On the premiere the Champions League Men’s Final 4 brought great excitement fantastic matches and gathered the best European players and clubs all in front of 3 700 spectators over two days of matches at the Saarlandhalle in Saarbrücken. Four clubs reached the Final 4: SolexConsult TTC Wiener Neustadt TTC Neu-Ulm Borussia Düsseldorf and 1. FC Saarbrücken TT e.V. Two out of three matches ended with a 3-2 result including the fantastic final between defending champions and the new champions from Saarbrücken and the seven-time winner of the Champions League Borussia Düsseldorf. “This kind of two-day competition with semi-finals and a final is very good for the spectators as we saw already here in the first edition. Of course there is always a danger of losing a little bit of home advantage value… There were so many people in the venue and for all of us it is so much fun to play in front of so many spectators. We will be very happy if we have the Final Four again ” said Patrick FRANZISKA. On behalf of the host 1. FC Saarbrücken TT e.V. manager Nicolas BARRIOS said: “I have to say that I am very thankful that we got this event. It was a hard process but we managed it in the end. I do not want to focus now on the sport but on the organizational results: I am happy; the way the competition turned out was my goal. As Patrick said before the crowd was not only for 1. FC Saarbrücken TT e.V. We heard yesterday that Wiener Neustadt had many fans from Austria and it was the same with Neu Ulm. In the final everyone was cheering on a good point and at the crucial moments the crowd was standing up no matter for whom that point was. That has to be the goal for us in the future: to have spectators who are not only supporters of one club.” BARRIOS further explained: “We would organize this event even if Saarbrücken failed to qualify. As you remember we had a problem in the group stage with the French Pontoise the strongest team in our Group with Marcos Freitas and Korean player Lim Jonghoon. Our place was not guaranteed. But I think even without us with the strong French team we will have a great atmosphere here. This system worked fantastically. We exceeded our predictions. Despite Easter we had 4 700 tickets sold. Our desire was to reach at least 2 000 per day and we did better than planned. It showed that people are interested in a competition where 25 top players in Europe and the world gather together and play for their clubs.” Timo BOLL shortly added: “It was well-organized and the atmosphere was good. Besides our defeat everything else was fine.”

At the first-ever Champions League Final 4 4 700 spectators gathered this Easter to witness two spectacular days of table tennis at the Saarlandhalle in Saarbrücken. 1. FC Saarbrücken TT e.V. defended their title in the Champions League men in the ultimate match. The seven-time winners Borussia Düsseldorf were halted at the last hurdle after 3.5 hours of breathtaking rallies and extraordinary points. The final had many twists and turns starting with the dominance of 1. FC Saarbrücken TT e.V. who took a 2-0 lead after Darko JORGIC defeated Dang QIU and Patrick FRANZISKA overcame Anton KALLBERG. It continued with Timo BOLL changing the course of the match with a win over Yuto MURAMATSU and a superb performance by QIU against FRANZISKA. The nerve-wracking decisive match saw KALLBERG with a match ball at 2-1 and 10-8. JORGIC saved two and converted his first game point into a win to tie the score 2-2 pushing the match to a decisive game. In the last game he maintained the pressure and won 6-3. After the match Darko JORGIC said: “Everyone was expecting a tough match. I started at a top level and initially Dang did not follow suit. He raised his level a bit after the second game. He started to control the ball at the table and I made a few easy mistakes but I managed to stay calm and focused and I am proud of myself for how I handled it. In the second match against Anton it was a real rollercoaster. There were so many ups and downs from both sides. I started well but then he took the lead and had a match ball. In those moments without my team I would not have made it. They pushed me beyond my limits. They were encouraging me to fight and not to pay attention if I was up or down. I must express my gratitude for their support. We fought like a team and I am happy we brought the title here ” said JORGIC who also praised the supporters. JORGIC reflected on the very close semifinal against TT Neu Ulm which also ended in five matches. “I am so happy that we managed to deliver the victory to our crowd ” and then Darko added jokingly “Our manager told us that in case of defeat we would have to come back to the venue on Monday to sign autographs all day.” Borussia Düsseldorf were halted at the ultimate hurdle. Timo Boll said: “The whole story