Overview

• The Olympic champion dropped both singles on debut, losing 2:3 to Romain Ruiz and 1:3 to Benedikt Duda.
• Saarbrücken, the reigning Champions League winner, lost the home opener 1:3 to TTC Schwalbe Bergneustadt.
• Fan led Ruiz two sets to one before the match turned in the final two games, according to AFP.
• The Joachim-Deckarm-Halle was sold out after heavy ticket demand, including interest from Chinese supporters.
• Fan stepped away from international tournaments following an ITTF dispute, and Saarbrücken next visits TSV Bad Königshofen on Saturday.