Brazil versus Germany: These are the final pairings at the IFA World Tour Finals 2023 in Curitiba. With TV Jahn Schneverdingen and Duque de Caxias Curitiba in the women’s final and TSV Pfungstadt and SG Novo Hamburgo in the men’s final, one European and one South American team each made it to the final.

Men

It is a real dominance with which TSV Pfungstadt marches through the World Tour Finals in Curitiba. Without losing a set, the defending champions had already completed the preliminary round and also in the semifinals opponent Union Tigers Vöcklabruck had no chance to knock down the team from Germany. With 3:0 (11:7, 11:4, 11:8) Pfungstadt won again without losing a set and thus goes into the final as the favorite. Their opponents will be SG Novo Hamburgo, as in the previous year. The team won the Brazilian semifinal against Duque de Caxias also with 3:0 (11:4, 11:6, 15:14). Duque had lost to Pfungstadt in the final group match in the morning – but benefited from the parallel defeat of Sogipa Porto Alegre against Clube Mercês. The final will start at 4:45 p.m. local time on Sunday. Already at 1.30 p.m. Union Tigers Vöcklabruck and Duque de Caxias will play for the bronze medal.

In the Duque de Caxias Cup, held for the third and fourth placed teams of the preliminary groups, the two Austrian teams DSG UKJ Froschberg and UFG Grieskirchen/Pötting reached the final – equivalent to the match for fifth place. Froschberg beat SOGIPA Porto Alegre in three sets (11:8, 11:9, 11:5) in the match. Grieskirchen turned a 0:2 deficit into a 3:2 victory against Clube Mercês. The match will start at 9 a.m., as will the match between SOGIPA and Mercês in the seventh-place match.

Results Men

Women

They were very close to “preliminary round elimination” – but now Duque de Caxias is in the final of the women’s competition. After the strong victory on Friday against TV Jahn Schneverdingen, the Brazilians followed it up with another win against Union Nussbach (Austria). Cheered on by the home fans, Duque won the match 3:1 (11:4, 3:11, 11:6, 11:8) in the end after an intermediate 1:1 and celebrated their entry into the final. After gold (2018), bronze (2019) and silver (2022), it is already certain that the team will win another medal. Opponent in the final will be Schneverdingen again. TV Jahn prevailed in a thrilling semifinal against German rival TSV Dennach (11:9, 8:11, 13:11, 11:7). This means that the two teams will meet again at 3 p.m. in Curitiba. The bronze medal match between Nussbach and Dennach is scheduled for 12:00.

Before that, the four other teams in the competition are scheduled to play. ASKÖ Seekirchen (Austria) qualified for the fifth-place match with a 3:1 (11:9, 6:11, 11:9, 11:5) victory over SG Novo Hamburgo. Here the Austrians will meet last year’s winner, Sogipa Cargo Way, who after finishing third in the preliminary round now won against Clube Mercês (14:12, 11:5, 11:8). The matches for fifth and seventh place will kick off at 10:30 a.m. each.

Results Women

The first two days of the IFA World Tour Finals 2023 in Curitiba (Brazil) were very exciting. In the two preliminary round groups of the women the decisions about the next round were made only in the last second. In the men’s competition, the matches on Saturday also promise a lot of excitement.

Women

In the Claus J. Süffert group, TSV Dennach turned up the heat in the last two games. After a 2-3 opening defeat to SOGIPA, the European champions beat SG Novo Hamburgo (3-0) on Thursday night and also beat Union Nussbach (3-1) in the final group match. The Austrians were the second team to make it to the semifinals. Key to this were Thursday’s wins over Novo Hamburgo (3-0) and SOGIPA (3-0). Last year’s winners, SOGIPA, will not be able to defend their title. After the two defeats in the opener, the 3:1 against Novo Hamburgo was not enough to still qualify for the semifinals.

It was even more exciting in the Lothar G. Jaehnert group. Last year’s finalist Duque de Caxias managed to qualify for the semifinals at the last second. After the opening defeat against ASKÖ Seekirchen (1:3) the Brazilians celebrated a victory against Clube Mercês (3:0) and won with a strong performance also against TV Jahn Schneverdingen (3:0) and thus secured first place in the group. After winning against Mercês (3:0) and Seekirchen (3:0), Schneverdingen gave away the group victory with this defeat and became second. Seekirchen finished the group stage – despite winning the last match against Mercês – on third place.

