Reigning champions KTS ENEA SIARKOPOL Tarnobrzeg and Saint-Quentin TT emerged victorious in the opening leg of the Champions League Women semi-finals, setting the stage for two thrilling return matches in April.
The much-anticipated clash between five-time Champions League winners ttc berlin eastside and four-time champions Tarnobrzeg ended in favor of the Polish side. Despite a strong start by the hosts in Berlin, with Nina MITTELHAM overcoming Natalia BAJOR in four games, Tarnobrzeg quickly turned the tide.
The driving force behind their success was Elizabeta SAMARA, who delivered two outstanding performances. First, she defeated Xiaona SHAN in four games and later battled past Nina MITTELHAM in a five-game thriller.
“It was a very difficult match, but we were so driven to succeed. We wanted this win so badly,” said SAMARA. “What makes me even happier is that we showed really good table tennis to the spectators. It was a great drama, with great rallies—an enjoyable match to watch. We played with so much confidence.”
Reflecting on her win over MITTELHAM, she added:
“That match was really something. It’s unbelievable how I managed to win. I actually lost the two games where I was leading, but I didn’t let it break me. I stayed focused and determined. Mentally, I was strong and didn’t lose sight of the goal. That’s what helped me recover. But I have to admit—it was a crazy match with so many great exchanges.”
Ying HAN also contributed a dominant performance, defeating Sabina SURJAN in straight games, leaving no room for a comeback.
The second leg will take place on April 25. Notably, Tarnobrzeg lifted the Champions League trophy in 2022 by defeating ttc berlin eastside in the final and has gone on to win the following two editions.
In the other semi-final, Saint-Quentin TT overcame 2023 runners-up Metz TT in an all-French encounter that went the full distance.
Camille LUTZ opened with a four-game win over her younger sister Charlotte LUTZ, followed by Linda BERGSTRÖM defeating Mariia TAILAKOVA in straight games to give Saint-Quentin a 2-0 lead. However, Adina DIAKONU reignited Metz’s hopes by beating Olga MIKHAYLOVA, and TAILAKOVA leveled the score with a victory over Camille LUTZ.
In the decisive match, Linda BERGSTRÖM stood strong, holding off a spirited comeback from Charlotte LUTZ to seal the win for Saint-Quentin.
“This morning, when we found out that Polina had come down with a stomach virus overnight, things didn’t look so good for us,” said BERGSTRÖM. “But we fought today as a team, with our amazing crowd behind us. They gave us the extra energy to fight for every point. We knew the first two matches were very important, and once we won them, we just had to push hard to close it out. I’m very happy I could bring it home for the team.”
The return leg is scheduled for April 28.
ttc berlin eastside – KTS ENEA SIARKOPOL Tarnobrzeg 1-3
- Nina MITTELHAM – Natalia BAJOR 3-1 (6-11, 14-12, 11-5, 11-9)
- Xiaona SHAN – Elizabeta SAMARA 1-3 (5-11, 9-11, 11-7, 3-11)
- Sabina SURJAN – Ying HAN 0-3 (4-11, 6-11, 6-11)
- Nina MITTELHAM – Elizabeta SAMARA 2-3 (11-9, 7-11, 11-8, 3-11, 4-6)
Saint-Quentin TT – Metz TT 3-2
- Camille LUTZ– Charlotte LUTZ 3-1 (5-11, 11-6, 11-7, 11-9)
- Linda BERGSTRÖM – Mariia TAILAKOVA 3-0 (11-9, 11-8, 11-9)
- Olga MIKHAYLOVA – Adina DIAKONU 0-3 (5-11, 4-11, 9-11)
- Camille LUTZ – Mariia TAILAKOVA 1-3 (11-9, 7-11, 7-11, 4-11)
- Linda BERGSTRÖM – Charlotte LUTZ 3-1 (15-13, 6-11, 11-7, 11-3)
