TRAUN – In a marathon match lasting over five hours, ASKÖ Traun secured a dramatic 5-4 victory over defending champions ASV Pressbaum in the semi-final of the 1. Badminton Bundesliga. The decisive point came in a nail-biting “Golden Set,” sending Traun to the final.
The match, played on March 28, 2026, in Pressbaum, was a back-and-forth affair filled with tension and high-level badminton. Traun started strong, with Jürgen Koch and Kai Niederhuber taking the first men’s doubles match 15-14 in a fifth-set thriller against the favored duo of Izzuddin Muhammad and Adi Pratama. This early win provided a crucial psychological boost for the visitors. Pressbaum quickly responded, leveling the score with a victory in the women’s doubles.
The momentum continued to swing as Izzuddin Muhammad set Pressbaum ahead with a narrow 12-10 win over Wolfgang Gnedt in the first men’s singles. Yet, Traun demonstrated resilience. Catlyn Kruus dominated her opponent, Carina Meinke, in the women’s singles, securing a decisive three-set victory and tying the match at 2-2. The contest was rapidly developing into a fierce battle of attrition.
Pressbaum regained the lead with another five-set victory in the mixed doubles, pushing the score to 3-2. But Traun refused to yield. Kai Niederhuber won his second men’s singles match against Adi Pratama, bringing the score level at 3-3. Then, Luca Pandele delivered a commanding performance in the third men’s singles, securing a straightforward victory and giving Traun a 4-3 lead – and guaranteeing at least a chance to play a Golden Set.
The drama reached its peak in the second men’s doubles. Zauner and Gnedt held a seemingly comfortable 10-6 lead in the fifth set, appearing on the verge of victory. However, Pressbaum mounted a remarkable comeback, tying the score at 12-10 and forcing the match to a decisive Golden Set. A Golden Set in badminton is played to just 21 points, with the first to reach that total winning the match.
In the Golden Set, Kai Niederhuber and Denis Muscala held their nerve, ultimately defeating their opponents 21-17 and sealing Traun’s place in the final. The victory marks a significant achievement for ASKÖ Traun, a team with a rich history in Austrian badminton.
ASKÖ Traun will now face Union BC Wolfurt in the best-of-three final series, which begins on April 18th in Traun. This hard-fought semi-final win has undoubtedly fueled the team’s hopes of securing their 16th Bundesliga title. The team’s ability to respond to adversity and perform under pressure was a key factor in their success against the defending champions.
The match showcased the high level of competition within the 1. Badminton Bundesliga, and the thrilling conclusion is sure to be remembered as a classic encounter. For ASKÖ Traun, the focus now shifts to preparing for the final and completing their quest for a record-extending championship.
The upcoming final against Union BC Wolfurt promises to be another exciting contest. Fans can expect a high-quality display of badminton as both teams battle for the coveted Bundesliga title. The first match on April 18th will be a crucial opportunity for Traun to establish a lead in the series.
This victory is a testament to the dedication and skill of the ASKÖ Traun players and coaching staff. Their ability to overcome challenges and maintain composure in critical moments proved to be the difference in this epic semi-final showdown.
The team’s performance has energized the local badminton community and generated significant excitement among fans. With the final series just around the corner, anticipation is building for what promises to be a thrilling conclusion to the 2025/26 Bundesliga season.
The series against Union BC Wolfurt will be a true test of Traun’s championship aspirations. The team will need to maintain their focus and intensity as they strive to secure their 16th Bundesliga title.
