BY ADEYEMI ROBINSON-ADEFIOYE, LAGOS
The TTC RhönSprudel Fulda-Maberzell celebrated a successful home start into the new season of the TableTennis Bundesliga (TTBL).
After the defeat against Bad Königshofen on matchday one, the TTC prevailed 3-2 against Werder Bremen in a real thriller at home.
After two lost singles from Ruwen Filus, newcomers Quadri Aruna and Fan Bo Meng brought home victory in the final doubles.
Especially the young Fan Bo Meng had a really creamy day. The son of the coach Qing Yu Meng only defeated the vice world champion of 2019, Mattias Falck, in the singles and then dominated the strongest double of the previous season Aguirre / Szöcs with 3-0 with his partner Quadri Aruna in the final doubles.
“I’m particularly happy for him. He’s a hard worker whose will is now paying off,” said TTC Vice President Claus-Dieter Schad.
In addition to Meng, newcomer Quadri Aruna also impressed. He won his singles against Szöcs quite confidently with 3: 0 and in doubles with his dangerous serves repeatedly caused quick setbacks for the Bremen duo.
“It looks like he’s now fully in the Bundesliga,” says a delighted Schad.
Only Ruwen Filus is currently causing concern. The defensive specialist lost both singles and broke again, especially in the first duel against Kirill Gerassimenko after leading the set, as in the first game of the season in Bad Königshofen.
“He hasn’t found his top form yet, but he knows that too. A defensive player like him needs the necessary preparation time and lots of training sessions. He’s on the right track,” said Schad.
His two defeats were ironed out today by his two colleagues.
If Filus had won his first individual, in the end it would have been a safe 3-0 win. So Schad and the other fans in the hall had to tremble until the end.
“It doesn’t always have to be that exciting, it’s not good for the nerves,
” he says with a laugh. But it is also clear, should Filus get in shape and Meng and Aruna continue to perform, nothing stands in the way of a successful season for the TTC.
THE STATISTICS OF THE GAME:
Ruwen Filus – Kirill Gerassimenko 1: 3 (11: 3, 11:13, 12:14, 9:11).
Fan Bo Meng – Mattias Falck 3: 1 (8:11, 11: 5, 11: 3, 11: 5).
Quadri Aruna – Hunor Szöcs 3: 0 (11: 9, 11: 9, 11: 5).
Ruwen Filus – Mattias Falck 0: 3 (8:11, 7:11, 12:14).
Aruna / Meng – Aguirre / Szöcs 3: 0 (12:10, 12:10, 11: 7)
