Confident win for 1. FC Saarbrücken Tischtennis
With a 3:1 away win against TTC RhönSprudel Fulda-Maberzell, 1. FC Saarbrücken-TT have provided an impressive reminder of their Tischtennis Bundesliga ambitions. Even without superstar Fan Zhendong, the reigning Champions League winners still prevailed in a top-quality duel – thanks to an astonishing Patrick Franziska and the strong nerves of Darko Jorgic.
In a top fixture on the fourth day of Tischtennis Bundesliga (TTBL) play, 1. FC Saarbrücken-TT showcased their ambitions in impressive form. The Saarland team defeated TTC RhönSprudel Fulda-Maberzell 3:1 on Monday evening, putting them at the top of the table (at least for a day). Although neither team had their top lineup, Patrick Franziska in particular put in a brilliant performance to turn things around in the Hubtex Arena.
However, the evening began with a sensation for the home team: substitute Ruwen Filus, who stepped in for an ill Dimitrij Ovtcharov, provided a real thriller of a match against Eduard Ionescu. The spectators in the sold-out venue buoyed up the defensive stalwart, who ultimately prevailed 11:9 in the deciding set. Fulda were leading 1:0, creating an early wave of euphoria among the spectators.
Saarbrücken promptly responded in the form of Patrick Franziska. The national player faced Fanbo Meng, who put in a bold performance against the world number 17 and took the second set. However, Franziska clearly took control of the following sets, playing a brilliant serve-and-return game and taking the third and fourth sets 11:2 and 11:4. The overall match score was back at level-pegging and Franziska had made his first mark.
The third singles match between Darko Jorgic and Jonathan Groth became the crunch point. The Dane dominated the first set (11:5) and took a 9:6 lead in the second, making him seem like the sure-fire winner. However, Jorgic fought his way back, turned the set around to a 11:9 win and grasped the momentum. From there onwards, the Slovenian took control of the match, winning the next two sets 11:8 to set up hopes of an away victory.
The fourth singles match was a variation of the first: Ruwen Filus versus Patrick Franziska. However, the difference from Ionescu was striking. Franziska did not allow the defensive player any opportunities, dominated with varied topspin shots, and was punchy and precise. The experienced player scored 11:8, 11:7 and 11:3 to bring the match to an end and secure overall victory for his team.
Today’s win was hugely important for us
Franziska said after the match. ‘Any team can beat any other in this league. After our opening match against Bergneustadt, we wanted to show that we are ready for the top end of the table.’ In fact, this success makes FCS-TT the table leader, although there are four other teams equal on points – their set difference is giving them the edge.
For Fulda, this was an evening of missed opportunities. Filus’s opening win appeared to have spurred the home team on, but Meng and Groth were unable to bring their wins home. ‘Fanbo should have won the first set, and then we could have been 2:0 up’, was president Stefan Frauenholz’s analysis. ‘But ultimately, it was not enough against a stronger opponent. Nevertheless, none of the spectators will regret having come.’
Fulda are now in the middle of the table with 4:4 points. Despite this defeat, the East Hesse team still have lots of positive aspects to take away, especially the atmosphere in the hall and Filus’s strong performance. ‘That was a big game, and the hall was on fire’, Frauenholz noted.
Saarbrücken, on the other hand, have found their form. Even without Chinese superstar Fan Zhendong, the squad of Franziska, Jorgic and Ionescu demonstrated huge quality and, above all, depth. The combination of experience and youthful abandon seems to be working.
5 October brings another away challenge for FCS-TT : they are facing ambitious team SV Werder Bremen, who are also sitting in the top half of the table. As Franziska put it:
We must not rest on our laurels after this win. The league is extremely evenly matched and every point could be vital.
After a rather stuttering start against Bergneustadt, Saarbrücken now seem to have fully regained their rhythm. Two defeats of Dortmund, a win in Fulda – FCS-TT are showing that they are a serious title and final four contender once again this season.