Top Spin Messina Amtivo celebrated their third Italian Men’s Super Cup triumph after overcoming Artraffic Bagnolese in the ninth edition of the competition, held in Bagnolo San Vito.
Following their previous victories in 2019 and 2020, Top Spin Messina added another trophy to their collection with a 45-31, 45-25 victory. FITeT Deputy Vice President Carlo BORELLA presented the trophy to the winners.
For the second consecutive year, the Super Cup was played using the relay format, with pairs of players alternating at the table every five points and each game played to 45.
Slovakia’s Lubomir PISTEJ joined Niagol STOYANOV and Daniele PINTO in the Top Spin Messina lineup, while Artraffic Bagnolese fielded Spain’s Miguel Angel VILCHEZ, Lorenzo RAGNI and Gabriele PICIULIN.
Top Spin Messina president Giorgio QUARTUCCIO underlined the importance of bringing another trophy back to the club.
“We really wanted to bring this trophy to Messina. It is a very significant victory. I would have preferred to beat Bagnolese in the recent league final, which we missed out on by a whisker, but that’s sport. Let’s cherish this Super Cup win,” said QUARTUCCIO.
Captain Marco RECH DALDOSSO was equally pleased with the way his team handled the unusual format, particularly after Bagnolese’s strong opening.
“The match went well and we’re happy. It’s always a tricky format, and Bagnolese got off to a very strong start. The guys responded perfectly,” said RECH DALDOSSO.
STOYANOV also highlighted the challenge posed by the relay system and the team’s ability to recover after a difficult beginning.
“It’s a very unique format, and we did not start well. We are absolutely delighted to have brought the Super Cup home,” said STOYANOV.
Artraffic Bagnolese – Top Spin Messina Amtivo 31-45, 25-45
First game
- PICIULIN – PINTO 5-2
- VILCHEZ – PISTEJ 5-2 (10-4)
- RAGNI – STOYANOV 5-10 (15-14)
- VILCHEZ – PINTO 5-4 (20-18)
- PICIULIN – STOYANOV 1-7 (21-25)
- RAGNI – PISTEJ 3-5 (24-30)
- VILCHEZ – STOYANOV 3-5 (27-35)
- RAGNI – PINTO 3-5 (30-40)
- PICIULIN – PISTEJ 1-5 (31-45)
Second game
- PICIULIN – STOYANOV 4-5
- VILCHEZ – PISTEJ 5-5 (9-10)
- RAGNI – PINTO 2-5 (11-15)
- VILCHEZ – STOYANOV 1-5 (12-20)
- PICIULIN – PINTO 5-5 (17-25)
- RAGNI – PISTEJ 3-5 (20-30)
- VILCHEZ – PINTO 1-5 (21-35)
- RAGNI – STOYANOV 3-5 (24-40)
- PICIULIN – PISTEJ 1-5 (25-45)
