Reigning Champions League Men titleholders 1. FC Saarbrücken Tischtennis e.V. and last year’s runners-up Borussia Düsseldorf won their quarterfinal matches today, securing their places in this year’s Final 4. The event, scheduled for May 31 and June 1, 2025, in Saarbrücken, will feature two German clubs alongside two Polish teams, both making their debut in the Final 4: KS GLOBAL PHARMA ORLICZ 1924 SUCHEDNIÓW and KS DARTOM BOGORIA Grodzisk Mazowiecki.
Six-time Champions League winners Borussia Düsseldorf defeated Alliance Nîmes/Montpellier, the club of rising stars Felix and Alexis LEBRUN, at the ARAG CenterCourt (ACC) in Düsseldorf. Although Dang QIU, Anton KÄLLBERG, and Timo BOLL secured a 3-0 victory in France, today’s return leg—played in front of a sold-out crowd , including standing-room-only tickets (1.100 spectators) —was anything but lacking in excitement.
“Overall, we are really proud and happy to have overcome this tough challenge against Montpellier. They were the strongest possible opponent we could face in the quarterfinals. In the first leg, we were quite lucky, as we were behind in all games but managed to find the right solutions and stay calm. Today, in front of our supporters, we played a really strong match,” explained Timo BOLL, after his last-ever home match in the Champions League.
1. FC Saarbrücken Tischtennis e.V., the hosts of the upcoming Final 4, comfortably overcame GV HENNEBONT TT in both legs, with even less drama in today’s match. Truls MOREGAARD initially struggled against Iulian CHIRITA, but after setting the pace, Patrick FRANZISKA and Darko JORGIC quickly sealed the win against Vladimir SIDORENKO and Lev KATSMAN.
“It was a great performance by the whole team today. We had to be at our best because GV HENNEBONT TT is a very strong team. I am really satisfied, especially since this was my first singles match in Saarbrücken. This is such a great club with an amazing atmosphere… only good vibes here,” said MOREGAARD.
“I am so happy to reach the Final 4. It was not easy. Although they were defeated in straight matches in the opening leg, they fought fiercely. Luckily, Truls managed to come through a tough match. After that, things were a little easier for me, but SIDORENKO played very well.
At 2-0, the pressure was off, and Darko was able to close out the match. I’m thrilled that we will be in the Final 4, defending our title in front of our home spectators. I am really looking forward to the event,” explained Patrick FRANZISKA.
Darko JORGIC added:
“This was an important victory, with so much at stake, especially since we are hosting the Final 4. From the beginning, we knew it would be tough—CHIRITA is in top form. He beat me recently in Singapore, and today he gave Truls a hard time. Franziska managed to stay in control against SIDORENKO’s aggressive start. In the end, I just had to finish the job. Now, I can’t wait for May and for the Final 4 to start in front of our home supporters,” said JORGIC.
Borussia Düsseldorf – Alliance Nîmes/Montpellier 3-1
- Dang QIU – Alexis LEBRUN 3-0 (11-8, 11-7, 11-8)
- Anton KALLBER – Felix LEBRUN 2-3 (7-11, 11-8, 9-11, 11-9, 3-6)
- Timo BOLL – Antoine HACHARD 3- 1 (11-8, 11-9, 10-12, 11-8)
- Dang QIU – Felix LEBRUN 3-0 (11-8, 11-3, 11-0)
Opening leg
Alliance Nîmes/Montpellier – Borussia Düsseldorf 0-3
- Félix LEBRUN – Anton KÄLLBERG 2-3 (11-8, 11-4, 9-11, 5-11, 5-6)
- Alexis LEBRUN – Dang QIU 1-3 (11-8, 10-12, 7-11, 8-11)
- Esteban DORR – Timo BOLL 2-3 (11-9, 4-11, 11-9, 6-11, 4-6)
1 FC Saarbrücken Tischtennis e.V. – GV HENNEBONT TT 3-0
- Truls MOREGAARD – Iulian CHIRITA 3-2 (7-11, 11-5, 3-11, 11-7, 6-3)
- Patrick FRANZISKA – Vladimir SIDORENKO 3-1 (7-11, 11-4, 11-7, 11-6)
- Darko JORGIC – Lev KATSMAN 3-0 (11-2, 11-5, 11-3)
Opening leg
GV HENNEBONT TTF- 1 FC Saarbrücken Tischtennis e.V. 0-3
- Vladimir SIDORENKO – Patrick FRANZISKA 0-3 (8-11, 9-11, 3-11)
- Lev KATSMAN – Truls MOREGARD 0-3 (6-11, 5-11, 7-11)
- Iulian CHIRITA – Darko JORGIC 1-3 (10-12, 8-11, 7-11, 8-11)
