Refrath Stuns Wittorf in Bundesliga Upset
The TV Refrath achieved a remarkable victory, defeating last season’s runner-up Wittorf in a stunning home match. Despite missing five key players – including fabian Roth, sidelined by a meniscus tear – Refrath secured a decisive win.
“The fact that we won this game borders on a miracle. This happens really rarely under thes conditions,” said Refrath coach Heinz Kelzenberg. Jan Colin Volker, Miranda Wilson, and Selin Hübsch were also unavailable due to health issues, while Malik Bourakkadi competed in a tournament in Poland. Wittorf, conversely, fielded a nearly complete lineup.
“Our team showed so much spirit, that was insane,” Kelzenberg added. Leona Michalski and Florentine Schöffski rallied from a 1-2 set deficit to win their doubles match, and Schöffski secured a three-set victory in her individual match.
Alex Green, ranked 54th in the world in doubles and formerly of SG Schorndorf, also performed strongly. Though he and David kim lost a close doubles match in five sets,Green and Leona Michalski prevailed in their mixed doubles match,also in five sets.
David Kim won a thrilling men’s singles match that extended to the maximum sentence length. Marcello Kausemann and Brian Holtschke, in Kausemann’s debut as a regular Bundesliga player, put up a strong fight in men’s doubles, though they ultimately lost.
The victory was sealed when Brian Holtschke defeated Hansen, bringing the final score to 4-2 and ensuring Wittorf left empty-handed.