is hard to believe for us. For the second time in a row we are losing the final after having match point. That is really disappointing and sad. On the other hand we played at a high level until the end and 1. FC Saarbrücken TT e.V. really deserved to win. They pushed us to the limits today and we pushed them a little bit as well but in the end it all came down to one ball and it was spectacular for the spectators and for the fans ” explained Boll. Timo elaborated further: “We had a bad start and then the game changed in our favor. We started to capitalize on our chances and suddenly Saarbrücken closed it out. It is also the quality of the player to stay calm and do the right things in the crucial moments. That is what Saarbrücken did this year.” Borussia Düsseldorf’s coach Danny HEISTER gave his view. “I was in the dressing room and we spoke after the match and I said ‘OK it was only two points and anything could happened. If you made it everything will be fine and if you lost it’s all bad.’ In the two opening matches my players were not unbeatable there. Dang changed a little bit after two and a half games so the comeback was great after BOLL lost the opening game against Yuto and also Anton found his way back… there was a lot of things going on and I am happy that next week at least in Germany is the time for the nomination for the Olympics. Three players out of ten will be qualified and I hope that will take away an enormous stress from the players. Anton has the same pressure in Sweden only maybe Darko here is strong in his Slovenian team ” said HEISTER laughing. “As a coach I wished I had all my players preparing for this event in Düsseldorf.” Patrick FRANZISKA said: “I played at a good level in both matches in the final and I am happy with my performance throughout the whole tournament. Against Anton I lost in the German Cup quite easily 0-3 so I watched a lot of videos to be prepared. I played tactically better with greater confidence and an aggressive approach and he could not play as many forehands as he usually does. Against Dang I started the same way as against Anton; he was a bit passive and then he changed and reached a very high level. I struggled with his empty slow service; I could not adapt very well. He played an untypical game for him much more aggressive. Usually he plays very safe and does not risk. I eventually have to accept my defeat. However I know that Darko can pull out a fantastic match when it is 2-2.”

In a fantastic and ecstatic atmosphere in front of 2 450 spectators at the Saarlandhalle in Saarbrücken FC Saarbrücken TT e.V. defended the title in the Champions League men in the ultimate match at the first-ever Final 4. The seven-time winners Borussia Düsseldorf were halted after 3.5 hours of breathtaking rallies and extraordinary points. Borussia Düsseldorf – 1. FC Saarbrücken TT e.V. 2-3 Dang QIU – Darko JORGIC 1-3 (9-11 4-11 11-6 11-13) After a close finish in the opening game Darko JORGIC shifted into another gear at the beginning of the next winning it without any due alarm. With precise serving QIU propelled himself back into the match winning the third game in furious style with a 10-2 lead before eventually sealing the game at 11-6. The fourth game brought big drama. JORGIC took a 6-2 lead but QIU closed in at 5-6 prompting Saarbrücken coach Wang Zhi to call for a timeout. Darko scored the next two points but QIU kept reducing the gap until it was tied at 10-10. QIU then took the lead at 11-10 but the last three points went to JORGIC’S account. “It is always important to gain an advantage at the start of the match. The pressure was high but I started really well. In the opening two games I was dominant but then QIU raised his game. Again I had a better start in the fourth game. QIU came close and put a lot of pressure but I gave my best to avoid the fifth game and the sudden-death finish. I was thinking ‘I do not want that stress; it is too much ‘” said JORGIC. Anton KALLBERG – Patrick FRANZISKA 0-3 (1-11 8-11 6-11) The opening game was a one-man show. Franziska sealed it very quickly. KALLBERG managed to come back in the second game but he wasn’t strong enough to stop Patrick who continued to dominate. It was in the third game when Anton launched his attack. He took a 5-1 lead but failed to maintain control. Patrick recovered and built a 7-5 lead pushing for victory which he secured at 11-6. “I was confident but that’s what we have to be. We are defending our title here and we have to give our best ” said FRANZISKA. “At the beginning it was amazing; I put every ball on the table. On the other side Anton made a few easy mistakes. The coach warned me to calm down to stay focused. I had to work on each ball.”   