After losing to the French side GV Hennebont TT in the Round of 16 of the Champions League Men, UKS Dojlidy Białystok faced a tough challenge in the Round of 16 of the Europe Cup. In an all-Polish clash, UKS Dojlidy Białystok defeated KTS Gliwice in a gripping five-match encounter.
Having lost their opening Polish League match against Gliwice earlier this season, UKS Dojlidy Białystok was determined to turn the tables this time.
Mihai BOBOCICA made his debut for UKS Dojlidy Białystok in Europe tonight. The six-time Italian champion, with a career-high ITTF world ranking of 54th, temporarily replaced Asuka MACHI.
Grzegorz FELKEL gave the hosts in Gliwice an early advantage with a five-game victory over Patryk CHOJNOWSKI. However, Mihai BOBOCICA turned the tide by defeating Jakub MASŁOWSKI in another closely contested five-game match. BOBOCICA also triumphed over Grzegorz FELKEL, while CHOJNOWSKI overcame MASŁOWSKI. Jarosław TOMICKI secured a second point for Gliwice, but it was not enough to deny Dojlidy victory.
The return leg is scheduled for February 15.
KTS GLIWICE – UKS Dojlidy Białystok 2-3
- Grzegorz FELKEL – Patryk CHOJNOWSKI 3-2 (8-11, 12-10, 7-11, 11-5, 6-3)
- Jakub MASLOWSKI – Mihai BOBOCICA 2-3 (5-11, 11-8, 8-11, 11-8, 2-6)
- Jaroslaw TOMICKI – Piotr MICHALSKI 3-0 (12-10, 13-11, 11-9)
- Grzegorz FELKEL – Mihai BOBOCICA 1-3 (9-11, 7-11, 13-11, 8-11)
- Jakub MASLOWSKI – Patryk CHOJNOWSKI 0-3 (3-11, 2-11, 6-11)
