Borussia Düsseldorf ended the season in the Table Tennis Bundesliga (TTBL) with the 32nd German championship in the club’s history: In a battle of nerves in front of 2350 spectators the record champions prevailed 3-2 against 1. FC Saarbrücken TT on Saturday in the Ballsporthalle Frankfurt and thus took revenge for the defeat in the Cup final at the beginning of the year.
In the meantime Timo BOLL summed it up perfectly:
“We have to win everything now ” said the superstar from Borussia Düsseldorf after the third individual in the Liebherr TTBL final and then had to take a deep breath. At that point Boll’s team had their backs to the wall: Düsseldorf was already 2-1 down against 1. FC Saarbrücken TT but then hit back. In the end the record champions of the Table Tennis Bundesliga (TTBL) scored a 3-2 win winning the 32nd German championship in the club’s history – and celebrating a few moments later on the center court.
“The competition is getting tougher ” said BOLL after winning the title. “We have to fight brutally hard for every title.”
Coach Danny HEISTER explained: “It was a rollercoaster ride of emotions. I’m very very happy that we won. It was a real team effort. I’m incredibly proud of my team.”
Saarbrücken once again demanded everything from Düsseldorf: After Anton KÄLLBERG put Borussia ahead with a 3:1 (11:13 11:8 11:6 11:2) against Tomas POLANSKY FCS hit back. First Patrick FRANZISKA beat Dang QIU 3:2 (7:11 11:9 11:8 7:11 11:7) in the duel between the German internationals then Darko JORGIC triumphed after an outstanding performance against Timo Boll. Again and again the points of the Saarbrücken player literally tore the spectators from their seats with JORGIC’S 3:1 (14:12 11:6 8:11 11:4) success the championship was within reach for Saarbrücken. And at the same time a special triumph for Franziska: The FCS captain celebrated his 30th birthday on Saturday and had previously announced with a wink that he wanted to drink the birthday champagne from the championship cup.
Nothing came of it however as BOLL’S teammates followed the instructions of their leader and did not lose any more games. KÄLLBERG withstood the pressure in the top singles fended off FRANZISKA’S attack in the first set and equalized with his 3:1 (13:11 8:11 11:4 11:6).
“Anton played very well ” acknowledged Franziska afterwards. “It’s a pity that I couldn’t steal the first set then it might have been tighter.”
Borussia finally had everything under control in doubles – and experienced an emotional farewell: Kristian KARLSSON who will be leaving for the new season after six years in Düsseldorf switched to Hennebont came to his farewell game alongside QIU and made the decision in the title fight with the 3:0 (11:3 11:8 11:8) against POLANSKY/JORGIC.
Anton KÄLLBERG who celebrated the TTBL season with a 31:2 individual record explained: “It’s always a fierce fight against Saarbrücken. I’m incredibly proud of the entire team for having pulled off this performance.”
