Fan circus in Bad Königshofen – Saarbrücken win 3:1

A very unusual village day, a sold-out venue, fans from all over the world – and amidst everything, Olympic champion Fan Zhendong. 1. FC Saarbrücken Tischtennis defeated TSV Bad Königshofen 3:1, putting in a strong team performance whilst also celebrating the return of their new superstar.

It is never a normal day when Bundesliga table tennis is played in the tiny village of Bad Königshofen. Helpers need to reconfigure halls and build stands so that the Shakehands Arena can meet the requirements of Germany’s top league. But what took place this weekend was beyond anything they had ever seen before. ‘It’s all Fan Zhendong’s fault’, TSV’s CEO Andreas Albert explained before the match – and he was not exaggerating.

This is because since the 28-year-old Olympic gold medallist and two-time world champion’s move to 1. FC Saarbrücken-TT, the Bundesliga has experienced a level of hype that has not been seen since the height of Timo Boll. TSV received ticket orders from Australia, New Zealand, Canada or Singapore. During the week before the match, Albert’s inbox was being filled with messages from fans in China asking about remaining tickets. More than 1,000 spectators ultimately squeezed into the hall, with additional stands built for the occasion. The Saarbrücken team even had to change hotel at the last minute as Chinese fans had learned the address, all highlighting how much Fan Zhendong has electrified things.

Saarbrücken strong in seething cauldron

For Saarbrücken, the match in Lower Franconia was more than just another away game. Firstly, it provided an opportunity to redeem themselves after their opening defeat in Bergneustadt, where the new superstar in fact lost both of his singles matches. Secondly, they wanted to bolster their aim of staying as the team to beat in Germany.

And the FCS pros delivered. Right from the outset, old-hand Patrick Franziska demonstrated that he could set the tone. Spurred on by the fans’ chants, he remained cool against a highly motivated Andre Bertelsmeier and took the match 3:0 (11:8, 11:8, 11:7). This marked the first key moment in a venue that, until that point, had had great confidence in their local hero.

And then, it was time for the man everyone was waiting for. Fan Zhendong emerged to loud shouts of ‘jiayou’ from his Chinese supporters. Right from his first singles match, he showed that he could bounce back quickly from his difficult start the previous week. Filip Zeljko was demolished in the first two sets. Although the Croatian fought back after a brief timeout to win the third set, Fan held his nerve and landed the 3:1 win. Applause exploded from all sides – Saarbrücken were leading 2:0 and Fan Zhendong was back.

Königshofen curtailed – but Fan seals the deal

The third match saw old-hand Daniel Habesohn back for another try. The Austrian defeated Saarbrücken’s Eduard Ionescu in four sets, despite failing to convert five set points in the third set. His irrepressible fighting spirit ultimately won him the sixth, setting the Shakehands Arena alight once again. Just 1:2 now – keeping hopes of a sensation alive.

And then came the duel everyone was waiting for: Andre Bertelsmeier versus Fan Zhendong. It became the emotional highlight of the evening. The 22-year-old from Königshofen played a bold, attacking game, celebrating after every point – and in fact won the second set. He had set points in the third and fourth sets, but failed to convert them. However, ultimately the Chinese player’s world class won the day: 11:9, 9:11, 15:13, 12:10 – a hard-fought 3:1 that secured the overall win for Saarbrücken.

‘I am still a little disappointed, as I had opportunities but I didn’t take advantage of them’, Bertelsmeier later said to Dyn. ‘Nevertheless, I am delighted that the fans – and the Chinese fans who made the trip – could enjoy a fantastic game. In a few hours I will be very proud of my performance too.’ These words highlight the exceptional atmosphere for this afternoon of play.

A win that sends a signal

For Saarbrücken, this 3:1 represented more than just their first win of the season: it also served as confirmation that the team can deal with the huge pressure of expectations that has come with signing Fan Zhendong. The Chinese player was back on form with two wins, Franziska confirmed his leading role, and even Ionescu’s defeat carried no weight.

TSV CEO Albert hit the nail on the head before the match: ‘Wherever we play, the venues will be packed.’ And that was the case in Bad Königshofen. A very unusual village day, a venue filled to bursting – and a Saarbrücken team that took advantage of the setting to showcase their strengths.

Wherever we play, the venues will be packed.

TSV CEO Albert

It was clear that Fan still needs some time to acclimatise. But it was equally clear that with him, Franziska, Jorgic and co. on board, 1. FCS TT are still the team to beat in Germany and Europe as a whole. The transfer has not only sparked hype in the Bundesliga, it also has the sporting potential to set new standards.