French club GV HENNEBONT TT became the first team to advance to the quarterfinals of the Champions League Men after a dominant performance in both legs against Polish side UKS Dojlidy Białystok. Following a 3-1 victory in Poland last week, HENNEBONT needed just three matches at home to secure their spot in the next stage. Tonight, Vladimir SIDORENKO, Lev KATSMAN, and Iulian CHIRITA left no room for doubt, delivering straight-game wins over Piotr MICHALSKI, Machi ASUKA, and Patryk CHOJNOWSKI. “This was much easier for us compared to the opening leg. With the home crowd and fantastic supporters, we had an advantage. It worked in our favor, and they were also very tired after the trip and their Polish league match on the 17th. We’re just happy that we could play at the same level at home,” said SIDORENKO, who also defeated Machi ASUKA and Patryk CHOJNOWSKI in the first leg. In the quarterfinals, GV HENNEBONT TT will face the winners of the clash between HB Ostrov z.s. and 1. FC Saarbrücken Tischtennis e.V. Reigning champions Saarbrücken lead the tie after a 3-0 win in the opening leg. “We are currently in very good shape. Right now, table tennis is very close, and there’s a 50/50 chance for everyone,” SIDORENKO added. Round of 16 GV HENNEBONT TT – UKS Dojlidy Białystok 3-0 First leg UKS Dojlidy Białystok – GV HENNEBONT TT 1-3
OLÁH and BETZ Named Finland’s Best Players of 2024
The Finnish table tennis season for 2024 concluded over the weekend in Helsinki, marked by a blend of competition and celebration. Over three days, more than 200 players, ranging from amateurs to the nation’s elite athletes, showed their skills at the Ruskeasuo Sports Hall. On Saturday evening, the inaugural Table Tennis Gala honoured the year’s standout players in a grand ceremony. Men’s Player of the Year: Benedek OLÁH (Club: Seinäjoen Sisu) Benedek OLÁH once again solidified his position as Finland’s top player. In a remarkable year, he secured double gold at the Finnish Championships, achieved a triple crown at the NETU Championships, and advanced to the top 32 at the European Championships. Notably, OLÁH was the only player to win two sets against the eventual European gold medalist, Alexis LEBRUN of France. He also earned a silver medal at the Slovenian WTT Feeder tournament. Professionally, OLÁH competes in leagues across Poland, Spain, and the United States. Women’s Player of the Year: Ramona BETZ (Club: Linnan Pingis, Savonlinna) Ramona BETZ achieved a historic milestone as the first Finnish female player in 26 years to reach the main draw (top 64) of the European Championships. She also reached the top 32 in the U21 European Championships and claimed a silver medal in singles at the Finnish Championships. In addition to her table tennis career, Ramona studies and competes in Germany. PHOTO: Hannu TOLVANEN
The draw for the Europe Cup Women Stage 3
The draw for the Europe Cup Women Stage 3 was held today. The Round 3 winners will secure spots in the quarterfinals, where they will face third-placed teams relegated from the Champions League (Champions League Round 2).
