This weekend, Austria, Denmark, and France host the four groups of Stage 2 in the Europe Cup Men. The winners and runners-up of these groups will advance to the Round of 16, joining the eight teams eliminated in the Champions League Round of 16. Group A: Linz, Austria Spanish team UNIVERSIDAD DE BURGOS – TPF finished day one unbeaten. Daniel BERZOSA, Cai SHUNHANG, and Aitor COLINA delivered victories against both TTC SOKAH HOBOKEN and SPG Linz. Currently, CSS SZAK Odorheiu Secuiesc from Romania occupies second place in the standings. They went the distance twice, losing to the hosts before overcoming TTC SOKAH HOBOKEN in a hard-fought match. Group B: Roskilde, Denmark Two clubs remain unbeaten in Roskilde. Spanish side REAL CLUB CAJASUR PRIEGO TENIS DE MESA, represented by Carlos MACHADO, Alberto LILLO, and Alejandro CALVO, triumphed over Slovakia’s TJ Geológ Rožňava and Poland’s KS VILLA VERDE OLESNO. Hosts Roskilde Bordtennis, featuring Jens LUNDQVIST, Tobias RASMUSSEN, Allan BENTSEN, and Dominykas SAMUOLIS, also defeated the Slovakian and Polish teams, setting up a key clash for group dominance. Group C: Lille, France Host team LILLE METROPOLE T.T. took the lead with a 3-1 win over Slovakia’s SK Vydrany. Romain BRARD, Tom CLOSSET, Amir Hossei HODAEI, and Fabio RAKOTOARIMANANA starred for the French side. SK Vydrany, represented by Peter SEREDA, Zoltan LELEKAS, and Peter MUSKO, fought hard but fell short. Another Slovakian team, STK Vyhne, featuring Boguslaw KOSZYK, Filip SZYMANSKI, and Miroslav HOREJSI, overcame Croatia’s team led by Miho SIMOVIC, Filip CIPIN, and Tomislav JAPEC. Group D: Lille, France In a tightly contested group, KTS GLIWICE from Poland emerged at the top after two nail-biting matches. Jaroslaw TOMICKI, Grzegorz FELKEL, and Dariusz STEUER defeated Germany’s ASC Grünwettersbach and Spain’s ENOLI BORGES VALL. Meanwhile, Croatia’s STK Starr and ASC Grünwettersbach each claimed one win, keeping the group standings competitive. The weekend continues with more action as teams vie for spots in the next stage of the Europe Cup Men. Group A UNIVERSIDAD DE BURGOS – TPF – TTC SOKAH HOBOKEN 3-0 SPG Linz – CSS SZAK Odorheiu Secuiesc 3-2 SPG Linz – UNIVERSIDAD DE BURGOS – TPF 1-3 CSS SZAK Odorheiu Secuiesc – TTC SOKAH HOBOKEN 3-2 Group B Roskilde Bordtennis – KS VILLA VERDE OLESNO 3-1 REAL CLUB CAJASUR PRIEGO TENIS DE MESA – TJ Geológ Rožňava 3-0 Roskilde Bordtennis – TJ Geológ Rožňava 3-1 REAL CLUB CAJASUR PRIEGO TENIS DE MESA – KS VILLA VERDE OLESNO 3-1 Group C SK Vydrany – LILLE METROPOLE T.T 1-3 STK Vyhne – STK LIBERTAS MARINKOLOR 3-0 Group D ENOLI BORGES VALL – KTS GLIWICE 2-3 ASC Grünwettersbach – STK STARR 3-0 KTS GLIWICE – ASC Grünwettersbach 3-2 STK STARR – ENOLI BORGES VALL 3-2
SolexConsult TTC Wiener Neustadt is not underdog anymore
Last season’s surprising Champions League Men semifinalists, SolexConsult TTC Wiener Neustadt, commenced this season’s journey with an impressive win in the opening leg of the Round of 16. In the Czech Republic, Austria’s team defeated TTC Ostrava 2016 in commanding style. In the first match, Ivor BAN was forced to go the full distance against Piotr CYRNEK. Amirezza ABBASI MONJEZI needed one game less to overcome Jakub KLEPRLIK, and Frane KOJIC sealed the victory in straight games with a win over Adam KLAJBER. “We came to Ostrava as favorites, but that status was only on paper. We arrived well-prepared to justify it, and we did. We knew what to expect and correctly anticipated their lineup,” said BAN. “I opened the match against Piotr CYRNEK, who, as I heard, is currently the best player in the Czech League with a record of 10-1. My chances were 50-50, but even early on, I had an opportunity to win the first game. I had a 9-8 lead but made a mistake on my service. That cost me my momentum, and I started poorly in the second game.” BAN trailed 0-1 in games and was losing 0-5 in the second game before staging a remarkable comeback. “That