[ELIAS]

ETTU: Borussia Düsseldorf book the place in the ultimate stage of the Final 4

The first-ever Final 4 in the Champions League Men kicked off today at the Saarlandhalle in Saarbrücken. Borussia Düsseldorf beat SolexConsult TT Wiener Neustadt in the opening penultimate match. In the second semi-final, reigning champions 1. FC Saarbrücken TT will meet TTC Neu Ulm. The final is scheduled for April 1st.

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.

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.

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'."