Results Women

So there will be a German-German semi-final between TSV Dennach and TV Jahn Schneverdingen on Saturday. The second semi-final will be played by Duque de Caxias and Union Nussbach. The third and fourth placed teams will play their semi-final matches in the Duque de Caxias Cup.

Men

Decisions in the men’s preliminary groups will not be made until Saturday morning. Defending champion TSV Pfungstadt (Germany) won both matches against SOGIPA and Clube Mercês 3:0 each in the Jorge “Baica” Schör group and is in first place. The team will face Duque de Caxias on Saturday for the final match. The host won the opener against Mercês (3:1), but lost on Friday in the Brazilian duel against SOGIPA (2:3), who thus celebrated their first victory and still have the chance to pass Duque with a win in the last match against Mercês (1 point).

The situation is similarly exciting ahead of the last two games in the Victor Hugo Körbes group. The current leader with six points is SG Novo Hamburgo, who won against DSG UKJ Froschberg (3:1) and Union Tigers Vöcklabruck (3:0). Froschberg is in second place thanks to the set win, as they won their match against UFG Grieskirchen/Pötting the same way (3:2) as Vöcklabruck (3:0). They will now meet in a direct battle on Saturday and will decide the second semi-finalist of the group among themselves.

Results Men

Within the framework of the World Tour Finals, the International Fistball Association is testing a new scoring system in the preliminary round groups. Whereas in previous matches the winner received two points, now every set won will be counted as a point. The aim is to increase the importance of each individual set.

The Men’s and Women’s World Tour Finals will be held in Brazil for the second time in a row. From October 19 to 22, the best club teams in the world will meet in Curitiba.

It was a sporting spectacle that the men’s and women’s fistballers celebrated in Curitiba, Brazil, last autumn after the Corona pandemic. After two cancelled events, the best club teams in the world met again – and delivered top sports performances. In 2023, the top eight men’s and women’s clubs will return to Curitiba from October 19-22 for the fourth World Tour Finals in history.

The two defending champions Sogipa/Cargo Way (women) and TSV Pfungstadt (men) will also be taking part in the four days of competition. They will first have to compete in one of the two preliminary groups, from which only the two best teams will remain in the title race and make it to the semifinals. The World Tour Finals will be the last event of the International Fistball Association’s in 2023.

The women of Sogipa from Porto Alegre, just Brazilian champions, not only won the title at the 2022 World Tour Finals, but also claimed first place in last year’s World Tour. Not surprisingly, they are among the top favorites for the title this year as well. In the preliminary round, the team will face SG Novo Hamburgo (Brazil/5th World Tour), TSV Dennach (Germany/2nd World Tour) and Union Nussbach (Austria/7th World Tour). All four teams have also qualified for the three previous World Tour Finals. Group B is different: Here last year’s finalist Clube Duque de Caxias (Brazil/6th World Tour) would like to win a medal as they did in the previous three events. Opponents are TV Jahn Schneverdingen (winner Champions Cup Europe 2022), bronze medal winner 2022, as well as the two newcomers Askö Seekirchen (Austria/3rd World Tour) and Clube Mercês (Brazil/9th World Tour).

In the men’s competition, TSV Pfungstadt from Germany is not only the winner of the last two events, but also one of the favorites in 2023. In the preliminary round, the team will face a Brazilian trio of Clube Mercês (6th World Tour), Sogipa Porto Alegre (2nd World Tour) and Duque de Caxias (5th World Tour). Last year’s finalist SG Novo Hamburgo completes the four Brazilian teams. In its preliminary group, the team will face the three Austrian representatives Union Tigers Vöcklabruck (Champions Cup Europe winner), DSG UKJ Froschberg (3rd World Tour) and UFG Grieskirchen/Pötting (4th World Tour).

For the men’s and women’s competition, the preliminary round matches are scheduled first on Thursday and Friday, October 19 and 20. The third and fourth-placed teams in each group will compete in the Duque de Caxias Cup on the other two days of competition, with the top two teams in each group qualifying for the semifinals. The finals are set for Sunday, Oct. 21.