brought me back into the match. From that point, I knew everything was up to me, so I played without pressure. The fourth game was close; I missed a few chances. In the decisive game, I was determined. After the first point, I saw my opportunities and the direction the game was going. It was a long rally, but it was the key point,” BAN reflected on the tightest contest of the day. Last season’s success for the Austrian club came as a surprise, but this year, SolexConsult TTC Wiener Neustadt is on everyone’s radar. “We will take it one match at a time. Our main focus is to give everything we have in each match. That approach pushed us forward last season. We weren’t favorites, not even to pass Stage 1, but we succeeded because we didn’t play under stress. Now we know the situation is different, and it will be much more difficult to reach the Final 4. But we will give our best again. What we experienced last season—playing in the Final 4—was one-of-a-kind. We enjoyed every moment, playing every point. It was special, and we hope to succeed again this year,” BAN added. In Stage 1, TTC Ostrava 2016 finished second in their group behind Alliance Nîmes/Montpellier. Champions League Men Round of 16 TTC Ostrava 2016 – SolexConsult TTC Wiener Neustadt 0-3
Dr. Wolfgang DÖRNER Becomes New DTTB CEO
The German Table Tennis Association (DTTB) has announced a new CEO: Starting 1 March 2025, Dr Wolfgang DÖRNER will assume leadership of Germany’s tenth-largest Olympic sports federation. The 50-year-old holds a doctorate in business informatics and has spent over 25 years in management consulting with the renowned Boston Consulting Group (BCG). Currently serving as Managing Director for Germany and Central Europe, he is also a senior partner at the firm. At the 19th Annual General Meeting in Frankfurt am Main on Saturday, Dr DÖRNER introduced himself to the delegates of the DTTB’s member associations and committees. “It is a cause close to my heart to dedicate my energy and experience to the development of table tennis in Germany,” DÖRNER said. “For over two decades, I have given my all to BCG and my clients, and I will continue to do so until my transition. However, the chance to apply the management expertise I’ve gained over 25 years to my lifelong passion for table tennis was an opportunity I simply couldn’t pass up.” A native of Frankfurt and father of four, Dr DÖRNER has been an active table tennis player for more than 40 years. Last season, he competed in Germany’s fifth division and currently plays at the regional level for TTC Langen 1950 in Hesse. A regular at the German Veterans Championships, he claimed bronze in the over-50 singles category this year and won the over-45 mixed doubles title last year. At the World Masters Championships in Rome, he reached the round of 16 in the singles event. He is currently ranked among the top 300 male players in Germany. “We received applications from several highly qualified and impressive candidates,” said DTTB President Konrad GRILLMEYER, whose Supervisory Board oversees the appointment of the Managing Board. “Dr Wolfgang DÖRNER stood out as the best choice due to his professional credentials and deep commitment to the sport.” Dr DÖRNER will succeed Andreas HAIN, who made history as the first CEO in the DTTB’s 99-year existence and has been serving as interim head of the association. Dr Wolfgang DÖRNER will also complete tasks at BCG by the end of June. The DTTB’s three-member Managing Board – comprising the CEO, the Director of Sport (Richard PRAUSE), and the Director of Administration (Matthias VATHEUER) – functions as the executive arm of the organization. Tasked with implementing the association’s strategy, the Managing Board handles all operational decisions. The Supervisory Board, acting as the oversight body, focuses on strategic governance and coordinates overarching policy with the Managing Board, without involvement in day-to-day management. FOTO: DTTB
