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Post SV Mühlhausen narrowly defeated TTC OE Clarity-Telefonie Systeme Bad Homburg on the 16th match day of the Table Tennis Bundesliga (TTBL). In a match that remained open until the final doubles, the Thuringians prevailed 3:2 and collected two important points in the tight mid-table.

The opening match between Jo Yokotani and Ovidiu Ionescu developed into a high-class and dramatic contest. Yokotani won the first two sets by the narrowest of margins, but failed to convert two match points in the third. Ionescu took full advantage of this weak phase, turned the match around and secured the first point for Bad Königshofen with 14:12, 14:12, 10:12, 6:11 and 2:11. It was a bitter defeat for Yokotani, which shaped the course of the match early on.

Ban equalizes against Stumper

Ivor Ban immediately equalized. Although the Bad Homburg player lost the second set to Kay Stumper, he went on to dominate the remaining sets. With a clear 3:1 victory, Ban brought the score to 1:1 and got his team back into the game.

But Bad Königshofen struck back promptly: Csaba Andras put the visitors back in the lead. Against Marcos Freitas, the Hungarian improved significantly after losing the opening set, playing variably and patiently to win 10-12, 11-9, 11-6, and 11-8. For Dortmund, this meant falling behind again, which increased the pressure ahead of the fourth singles match.

Kay Stumper took advantage of this situation, presenting himself much more consistently in his second match. The national player didn't give Juan Perez a chance, winning confidently in three sets with 2:11, 8:11, and 8:11.

Ionescu/Freitas score for Mühlhausen

In the final doubles match, Ovidiu Ionescu and Marcos Freitas showed all their experience. The Mühlhausen pair prevailed against Ivor Ban and Csaba Andras in three close sets to seal a 3-2 away victory.

Kay Stumper expressed his relief after the match: “It's good that we were able to beat Bad Homburg twice this season. We've lost 2:3 several times, so the two points today were very important for us.”

The 16th match day promises more excitement

Two more matches are scheduled for Tuesday: At 6:30 p.m., league leaders Borussia Düsseldorf will host ASC Grünwettersbach. Düsseldorf will be looking to maintain their lead at the top of the table and take another step towards the Liebherr TTBL Final Four. At the same time, Grünwettersbach will be fighting for every point in the relegation battle. At the same time, the match between 1. FC Saarbrücken TT and TTC Zugbrücke Grenzau will begin. The Saarland team wants to consolidate its position in the top four with a win, while Grenzau continues to fight to stay in the league.

On Wednesday, the eagerly awaited top match between SV Werder Bremen and TTF Liebherr Ochsenhausen will take place. Both teams are still in the running for the semi-final spots, which is why a win could be decisive for the top of the table or for keeping up with the leaders. At the same time, TTC RhönSprudel Fulda-Maberzell will face TTC Schwalbe Bergneustadt. For Fulda, it's all about getting back on track, while Bergneustadt wants to defend its strong position in the top four.

The 16th match day at a glance

TTC OE Clarity-Telefonie Systeme Bad Homburg – Post SV Mühlhausen 2:3

Jo Yokotani – Ovidiu Ionescu 2:3 (14:12, 14:12, 10:12, 6:11, 2:11)
Ivor Ban - Kay Stumper 3:11 (11:5, 2:11, 11:4, 11:1)
Csaba Andras – Marcos Freitas 3:1 (10 :12, 11:9, 11:6, 11:8)
Juan Perez – Kay Stumper 0:3 (2:11, 8:11, 8:11)
Ivor Ban / Csaba Andras - Ovidiu Ionescu / Marcos Freitas 0:3 (11:13, 7:11, 8:11)

Borussia Dortmund – TSV Bad Königshofen 1:3
Anders Lind – Bastian Steger 3:1 (7:11, 11:8, 11:7, 11:9)
Adam Szudi – Xue Fei 1:3 (11:6, 5:11, 5:11, 5:11)
Kristian Karlsson – Andre Bertelsmeier 1:3 (7:11, 11:8, 8:11, 10:12)
Anders Lind - Xue Fei 0:3 (7:11, 7:11, 7:11)

Tuesday, February 10
6:30 p.m.: Borussia Düsseldorf – ASC Grünwettersbach
7 p.m.: 1. FC Saarbrücken TT – TTC Zugbrücke Grenzau

Wednesday, February 11
6:30 p.m.: SV Werder Bremen – TTF Liebherr Ochsenhausen
7:00 p.m.: TTC RhönSprudel Fulda-Maberzell – TTC Schwalbe Bergneustadt

All matches will be broadcast live on Dyn.

The current table for the Table Tennis Bundesliga (TTBL) can be found here.

Featured image: Kay Stumper from Post SV Mühlhausen (photo: Christian Habel).