Timo BOLL – Yuto MURAMATSU 3-1 (8-11 11-8 11-8 11-6) Yuto MURAMATSU had a better start but Timo BOLL kept his patience to overcome Yuto’s defensive skills in the next game. In the same rhythm alongside his patience Timo did not lose his precision. The player with the record number of titles at the European Championships kept Borussia Düsseldorf in the game. “I am so tired. I feel my edge. Yuto is a player with so many great variations in his defensive style. I knew it would not be easy especially since it has been a while since I played against a defender. On the other hand there was only one option for me – to win this match. It took some time for me to get the feeling and to get into the rhythm ” said BOLL. Dang QIU – Patrick FRANZISKA 3-1 (6-11 11-7 11-8 11-7) Focused and lethally precise FRANZISKA left QIU few options with his good service and returns. The opening game went quickly but in the next one Dang put greater pressure on Patrick and nullified his advantage. The nerve-wracking game went point by point in the first half of the third game but from 5-5 QIU took control. He had a game point at 10-5 but Franziska recovered to win the next three points. At 10-8 coach Danny HEISTER called for a timeout. Upon returning to the table QIU sealed the second game. The fourth game was closely contested; FRANZISKA had a chance and a lead at 7-5 but Qiu won the next six points in a row. “This is unbelievable. The atmosphere is electrified. This is everything every athlete could desire – a fantastic atmosphere and a great battle until the very end. Fifth match in the final of the Champions League ” said QIU. Anton KALLBERG – Darko JORGIC 2-3 (8-11 11-5 11-8 10-12 3-6) The opening game went to JORGIC but in the next KALLBERG was in control. The Swede maintained the pressure to win the close third game in which he had an advantage from the beginning. In the fourth game the pressure brought out the best from both players. The advantage shifted from one side to another before KALLBERG gained a match ball at 10-8. JORGIC saved two and converted his first into the win to tie the score 2-2 pushing the match to a decisive game. In the last game he took an early lead and closed out the match. “We would not have made it without the help of these fantastic supporters. I would not have made it without the great support from the team. It was a tough match. We were up 2-1 when everything turned. To win with a two-point difference at the end of the fifth game of the fifth match is amazing ” said JORGIC.

In the final of the first Final 4 in the Champions League Men Borussia Düsseldorf will meet 1. FC Saarbrücken TT. On the opening day the fantastic event gathered around 2 200 spectators in the Saarlandhalle in Saarbrücken. In the first semifinal played today Borussia Düsseldorf beat SolexConsult TT Wiener Neustadt 3-0 while in the second 1. FC Saarbrücken TT overcame TTC Neu Ulm 3-2. Tension mounted as the importance of the match created nervous moments. Ivor BAN had a better start against the World’s No. 14 Anton KALLBERG. He won the opening game by a narrow margin and maintained control fpr a lead in the second game. It seemed that after being tied at 3-3 6-6 and 8-8 KALLBERG found his rhythm but BAN pushed him into making mistakes forcing Borussia Düsseldorf coach Dany HEISTER to call for a timeout at match point for Croatia’s player. BAN was not to be distracted. He sealed the match immediately upon returning to the table. “I am speechless. I did not expect this. I came here to play my best table tennis. It helped that we are here without stress. We are underdogs and we have nothing to lose. Also we have great supporters who have come a long way to be with us; they make us strong ” said BAN. Ranked world No. 10 and positioned at number three in Borussia Düsseldorf’s lineup today Dang QIU was in the fast lane for the opening game in the match against Aleksandr KHANIN but the second game was much closer. KHANIN had a 7-4 lead and QIU recovered to level and win the second game. The third game was a one-way street with QIU on his way to bringing a 2-1 lead to Borussia Düsseldorf. “Everyone knows how important it is to win this match after being tied at 1-1 and I am happy that I helped the team. Solex Consult TTC Wiener Neustadt came in as underdogs but nothing is guaranteed. They fought hard and we have to play at a high level against them ” said QIU. Solex Consult TTC Wiener Neustadt – Borussia Düsseldorf 1-3 The seven-time Champions League winners commenced the opening semi-final with Timo BOLL’S victory over Frane KOJIC. The 250-gap at the World Rankings speaks volumes and the record European Champions sealed the deal in three straight games. Kojic managed to put pressure on BOLL only in the third game where he created a lead at 9-5 but Boll recovered to level and seal the match. “I am satisfied with my win. At one point it was a close call between losing and winning the game. For sure KOJIC