“We will see the best fistballers in Curitiba over the four days,” says Gastão Englert, Chairman of the Sports Commission of the International Fistball Association: “This promises top sporting performance in all matches.” A new feature is that all participating teams will play five matches in the course of the tournament. All 40 matches of the 2023 World Tour Finals will be broadcast live on www.fistball.TV.

The World Tour Finals will open with a Welcome Dinner on the venue of the organizing club, Clube Duque de Caxias. “The organizers proved last year that we can experience fistball events at the highest level here,” Christoph Oberlehner, IFA Secretary General, looks forward to the event: “Duque de Caxias will do everything to create optimal conditions for the fistballers, the staff members and the fans. Everyone involved can look forward to great days in Curitiba.”

All information: finals.fistball-worldtour.com

Sogipa Porto Alegre and TSV Pfungstadt are the winner of the IFA Fistball World Tour Finals 2022. In the end of the four days in Curitiba Sogipa Porto Alegre wins the final of the womens competition against the home team Duque de Caxias 3:1. Pfungstadt defeats his title of the World Tour Final in a reissue of the final 2019 against SG Novo Hamburgo with a 3:0-win.

Women’s Championship

Bronze Medal Match

In the bronze match Nussbach met Jahn Schneverdingen. Both lost their semifinals yesterday and besides the frustration still wanted to take home the bronze medal from this world tournament. In set number one the Austrian team finds into the match faster and pressure the german defense with hard hit serves and strikes. But in set number two Schneverdingen defends the first balls to play more direct settings which lead to a 11:7 win. At a 1:1 tradeoff the Austrians find back into the game. As Schneverdingen has trouble to set the balls Nussbach shows a great performance and overruns the german team with 11:3. But the European champion Schneverdingen has not yet had enough and puts it all into set number four securing a close 11:9 win. Winged by the set tradeoff the Germans grow to their full potential and leave Nussbach at a 4:9 disadvantage to finally win the decider and the bronze medal with 11:6.

Final

In the women’s final Sogipa Porto Alegre met the home team Duque de Caxias. As previously in the men’s bronze match the Duque fans pushed their team to a great performance in the first set leaving Sogipa behind 10:4 and winning the first set 11:6. In set number two Sogipa finds into the game showing spectators the except opposite of set number one leading 7:0 and winning the set with the wind in their back 11:3. With the Sogipa Fans going crazy on the stands the Duque team has a hard time finding back into the game. Powerful shots and excellent defense on Sogipas side enables the Sogipa girls to win set three and four 11:6 and 11:7 making them World champions for the third time in club history.

Result

1. Sogipa Porto Alegre (BRA), 2. Clube Duque de Caxias (BRA), 3. TV Jahn Schneverdingen (GER), 4. Union Nußbach (AUT), 5. TSV Dennach (GER), 6. VfL Kellinghusen (GER), 7. Club Manquehue (CHI), 8. SG Novo Hamburgo (BRA)

Men’s Championship

Bronze Medal Match

The men’s game for third place was played between the Tigers Vöcklabruck and the home team from Duque de Caxias. The game was thight from start to finish with Vöcklabruck reaching the two-point difference in the first set leading 1:0. In set number two Vöcklabrucks unforced attacking errors combined with great defence it is Duque reaching the 1:1 tradeoff. Again, Vöcklabruck finds back to its strengh scoring regularly with the serves turning an 8:5 lead into a 11:9 win. But Duque de Caxias fueled by its fans still gets back up and surprises the Austrians with great shots and long rallies to force a decider. In the decider the home team surpasses itself and plays their best fistball leaving Vöcklabruck little chance and securing the bronze medal.

Final

In the men’s final the qualifiers from 2019 have once again managed to reach the final in 2022. It is once again Pfungstadt the defending champion playing against the young team Ginastica Novo Hamburgo. Starting into set number one the Brazilians seem to be nervous making unforced errors that allow Pfungstadt to win the first set 11:9. In set two the Germans are again the more consistent team leaving Novo Hamburgo behind 7:3 and winning the second set with a return error by Novo Hamburgo. In set three Novo Hamburgo finally gets a hold of the game and keeps it open until Patrick Thomas finally seals Pfungstadts victory on the return to win the set 13:11 and the game 3:0.

