1. FC Saarbrücken TT lose in playoff semi-finals – full attentions now on Champions League final four
1. FC Saarbrücken Tischtennis have been knocked out of the Tischtennis-Bundesliga title race. As in the first leg, the team were resoundingly defeated 0:3 in their playoff semi-final second leg against TTF Liebherr Ochsenhausen. This was a disappointment for the ambitious Saarland team, who put in a fighting performance but were unable to gain a foothold against their strong Ochsenhausen opponents. Nevertheless, they are looking optimistically to the future – and another major highlight still awaits the team in the shape of the Champions League final four.
Ochsenhausen’s coach Bogdan Pugna advised caution before their second encounter: ‘Saarbrücken are and remain very dangerous, especially as they did not tap their full potential in the first leg.’ This assessment proved true – as FCS put in a much bolder performance than at their first meeting. Nevertheless, Ochsenhausen still retained the upper hand in the second leg and secured a place in the Liebherr TTBL final with another 3:0 win.
Coach Wang Zhi made a few changes compared with the first leg in order to provide new impetus. Patrick Franziska moved into second position, whilst Eduard Ionescu replaced Yuto Muramatsu on the team. This was a bold step that had a noticeable impact, even if the desired result ultimately remained out of reach.
It was clear right from the first match that this would be an exciting afternoon of tennis. Darko Jorgic, who did not live up to his full potential in the first leg, faced Shunsuke Togami once again. Jorgic started strong and quickly took a 2:0 lead, seeming on perfect track to put Saarbrücken ahead. However, young Japanese player Togami fought back in impressive style. Jorgic fell 3:10 behind in the fourth set and began a furious battle to catch up, drew even, and even gained two match balls at 12:11 and 13:12. However, both opportunities went unrealised. He ultimately lost the set, then Togami had a better start in the fifth set and took it 11:9.
‘The first match was key’, was Simon Gauzy’s analysis afterwards in conversation with Dyn. ‘We had a lot less pressure after that.’ In fact, Jorgic’s narrow defeat seemed to put a noticeable damper on FCS, whilst Ochsenhausen played with more freedom.
In the second singles match, Patrick Franziska faced newly crowned World Cup winner Hugo Calderano. Franziska began in furious form and dominated the first set 11:3. However, Calderano demonstrated his class and experience to turn things around, leaving few opportunities for the Saarbrücken captain in the following sets. It was impressive to watch how the Brazilian controlled play and skilfully countered Franziska’s attacking attempts.
In the third singles match, Eduard Ionescu sought to keep hopes of a comeback alive. The young Romanian showed lots of courage and commitment against French national player Simon Gauzy, but was ultimately beaten in three sets. Gauzy put in a very solid, serene performance that ultimately secured the final point in what was a disappointing semi-final for Saarbrücken.
This means that 1. FC Saarbrücken TT miss out on the Liebherr TTBL final, which will now see Borussia Düsseldorf facing TTF Liebherr Ochsenhausen. For Ochsenhausen, this represents a huge opportunity for the double – after winning the cup at the beginning of the year, the team could also win the championship, as they did in 2019. However, this will require them to defeat the record champions from Düsseldorf, who will once again be giving their all.
The mood in Saarland is mixed. There is naturally huge disappointment about their semi-final exit, but they already have their sights firmly fixed on the future. Manager Nicolas Barrois summed up their mood perfectly: ‘For now, I am just happy that the season is over’, he explained after the match.
Of course, we would also have loved to have been in the final, but I think it was time for the season to end. A lot went awry this year. We will be back on the attack next year.
In fact, this year’s Bundesliga season has not gone exactly to plan for Saarbrücken. Injury problems, fluctuating form and unlucky games have made it hard for the team to consistently perform at the highest level. Nevertheless, the team still showed character and fought their way into the semi-final – a performance worthy of huge recognition given the circumstances.
In addition, FCS still have one season highlight remaining: the final four of the Champions League. This offers them an opportunity to round off the season with a title in their home venue. The stage could hardly be any bigger – 1. FC Saarbrücken Tischtennis could make history against top European teams in front of a home crowd.
Whilst other clubs are slowly heading into their summer break, FCS have one more big mission to tackle. It will be vital for them to quickly shake off their disappointment about missing out on the Bundesliga final and focus their full attentions on this top international tournament. With the right attitude, a united team performance and fan support, anything is possible for Saarbrücken.
There is no question that the bitter defeat by Ochsenhausen is painful. However, it could also be a valuable lesson – a learning experience that will make the team even stronger in the future. The Champions League now offers the perfect stage for them to demonstrate their character and prove to all their critics what this team can really achieve. 1. FC Saarbrücken TT have displayed time and again this season that they can take setbacks in their stride and come back even stronger. The task now will be to concentrate their efforts and gain a triumph that could show the season in a whole new light.