Portugal’s CTM Mirandela lost a long-distance duel in Round 3 of the Europe Cup Women, but thanks to their 3-1 victory at home at the end of last year, they secured a place in the quarterfinals. HB Ostrov z.s. won the second leg at home, but their 3-2 victory was not enough to advance to the next stage. Veronika POLAKOVA claimed both her matches today, defeating Annamaria ERDELYI and Mariana SANTA COMBA, while Tatiana KUKULKOVA overcame Ines MATOS. On the other hand, Zdena BLASKOVA was unable to contribute to the scoreboard, suffering defeats against Annamaria ERDELYI and Mariana SANTA COMBA. HB Ostrov z.s. – CTM Mirandela 3-2 Opening leg CTM Mirandela – HB Ostrov z.s. 3-1
Saarbrücken and Borussia Düsseldorf Secure Spots in the Final 4
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 Opening leg Alliance Nîmes/Montpellier – Borussia Düsseldorf 0-3 1 FC Saarbrücken Tischtennis e.V. – GV HENNEBONT TT 3-0 Opening leg GV HENNEBONT TTF- 1 FC Saarbrücken Tischtennis e.V. 0-3
ASC Grünwettersbach and Postsportverein Mühlhausen Secure Quarterfinal Spots in Europe Cup Men
In the Round of 16 of the Europe Cup Men, ASC Grünwettersbach and Postsportverein Mühlhausen 1951 e.V. justified their opening-leg victories and sealed their places in the next stage. ASC Grünwettersbach overcame SPG Felbermayr Wels in four matches—one fewer than the five required in Austria. Andreas LEVENKO, who had secured both points in the first leg, was absent this time, making the task slightly easier for Leo DE NODREST, Guilherme TEODORO, and Ricardo WALTHER. TEODORO was the only player from the German club to suffer defeat, losing to Felix WETZEL. “We’re happy to reach the quarterfinals of the Europe Cup by winning both matches. The team did a great job, and we hope to keep this momentum going in the next round!” said Leo DE NODREST. Similarly, Postsportverein Mühlhausen 1951 e.V. overcame LILLE MÉTROPOLE T.T. After dropping one point in the opening leg, the German club dominated at home, preventing the French side from winning a single match. Ovidiu IONESCU faced some pressure against Fabio RAKOTOARIMANANA, but Steffen MENGEL and Daniel HABESOHN secured straight-game victories over Romain BRARD and Vincent RASSELET to complete the sweep. “We already had a victory from the first leg, and Lille was not here with their strongest lineup. So, we expected to win the match today. Now, we are looking forward to the quarterfinals, and we will do our best to win that as well,” said Daniel HABESOHN. Round of 16 ASC Grünwettersbach – SPG Felbermayr Wels 3-1 Opening leg SPG Felbermayr Wels – ASC Grünwettersbach 2-3 Postsportverein Mühlhausen 1951 e.V. -LILLE METROPOLE T.T 3-0 Opening leg LILLE METROPOLE T.T – Postsportverein Mühlhausen 1951 e.V. 1-3