Result

1. TSV Pfungstadt (GER), 2. SG Novo Hamburgo (BRA), 3. Clube Duque de Caxias (BRA), 4. Union Tigers Vöcklabruck (AUT), 5. DSG UKJ Froschberg (AUT), 6. AWN TV Enns (AUT), 7. TV Stammheim (GER), 8. Swim & Sport Club New Jersey (USA)

As the preliminary round was over the teams for semifinals determined. What may come as surprise to many is that four out of eight qualified teams are Brazilian, while only two German and two Austrian teams came this far in the tournament. Knowing what is at stake at semifinals the matches were physically and mentally exhausting for both players and spectators.

Women’s Championship Semifinals

Sogipa Porto Alegre vs. Union Nussbach

In the first semifinal of the day Sogipa Porto Alegre meet the Austrian Team from Nussbach. Sogipa started off strong leaving Nussbach nearly no chance to score. In set number two Nussbach then manages to defend the strong hit balls more frequently. Still, it is Sogipa winning the long rallies and securing a 2:0 set lead. In set number three Nussbach once again finds itself at a 4:7 disadvantage and must eventually accept defeat after a strong performance from Sogipa.

Duque de Caxias vs. TV Jahn Schneverdingen

In semifinal number two the home team from Duque de Caxias meet the European champion TV Jahn Schneverdingen. Against the expectations of many spectators Duque de Caxias had the game in its hand from the first ball on. Having nothing to put against the well-placed attacks from Duque’s strikers Schneverdingen falls behind quickly in all three sets. Despite much effort on German side, Duque de Caxias with their German super striker Henriette Schell is the clear winner of this emotional match. The upcoming final will therefore be between Duque de Caxias and Sogipa Porto Alegre.

Men’s Championship Semifinals

Ginastica Novo Hamburgo vs. Union Tigers Vöcklabruck

In the first semifinal of the men’s championship the winner from 2018 Novo Hamburgo meets the European champion Tigers Vöcklabruck. With their fans pushing them to their full potential Novo Hamburgo leaves the Austrian defence little chance and wins set number one 11:6. In set number two the Austrians are leading 6:4 when the Novo Hamburgo strikers once again found the gaps in the Vöcklabruck defense and made four points in a row to finally win the set 11:9. The third set again a tight one with the luckier end for Novo Hamburgo who win the set 14:12 and the match 3:0.

TSV Pfungstadt vs. Duque de Caxias

In the last match of the day the defending campion TSV Pfungstadt meet the home team from Duque de Caxias. Both teams started off strong forcing each other to the limits. It is at 10:8 for Pfungstadt when a striking error on the Brazilian side ends the first set. In set number two Pfungstadt started furiously and went in front 10:3 but had trouble finishing the set. Unforced errors on the German side let the Brazilians come back into the game. Only at 10:8 an attacking error ends the set in favor of Pfungstadt once again. In the third and final set Duque’s strikers have a hard time scoring over the Pfungstadt defence and must take much risk on their strikes. Ultimately it is Pfungstadts experience and consistency that conquered once again. The final will therefore as in 2019 be between the defending champion TSV Pfungstadt and the champion of 2018 Ginastica Novo Hamburgo.

Women’s Championship

Group A

In group A the spots in the semifinals have already been snatched by TV Jahn Schneverdingen and Sopiga Porto Alegre yesterday after winning two out of two matches each. In the head-to-head both teams had the chance to land in first place at the group stage. In a thrilling match Sogipa started furiously and surprised the German defense with a variety of well-placed shots. After winning the first set 11:6 the Sogipa girls had to deal with more resistance on the German side. Long rallies lead to a close 15:14 in favor of the Brazilians. After taking home two sets in a row the game was in the hands of the Porto Alegre girls who once again managed to get in front and secure a 3:0 win with a 11:8 in the last set.

In the match between TSV Dennach and Clube Manquehue the best rank possible for both teams would have been the third in their group. Dennach put in a lot of defensive work and brought their striker into great position while the Chileans had difficulties defending the hard-hit balls. After a closer first set Dennach grew stronger and didn’t give Manquehue any chance to secure a set. With a 3:0 the third place in group A goes to TSV Dennach.

