Apuania Carrara has lifted the trophy of the Italian championship for the 7th time. In the final round they defeated Top Spin Messina WatchesTogether twice after two draws in the regular season.
In the first leg held in Messina Tomislav PUCAR claimed victory in the first singles match conceding only the third game to Antonino AMATO. Matteo MUTTI and Andrej GACIN battled fiercely with the Croatian player prevailing in the deciding set. Mihai BOBOCICA and PUCAR defeated Niagol STOYANOV and MUTTI in straight games sealing the contest. In the second leg at Palasport of Avenza PUCAR once again secured the first point against MUTTI in straight games and BOBOCICA did the same against AMATO. In the most thrilling and closely contested encounter GACINA overcame Tommaso GIOVANNETTI and clinched the victory.
“This seventh championship ” explained coach Claudio VOLPI “is as important as the first; there is no substantial difference between them. The results of these two final matches against Messina were clear but they do not reflect the difference in the value of the two teams. We cherish this victory along with the Italian Cup and the Super Cup and we will celebrate them with all those who contributed. I have always emphasized that not only the players are decisive but also the coaches managers and collaborators who work every day to help us achieve our goals. In these finals all the players contributed points. A big round of applause goes to Mihai BOBOCICA Andrej GACINA and Tomislav PUCAR as well as to Andrea PUPPO and Lubomir PISTEJ who provided valuable assistance to the team throughout the season.”
First leg
TOP SPIN MESSINA WATCHESTOGETHER – APUANIA CARRARA 0-4
Antonino AMATO – Tomislav PUCAR 1-3 (7-11 7-11 11-5 8-11)
Matteo MUTTI – Andrej GACINA 2-3 (11-5 7-11 13-15 11-6 9-11)
Niagol STOYANOV – Mihai BOBOCICA 0-3 (7-11 9-11 9-11)
Matteo MUTTI – Tomislav PUCAR 0-3 (7-11 8-11 8-11)
Second leg
APUANIA CARRARA – TOP SPIN MESSINA WATCHESTOGETHER 3-0
Tomislav PUCAR – Matteo MUTTI 3-0 (11-4 11-8 11-7)
Mihai BOBOCICA – Antonino AMATO 3-0 (11-7 11-5 14-12)
Andrej GACINA – Tommaso GIOVANNETTI 3-2 (11-7 11-13 11-7 8-11 11-5)