Dimitrije – URSU Vladislav 2–3 (11–9, 13–11, 2–11, 7–11, 4–6)
Roskilde Bordtennis BTK 61 secured a 3–1 home victory over ASC Grünwettersbach, taking a valuable advantage from the first leg.
The Danish side built their success on two strong performances from Jens LUNDQVIST, who edged Divyansh SRIVASTAVA in five games before sealing the win with a four-game victory over Tobias HIPPLER. Tobias RASMUSSEN also played a key role, showing resilience to overcome Ricardo WALTHER in another five-game battle.
Grünwettersbach’s sole point came through HIPPLER, who delivered a dominant straight-games win against Anders ERIKSSON.
Roskilde Bordtennis BTK 61 (DEN) – ASC Grünwettersbach (GER) 3–1
- LUNDQVIST Jens – SRIVASTAVA Divyansh 3–2 (11–7, 6–11, 9–11, 11–3, 6–3)
- ERIKSSON Anders – HIPPLER Tobias 0–3 (6–11, 6–11, 6–11)
- RASMUSSEN Tobias – WALTHER Ricardo 3–2 (11–9, 6–11, 6–11, 11–9, 6–4)
- LUNDQVIST Jens – HIPPLER Tobias 3–1 (11–7, 11–7, 9–11, 11–2)