Group B

In group B the semifinalists were yet to be determined. As Union Nussbach as well as Duque de Caxias won their first matches both were eager to win the head-to-head. In set number one the Brazilians started better into the game and lead 8:5. The Austrian defence fought back but had a hard time defending the well-placed shots from the Duque strikers. Also, in set number two Duque’s setting and the well placed shots intimidate the Nussbach defense. Only in the third and last set Nussbach can really show off their potential forcing Duques strikers to take more risk on their shots. Still Duque makes the key points and manages to close the set and game with a 15:13.

In the match between Kellinghusen and Novo Hamburgo the German team takes over the lead quickly in set number one turning a 10:4 into a 1:0 set lead. In the following set the Brazilians manage to defend the serves better and a thight match evolves. Nevertheless, it is Kellinghusen again reaching an 11:9. In the last set Kellinghusen takes the lead again, Novo Hamburgo fights back but ultimately must admit defeat.

With two out of two matches won Duque de Caxias only needs to secure a single set against Kellinghusen to reach semifinals. Further in the race for semifinals are the teams from Nussbach and Kellinghusen.

Men‘s Championship

Group A

In group A the Austrian teams from Vöcklabruck and Froschberg secured two important wins. Vöcklabruck must have felt pressure playing their second preliminary game against Duque de Caxias after losing the first match against Froschberg. While the first set ended in clear favor for the well-playing home team the following sets show a different picture. With a great team effort Vöcklabruck manages to win the next three sets and leaves the pitch obviously relieved.

Their group opponents from Froschberg meanwhile played their second game against the us-americans from Swim&Sport Club. After winning set one and two the Austrians had trouble closing the game at 10:8 in set number 3 and ultimately lost that set to the euphoric team from the US. In the last set spectators once again see a nice performance from both teams with Froschberg doing the key points and winning their second match 3:1.

The match between Vöcklabruck and Swim&Sports Club ultimately seals both teams’ faith as Vöcklabruck takes the game into its own hands keeps its opponent at a distance. With a 3:0 victory Vöcklabruck qualifies for the semifinals whereas Swim&Sport Club will play for 7^th place on Sunday.

Group B

In group B the rally for spots in the semifinal really begun with TV Enns and Ginastica Novo Hamburgo entering the tournament. As Pfungstadt won their first match against Stammheim yesterday the ambition to secure a spot in semifinals was high when playing against the Champion from 2018 Ginastica Novo Hamburgo. Patrick Thomas serving for Pfungstadt once again shows off great skills shooting his team to a 1:0 set lead. But Ginastica manages to counter better in set two and put up a fight to unfortunately loose the set 13:11. Set number three was again highly competitive with Pfungstadt eventually using their experience to secure a 3:0 victory. In the meantime, Enns started into the tournament against Stammheim and managed to get in front 10:7. The Germans putting in a lot of effort to reach a 10:10 tradeoff but still having to accept a 10:12 defeat. In set two Enns can live up to their full potential, plays great fistball and wins 11:6. Despite Stammheim trying their best to get a hold of the match Enns is the team making the 11th point in the third set. In the match against Novo Hamburgo though Enns has a hard time keeping up with the speed of the Brazilian attacks. After a closer first set ending 11:9 for Novo Hamburgo the sets two and three showed a clearer picture. Although Enns did their best to stay in the rallies it was Novo Hamburgos strikers who repeatedly scored for their team and take home the first victory. Pfungstadt currently leading the ranking with two wins out of two matches is now followed by Enns and Novo Hamburgo with a win each. Tomorrow morning the last preliminary games will determine the ultimate semifinal qualifiers.

Men’s Championship  

On day one of the World Tour Finals the spectators in Curitiba and online saw victories for favorites as well as surprises. Tomorrow the teams will ultimately seal their spots in the semifinals.  

