New champions in Denmark

AaB Håndbold are Danish champions in men’s handball for the first time ever after a historic series of finals against defending champions KIF Kolding.

Kolding were dominating from the start of the first final in the Gigantium Arena of Aalborg, and were leading 12-6 after 25 minutes. But the 4,700 spectators saw AaB, who were in their first final ever, get back into the match and win 25-24.

In the second match, in front of 3,000 spectators in a full Trefor Arena in Kolding, the ruling champions struck back, though, and through a 34-26 they left no doubt, who were the better team that day.

As only points count in the Danish championship finals, where the goal difference has no significance, a third match was necessary to find the 2009/10 champions, and as AaB had finished one position better than Kolding in the league, the Aalborg team had the home advantage again.

Once again, Kolding took control from the start, leading 11-6 and 12-7, but again they invited their opponents into the game, and at half time the score was already equal, 14-14.

Decision through seven meters

During most of the second half, Kolding were still one or two goals up, but at the end the 5,000 spectators saw AaB manage a 28-28 draw, not least through 14 goals from Norwegian international Kristian Kjelling.

Due to the rules of the Danish championship finals, no extra time was played. Instead the player went directly to a seven meter shoot-out. It was the first time in history that the Danish championship had to be decided in this manner

After five throws for each team the score was still even, now 32-32. Therefore, the shoot-out continued with one shot for either team, until one team scored and one missed.

Kolding missed their first attempt, and no one else than Kristian Kjelling could score the winning goal for his team, bringing the first handball championship ever to the city of Aalborg, the final score being 33-32.

"The greatest thing ever"

"This means everything to me. It is the greatest thing I have ever experienced. It is simply insane!" AaB goalkeeper Jannick Green said after the triumph, while his team-mate, backcourt player Daniel Svensson felt rather sorry for the losers.

"It were two equal teams who were left in the tournament. It was a bit sad that things had to be decided this way, but of course I am happy that we won at the end", said Svensson who is leaving AaB for Spanish league club Toledo after this season.

The losing team’s discontent was enormous after the close decision: "I am extremely disappointed. I was really hoping to end my career in Kolding with another gold medal, but unfortunately I did not get the opportunity", said pivot and Danish international René Toft Hansen, who is leaving Kolding for newcomers AG København.

Both AaB and Kolding are qualified directly for the group stage of the coming season’s EHF Champions League. While AaB will be debutants in the tournament, Kolding are in for their ninth EHF Champions League campaign, the semi-final of the 2001/02 season being their finest achievement so far.