Nail-biting final: FCS TT lose to Fulda in gripping thriller
The match between TTC RhönSprudel Fulda-Maberzell and 1. FC Saarbrücken TT was a real epic: more than four hours of exciting table tennis, dramatic turnarounds and brutal duels. Ultimately, Fulda prevailed 3:2 and take a vital step towards the playoffs – which Saarbrücken will most likely miss.
Bitter defeat: Saarbrücken’s playoff dreams crushed after thriller against Fulda
It was an evening of everything that makes table tennis great: excitement, drama and spectacular rallies. But ultimately, 1. FC Saarbrücken TT were left with a bitter 2:3 defeat by TTC RhönSprudel Fulda-Maberzell, which most likely brings their playoff dreams to an end.
Do-or-die match with no happy ending
Before the match, it was clear how important it was. Team manager Nico Barrois summed it up: ‘In short: this is a do-or-die game. If we win, we are still in the running for the playoffs, if we lose, we are probably out.’ In Barrois’s view, this difficult situation is one of Saarbrücken’s own making: ‘We scored too many own goals at the end of the season to be any better off.’
This is a do-or-die game. If we win, we are still in the running for the playoffs, if we lose, we are probably out
Despite understanding the vital importance of the match, FCS TT had an incredibly unlucky start. Darko Jorgic, one of the team’s top performers, faced Cheng-Jui Kao, who proved to be unstoppable. Jorgic initially dominated the match, winning the first two sets confidently 11:6 and 11:4 and seeming on track to emerge victorious. But Kao picked himself up, saved three match points in the third set, and fought tirelessly to turn the match into a 3:2 win for Fulda. This put a harsh dampener on Saarbrücken’s hopes.
Franziska keeps Saarbrücken in play
However, there was still hope. Patrick Franziska, who had beaten Dimitrij Ovtcharov a week before in the European top-sixteen tournament, would keep Saarbrücken going. This match was a delight for table tennis fans: tempo, precision and drama at the highest level. Franziska had a better start and dominated the first set 11:4, but Ovtcharov showed his class and equalised at 12:10. This was followed by an open exchange of blows, with the Fulda player seeming sure to win at 9:6 in the deciding set. However, Franziska showed strong nerve, took a time out, played a bold, risky game – and won five points in a row. This 3:2 victory put FCS TT back in the running.
Ionescu strong – Saarbrücken take the lead
In the third singles match, Eduard Ionescu also showcased why he is one of the Saarbrücken team’s highest hopes. The young Romanian provided an exciting match against Fanbo Meng that once again went to five sets. Ionescu took a comfortable 10:3 lead in the deciding set, but Meng fought back to 10:8. Before the game could slip into additional time, Ionescu fired off a cracking forehand to score the deciding point and give Saarbrücken their first lead.
Fulda counter – the drama amps up
The fourth match between Franziska and Kao was another thriller. Franziska began strong, but Kao once again showed incredible resilience. Saarbrücken’s number one was leading the fifth set 12:11 and had a match point – but Kao saved it, played some sensational shots and won 14:12. Fulda equalised to 2:2, making the doubles match the decider.
Doubles decider – Fulda celebrate, Saarbrücken devastated
Excitement levels could barely have been higher. Jorgic/Ionescu faced Ovtcharov/Meng. This was a hard-fought match with both sides gaining sets. Saarbrücken were 8:7 ahead in the fourth set, and everything pointed towards a fifth set decider. However, Fulda turned things around to win it and the match at 11:9 – and thus secure an overall 3:2 victory. The Saarbrücken players sank disappointed into their seats, whilst Fulda celebrated what was most likely a crucial step towards the playoffs.
Playoff dreams shattered, but a season with potential
The Saarbrücken players’ disappointment after this exciting match was clear on their faces. ‘We gave everything today, but ultimately it was not enough’, was Patrick Franziska’s summary afterwards. One thing is clear: the team now only has a theoretical chance of reaching the playoffs. However, the season is not yet over, and FCS TT have shown that they can compete with the best at the highest level.
We gave everything today, but ultimately it was not enough
Patrick Franziska
The top prize may no longer be possible this season. Nevertheless, anyone who watched how the Saarbrücken players fought this evening will understand that they can still provide plenty of highlights – and have the potential to be back fighting for the top next season. And this season is by no means over: 1. FCS TT are hosting the finals of this year’s Champions League in their home venue – and also featuring as competitors.