Group A Men’s Championship  

The teams Duque de Caxias, Froschberg, Swim&Sport Club and Tigers Vöcklabruck started into the tournament with a game each today. While Duque de Caxias took advantage of playing on their home field their opponents from the Swim&Sport Club New Jersey had difficulties finding solutions to the hard hit and well-placed balls from the Brazilians. After the first set ending 11:6 for Duque de Caxias the us-american team had a hard time finding back into the match. With a 3:0 Duque secured the first points in the rally for semifinal spots. The game between Froschberg and Vöcklabruck however was highly competitive. The European champion Vöcklabruck found themselves in a 0:2 disadvantage after losing the first sets 2:11 and 7:11. Tactical substitutions then brought the awaited change and the 2:2 tradeoff. In the decider it’s once again Froschberg who makes the key points and quite surprisingly takes home the first victory. For Team Froschberg a great outcome meaning another win will probably secure them a spot in the semifinals. For Vöcklabruck losing the first game means they will have to put in a lot of effort against Duque de Caxias and Swim&Sport Club to stay in the rally for the semifinals.  

Group B Men’s Championship 

In group B only the match between Pfungstadt and Stammheim took place on the first day. Playing in the pouring rain the attackers could show off their full power and scored in common-mode leading to a thight first set with a better ending for Stammheim. In set number two it’s Pfungstadt who reaches the two point difference and takes home the set. Only in set number three Pfungstadt can really live up to their potential and defend several serves to get the 2:1 lead. The last set then once again dominated by serve with Patrick Thomas scoring the matchball for Pfungstadt, who are now one win closer to the semifinals.      

Due to the suspension of a player of Novo Hamburgo at short notice by the IFA Tribunal the technical delegation of the event decided to postpone the match of Ginastica Novo Hamburgo and AWN TV Enns to Saturday 9:00am.  

Women’s Championship  

Group A Women’s Championship 

The women’s teams from group A had to play the first and second match of the preliminary round today and managed to do so despite the pouring rain. Starting off with the rematch of 2019th Finalists from Porto Alegre and Dennach the spectators got to see fistball at its finest. The south brasilian team wins set number one quite clearly but has trouble closing set number two at a 10:5 lead. Dennach with a strong performance managing to secure 7 points in a row and winning set number 2. But Sogipa gets a hold of the game again and makes the key points to win the match 3:1. In the first match on court two between TV Jahn Schneverdingen and Clube Manquehue the defending European champion had difficulties defending the strong service from the Chilean attackers. After losing the first set the german team copes better with the conditions and can secure a 3:1 victory. In the german-internal match Dennach was putting it all in against Jahn Schneverdingen, who as well was eager to secure the second victory of the day. The wet conditions lead to a very tight game from start to finish. In the first as well as the second set both teams fought for each and every point leading to two sets ending 15:13 both times with the luckier end for TV Jahn Schneverdingen. After losing two sets this close Dennach had a hard time keeping track in set number three and had to accept a 0:3 loss in their second game. Schneverdingen however takes home the second win of the day and therefore qualifies for semifinals. Sogipa who beat the defending champion Dennach in their first game, really pulled off a performance against Manquehue knowing that a victory would also secure them a spot in semifinals. From point number one on the Porto Alegre Team was on fire and forced their game on the Chilean team, who fought back but ultimately had to surrender. With a 3:0 the Sogipa girls ended the day with two out of two wins and reached semifinals. 

In the match between the two qualified teams from Sogipa and Schneverdingen they will determine the group’s first rank.  

Group B Women’s Championship  

Clube Duque de Caxias started into the championship against their Brazilian counterpart Clube Novo Hamburgo and impressed spectators as well as the Novo Hamburgo Team with a magnificent first set which they won 11:3. After also winning a little tighter second set the Duque Girls once again showed all their technical skills to take home a well-earned 3:0 victory. On court number two the Austrian champion Union Nussbach manages to get in front early in all three sets. Kellinghusen with difficulties on the first ball is not able to get a hold of the game and must start the championship with a 0:3 loss, while Nussbach sets the first milestone on their way to semifinals. Due to heavy rain the matches between Nussbach and Duque de Caxias as well as Kellinghusen and Novo Hamburgo have been postponed and will take place tomorrow morning 08:30am UTC-3. As Duque de Caxias and Nussbach already managed to win their first games another victory would with high probability lead to a spot in the semifinals, where Schneverdingen and Sogipa are already waiting for their opponents.