made me play my best table tennis and I am happy with my win. I had two weeks to prepare for the Final 4; I am confident fit and healthy. I am looking forward to the next game and hopefully the final tomorrow ” said BOLL. On his second appearance at the table Anton KALLBERG faced Frane KOJIC. After a closely contested win in the opening game KALLBERG shifted gears and surged to a 10-5 lead. Although KOJIC saved three game balls KALLBERG eventually closed out the game. The third game was tight but KALLBERG kept his composure and emerged victorious. “I can’t say I’m entirely happy with my performance in the opening match but it’s good that I had the opportunity to win the second match. I went outside and did a few sprints to speed up myself. The fresh air helped. I hope I can carry this feeling into tomorrow’s final. QIU played superbly today ” said KALLBERG. “I can’t say whom I prefer in the final because it usually works against you in the end you end up losing against your ‘favorite’.” Frane KOJIC – Timo BOLL 0-3 (5-11 5-11 9-11) Ivor BAN – Anton KALLBERG 3-0 (13-11 11-9 11-9) Aleksandr KHANIN – Dang QIU 0-3 (7-11 8-11 5-11) Frane KOJIC – Anton KALLBERG 0-3 (9-11 8-11 11-13) TTC Neu-Ulm – 1. FC Saarbrücken TT e.V. 2-3 The clash between the world’s No. 20 Truls MOREGARD and No. 15 Darko JORGIC ignited fireworks at the very beginning of the duel between TTC Neu-Ulm and the reigning champions 1. FC Saarbrücken TT e.V. JORGIC took the lead from the start and had a game point at 10-9 but MOREGARD nullified Darko’s lead and won the opening game 12-10. In the second game both players struggled to find their rhythm but the Swede was always a step ahead forcing Darko to play catch-up. The pressure took its toll. In the third game JORGIC had a 4-1 lead but MOREGARD regained control for a 5-4 lead. Saarbrücken called for a timeout and JORGIC returned but not for long. Darko struggled with his service return but in a great recovery from 6-9 down the Slovenian won the game 13-11. MOREGARD didn’t lose steam and won the fourth game to give TT Neu Ulm the lead. “Every point is crucial when I play against Darko Jorgic. We were both nervous in the beginning and in the close games I managed to steal the opening game while Darko did the same in the third game. The best table tennis was seen in the fourth one ” explained MOREGARD. “We have played against each other so many times and the loss in the Top 16 inflicted a lot of pain on me. I wanted revenge. In addition this is the last dance for TTC Neu-Ulm and we want the trophy with all our hearts.” In the second duel Patrick FRANZISKA took control from the beginning and won the opening game against Dimitrij OVTCHAROV in superb style. OVTCHAROV put more pressure in the second game and FRANZISKA responded. In the third game OVTCHAROV had an early lead of 4-2 before Patrick turned the course of the game to 5-4. He maintained the winning mode and won the match in straight games. “Dimitrij and I know each other very well. He is the

For all those unable to attend the Final 4 in person the matches will be broadcast live via ettu.tv except in some specific countries due to exclusive broadcasting agreements.  Please refer to the list of channels below for viewing options in your country: France (DROM-COM) Monaco Andorra and Mauritius at L’Eqipue live 2: L’equipe   Germany Austria Switzerland: Sportdeutschland.tv   Armenia Azerbaijan Belarus Georgia Kazakhstan Kirgizstan Moldova Russia Tajikistan Turkmenistan Ukraine and Uzbekistan: V Broadcasting

The inaugural Champions League Men’s Final 4 kicks off today with the first semifinal match between Borussia Düsseldorf and SolexConsult TT Wiener Neustadt at 13:00 CET followed by the second match between 1. FC Saarbrücken TT and TTC Neu Ulm at 17:00 CET. The final is scheduled for April 1st. On their path to the Final 4 the reigning champions triumphed over Czechia’s SKST Tesla Batteries Havirov and France’s AS Pontoise Cergy. This season in the Champions League the club from Saarland remains undefeated with Patrick FRANZISKA and Darko JORGIC yet to lose an individual match. “I’m feeling pretty good. My body is healthy and fresh. I can’t say it’s entirely normal after so many tournaments but right now I feel quite good. I’m very much looking forward to the start of the Final 4 ” said FRANZISKA. Franziska competed at the WTT Champions Incheon before returning to Saarbrücken. “I’m eagerly anticipating the start of the Final 4. It’s a unique tournament and a very special one especially as we are the hosts of the first edition. Additionally we are defending our title so there are many reasons why this event is significant for us. We aim to showcase our capabilities to everyone in our hometown. I believe we will receive great support and hopefully it will be an amazing event ” FRANZISKA promised.

