After a victory in the traditional duel, THW Kiel is hoping for its 13th triumph in the DHB Cup, and the Rhein-Neckar Löwen are also continuing to fight for their third title – the quarter-finals on Thursday brought two favorites’ victories, plus there was a cracking game between MT Melsungen and SG Flensburg-Handewitt a 30:28 thriller for Melsungen.
Record winner Kiel won its quarter-final against old champions VfL Gummersbach with 36:33 (20:20), the Dane Emil Wernsdorf Madsen was the best thrower for Kiel with eight goals. The Gummersbachers around national player Julian Köster (4 goals) fought a tough battle for a long time, but the THW is now taking part in the Final Four in Cologne for the first time.
Hard work for the lions
In 2023, the final tournament moved from Hamburg to the cathedral city, and Kiel had last won the title a year earlier. The Lions, winners in 2018 and 2023, had to do hard work in their own hall against ThSV Eisenach, but in the end they won 31:28 (15:15). Ivan Martinovic (11 goals) stood out for the team from Mannheim.
Melsungen wins after a great fight
The Bundesliga leaders from Melsungen prevailed in the last quarter-final game against SG Flensburg-Handewitt with 30:28 (14:13). As in the previous season, the Hessians are in the top four. Back then it was even enough for the final.
National player Timo Kastening was the winner’s best thrower with six goals, which took away the Flensburg team’s newfound momentum: Last weekend, the club parted ways with coach Nicolej Krickau, and two days later celebrated a remarkable victory in the top game against Füchse Berlin – The Melsungers have now prevented a real upward trend.
Balingen-Weilstetten wins the second division duel
On Wednesday, HBW Balingen-Weilstetten had already won its first Final Four ticket in the second division duel. At the HSC 2000 Coburg they scored 38:33 (30:30, 15:17) after extra time. The last place will be played later on Thursday evening in the top game between Bundesliga table leaders MT Melsungen and SG Flensburg-Handewitt. The Final Four in the Cologne Arena will take place on April 12th and 13th.