French club Saint-Denis 93 TT secured a narrow 3-2 victory over Portugal’s CTM Mirandela in the opening leg of the Europe Cup Women Quarterfinal. Earlier this week, Universidad de Burgos – RM Terán defeated Hungary’s Budaörsi Sport Club 3-1. The tie in France was tightly contested, with the home side stretched as a team across all five matches. Jie LI opened strongly with a dominant win over Maria RUIVO, but Annamaria ERDÉLYI quickly leveled the score by defeating Agathe AVEZOU in straight games. Hsing Yin LIU restored the lead for Saint-Denis with a 3-1 win over Ines MATOS, before ERDÉLYI struck again—this time overcoming Jie LI—to make it 2-2. In the decisive fifth match, Agathe AVEZOU delivered a composed performance, beating Maria RUIVO in straight games to seal the win for the French side. “It was a difficult match, but we are happy to have won in the end! I’m proud to get the last win at 2-2,” said AVEZOU. “Now we have to win in the second leg!” Despite ERDÉLYI’s impressive double victory, CTM Mirandela fell just short of the upset. However, by taking the match to five matches, they reduced the pressure heading into the return leg on 27th April, which they will host on home soil. Saint-Denis 93 TT – CTM Mirandela 3-2
Austria: LIU Jia Elected New Vice President, Wolfgang GOTSCHKE Confirmed as President
“We need to form a good coalition – just like in the federal government,” said LIU Jia following her election as the new Vice President for Sport. The ÖTTV “Athlete of the Century” takes over the role from Stefan FEGERL. President Wolfgang GOTSCHKE was confirmed in office with a 21:17 vote against challenger Norbert DARABOS during the general assembly held in the Mirror Hall of the House of Sports in Vienna. The other vice presidents continuing their roles for the three-year term are Secretary General Mathias NEUWIRTH (Organization) and Finance Chief Conrad MILLER. “The early elections were meant to clarify the situation and give the newly elected board a chance to bridge divisions and work constructively for the future of the federation. We must come together, devote our full attention to the sport, and focus on solutions,” said GOTSCHKE after the vote.“We presented our program and ideas before the general assembly; now it’s time to put the processes into action – together. Everyone is invited and encouraged to participate. Our goal must be to become united again.”. GOTSCHKE, who has led the federation since summer 2021, concluded: “I hope we will be judged by facts and performance, and that we will be given the chance to work constructively for the benefit of our athletes and the sport.” FORMER European champion LIU Jia was elected Vice President for Sport with a 23:19 vote, narrowly defeating Stefan FEGERL. “I’m looking forward to the challenges. Just like in any coalition, we have to find compromises within the federation. The most important thing is that athletes feel well-supported by us, and that the issues of the past truly stay in the past,” said LIU Jia, visibly moved. Also confirmed in their roles as ÖTTV Vice Presidents were Mathias NEUWIRTH (Organization) and Conrad miller (Finance). Günther Renner from Linz will continue as Chair of the Bundesliga, and the Presidential Conference will be led by Helmut JÄGER (Burgenland), Andreas adlboller (Vorarlberg), and Eduard Herzog (Lower Austria).
HB Ostrov Dominates in Poland to Take the Lead in Europe Cup Men’s Quarterfinal
Polish side UKS Dojlidy Białystok failed to capitalize on home advantage in the opening leg of the Europe Cup Men’s quarterfinal, as HB Ostrov z.s. secured a 3-0 victory, putting themselves in a strong position ahead of the return leg on 27th April. Jiri VRABLIK opened the tie in superb style, defeating Japan’s Machi ASUKA in straight games. The most dramatic contest came in the second match, where Patryk CHOJNOWSKI pushed Pavel SIRUCEK to a deciding game, but it was the Czech player who eventually prevailed, extending Ostrov’s lead. To complete the clean sweep, Tomas TREGLER defeated Piotr MICHALSKI in four games, giving the Czech team a safe cushion going into the second leg. Earlier this week, SF SKK El Niño Praha also claimed an away victory against Slovakia’s STK Vyhne, while Real Club Cajasur Priego Tenis de Mesa (ESP) edged PostSV Mühlhausen 1951 e.V. (GER) 3-2 in a tightly contested quarterfinal clash. UKS Dojlidy Białystok – HB Ostrov z.s. 0-3