Borussia Düsseldorf a club steeped in success and a cornerstone of European table tennis history will aim to further solidify their legacy this Easter. The seven-time Champions League winners are poised to compete for another trophy at the inaugural Final Four set to take place at Saarlandhalle in Saarbrücken. On Easter Sunday March 31st the semi-final matches will unfold followed by the final on Easter Monday April 1st. In the semi-final Borussia Düsseldorf will face Austria’s SolexConsult TT Wiener Neustadt. Since 1960 the club has secured historic triples (Champions League German team championship German Cup) in 2010 a feat they repeated in 2011 2018 and 2021. Borussia Düsseldorf boasts notable stars including European champion and current World No. 10 Dang QIU as well as record European title winner Timo BOLL (currently ranked 26th in the world). BOLL recently advanced to the quarterfinals of the Singapore Smash 2024 where he defeated China’s LIN Shidong ranked 13th in the world along with his club mate Anton KALLBERG ranked 14th globally. Commenting on the prospects at the Final 4 BOLL expressed his expectations stating:  “I anticipate a closely contested event. Saarbrücken Neu-Ulm and ourselves are undoubtedly the favorites. The outcome will hinge on the players’ form on the day. It’s sure to be thrilling and we’re eagerly anticipating it. If it’s anything like last year then the spectators in particular are in for an exciting spectacle.” Danny HEISTER Head Coach of Borussia Düsseldorf added: “Naturally we expect to emerge victorious in the semi-final. However in the end it will depend on the players’ performances and everyone must deliver their best. Then we certainly stand a chance of clinching the title. Nevertheless Saarbrücken and Neu-Ulm pose formidable challenges. Any one of us could emerge triumphant.” For all those unable to attend the Final 4 in person the matches will be broadcast live via ettu.tv except in some specific countries due to exclusive broadcasting agreements.  Please refer to the list of channels below for viewing options in your country: France (DROM-COM) Monaco Andorra and Mauritius at L’Eqipue live 2: L’equipe   Germany Austria Switzerland: Sportdeutschland.tv   Armenia Azerbaijan Belarus Georgia Kazakhstan Kirgizstan Moldova Russia Tajikistan Turkmenistan Ukraine and Uzbekistan: V Broadcasting

In a thrilling second leg match last April 1. FC Saarbrücken TT triumphed in Düsseldorf securing the decisive Golden Match in the final and claiming their maiden Champions League title. Now nearly a year later the Saarland team is poised to vie for the coveted trophy once more in the inaugural Final 4 tournament on their home soil. The Champions League Men’s Final 4 set for March 30th and April 1st in Saarbrücken promises intense showdowns as Borussia Düsseldorf clashes with SolexConsult TT Wiener Neustadt and FC Saarbrücken TT takes on TTC Neu Ulm in the semi-final stage on opening day. Ahead of the Final 4 many participants honed their skills at the WTT Champions Incheon including Slovenia’s Darko JORGIC currently ranked 15th in the world. Reflecting on his form JORGIC shared:  “I’m very pleased with my current form; securing a crucial victory against Liam PITCHFORD at the start of the tournament in Korea was significant.” JORGIC expressed his excitement about competing in the Final 4 in Saarbrücken: “On Sunday we’ll take on TTC Neu Ulm. The victory holds immense importance for us. We’re thrilled to play such a prestigious tournament in front of our supporters. It’s a significant occasion for Saarbrücken to host this event.” Though the venue differs from their usual Bundesliga matches JORGIC emphasized “Our fans will be there to support us.” TTC Neu Ulm boasts stars like world number 11 Dimitrij OVTCHAROV and number 20 Truls MOREGARDH both competing in Korea this week. JORGIC acknowledged the challenge remarking:  “Facing OVTCHAROV MOREGARDH Quadri ARUNA… they’re top-tier players. We must bring our A-game to reach the final. In the other semi-final Borussia Düsseldorf is the clear favorite against SolexConsult TT Wiener Neustadt. We aim to defend our title showcasing the same spirit and prowess as last year. Retaining the title is tougher but we’ll fight with everything we have ” assured Darko JORGIC. For all those unable to attend the Final 4 in person the matches will be broadcast live via ettu.tv except in some specific countries due to exclusive broadcasting agreements.  Please refer to the list of channels below for viewing options in your country: France (DROM-COM) Monaco Andorra and Mauritius at L’Eqipue live 2: L’equipe   Germany Austria Switzerland: Sportdeutschland.tv   Armenia Azerbaijan Belarus Georgia Kazakhstan Kirgizstan Moldova Russia Tajikistan Turkmenistan Ukraine and Uzbekistan: V Broadcasting