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The opening day of the IFA Fistball World Tour Finals in Vöcklabruck already delivered key preliminary decisions for the semifinals. While the women’s competition has its first confirmed semifinalists, the men’s side promises even more excitement on day two.
Under changing weather conditions, the IFA Fistball World Tour Finals for men and women kicked off at the Volksbank Stadium in Vöcklabruck. In the women’s tournament, several teams secured early advancement to the semifinals. In the men’s tournament, a thrilling 3:2 victory by DSG UKJ Froschberg over SG Novo Hamburgo electrified the local crowd.
Women
Two matches, two victories – and a ticket to the semifinals: In Group “Harald Bayer”, the decisions have already been made. SOGIPA/Cargo Way (Brazil) and TV Jahn Schneverdingen (Germany) each celebrated two wins on the first day of group play and have secured their semifinal spots. SOGIPA defeated SVD Diepoldsau-Schmitter (11:7, 11:8, 11:7) and FG Elgg-Ettenhausen (14:12, 11:3, 11:9) without dropping a set and currently lead the standings. TV Jahn Schneverdingen also holds four points, with wins over Elgg-Ettenhausen (11:9, 11:8, 11:6) and Diepoldsau (11:7, 11:5, 11:13, 11:9), sitting in second place. On Friday at 3 p.m., SOGIPA and Schneverdingen will battle for the group win, while the two Swiss teams, still without a win, will face off to decide third place in the group.
TSV Dennach has also secured a semifinal ticket. The defending champions remained unbeaten in matches against TSV Calw (11:7, 11:9, 11:7) and Faustball Satus Kreuzlingen (11:8, 11:4, 11:6), topping Group “Franz Bakan.” Behind them, the final semifinal spot will be decided on Friday (4:30 p.m.) when Kreuzlingen and Calw meet. Both teams beat Clube Duque de Caxias Curitiba – Kreuzlingen (11:6, 11:5, 11:6) and Calw (11:2, 11:6, 11:4).
Men
It was a nerve-wracking encounter full of spectacular defensive plays: DSG UKJ Froschberg and SG Novo Hamburgo battled over five intense sets in their opening Group “Michael Feichtenschlager” match. The Brazilians, who won bronze last year, twice took the lead – but Froschberg answered each time (11:9, 10:12, 11:6, 8:11). In the decisive fifth set, both teams pushed to the limit, but the team from Linz sealed the 11:9 win to deliver a small opening-day upset. Austria’s second team, FBC LINZ AG Urfahr, also started strong. The newly crowned European Cup champion beat TV Vaihingen/Enz (Germany) 3:1 (11:9, 11:8, 4:11, 11:6) and now tops the standings after day one.
In Group “David Lorenz”, the matches were more straightforward. Host and defending champion Union Tigers Vöcklabruck opened with a 3:0 win (11:8, 11:5, 11:8) over STV Wigoltingen (Switzerland), followed by another dominant 3:0 victory (11:5, 11:8, 11:0) over South Jersey Fistball Club (USA).
On Friday, group play continues from 12 p.m. In the matchup between Clube Mercês and STV Wigoltingen, a direct battle for a semifinal spot could unfold, while the Tigers Vöcklabruck will face South Jersey. At 1:30 p.m., the Linz city derby between group leaders FBC LINZ AG Urfahr and DSG UKJ Froschberg promises high drama. Meanwhile, SG Novo Hamburgo and TV Vaihingen/Enz are already playing to keep their semifinal hopes alive. The final men’s group matches will be played at 6 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Ideal Conditions at the Volksbank Stadium
The Volksbank Stadium in Vöcklabruck offers excellent infrastructure for hosting the World Tour Finals. Around 1,000 covered seats will ensure ideal viewing conditions for spectators in all weather conditions. On-site catering is also well arranged: A wine and cocktail lounge will be open on Friday and Saturday, while the official Players’ Party will take place on Sunday.
“The infrastructure is ready, and the Union Tigers Vöcklabruck are doing a fantastic job organizing this event,” says Sönke Spille, Head of Events at the International Fistball Association. “They are working with great passion – we are looking forward to four exciting days of fistball.”
Tickets Available at the Venue
Tickets for Friday and the remaining event days are available directly at the box office. Those unable to attend in person can still follow every match live online: All games of the World Tour Finals will be broadcast free of charge at www.fistball.tv.
More information: https://wtf.faustball-tigers.at/