Borussia Düsseldorf Enter the Title Race with a Victory
Borussia Düsseldorf kicked off their 2024/25 Champions League campaign with a win in the opening leg of the Round of 16, defeating SKST Havirov tonight. The second leg is scheduled for Friday, December 20, at 7 PM in the ARAG CenterCourt. Following their Bundesliga victory against Bergneustadt, last year’s Champions League runners-up set off for Frankfurt, traveling to Havirov yesterday. However, the team arrived in the Czech Republic with a reduced squad. Coach Danny HEISTER had to manage without Dang QIU, who is on a planned break, and Timo BOLL, who reported sick yesterday and stayed home. Last season, Norwegian Borgar HAUG impressed with two Champions League appearances and two wins, but tonight it was Roman POLANSKY who gave the hosts a dream start. SKST Havirov began with strong momentum, but Anton KALLBERG turned the match around. KALLBERG defeated Jan VALENTA and later Tomas POLANSKY, while Kay STUMPER secured a crucial victory over Adam STALZER. Coach Danny HEISTER reflected on the victory: “It was a big match. Borgar didn’t do a bad job in the first two sets. He was leading 8:2 in the first game but lost. It was difficult for him because he was sick a week before the match, but he had to play. Timo BOLL was also sick and couldn’t arrive. It wasn’t easy, and I am really happy with the win. After the break, we did a great job. I think it is deserved that we won 3:1. There was a really good atmosphere—the arena here is beautiful, and the people are nice. I also know the manager very well, and they treated us really well. There are a lot of great teams in the Champions League. We will take it match by match and see how we manage the next one.” SKST Havirov advanced to the knockout stage after finishing second in their group, behind Polish club UKS Dojlidy Białystok. Round of 16: SKST Havirov – Borussia Düsseldorf 1-3 FOTO: J. ODSTRCILIK
Reigning Champions ENEA SIARKOPOL TARNOBRZEG Conclude Group Stage Unbeaten
KTS ENEA SIARKOPOL TARNOBRZEG completed Stage Two of the Champions League Women with an impeccable record, winning all four matches in Group A. The four-time champions and reigning titleholders from Poland defeated French club Saint-Quentin TT in their final group-stage match. The knockout phase begins in January 2025, with the top two teams from each Group in Stage 2 advancing to the quarterfinals. Today, the Polish team overpowered Saint-Quentin TT in four matches. Japan’s Satsuki ODO made a remarkable debut in the Champions League this season, securing victories against Camille LUTZ and Polina MIKHAILOVA. Linda BERGSTRÖM managed to earn a point for Saint-Quentin with a dramatic win over Elizabeta SAMARA by a death point. “Satsuki ODO played for the first time in Poland and joined us for her debut. She gave us an incredible boost with her performance. Additionally, Fu was outstanding today. Although I lost my match, I’m so happy for the team,” said SAMARA. Previously, KTS ENEA SIARKOPOL TARNOBRZEG defeated Saint-Quentin TT in an away match (3-1) and prevailed against Novi Sad in both encounters, winning 3-0 at home and 3-1 away. One match remains in Group A: on Monday, Novi Sad will host the French club. This clash will decide who finishes second in the group. In Group B, Germany’s ttc berlin eastside secured their place in the knockout phase last month with a victory over Metz TT in November, following identical 3-1 wins against both SKST PLUS HODONIN and Metz TT in earlier matches. Today, French club Metz TT joined them by claiming a second win over Hodonin, which secured their second position in the group regardless of the result of the upcoming match between ttc berlin eastside and SKST PLUS HODONIN. This evening, Adina DIACONU, Mariia TAILAKOVA, and Charlotte LUTZ delivered dominant performances against Sakura MORI, Solomiya BRATEYKO, and Karin GROFOVA, defeating the Czech side in straight matches. “Firstly, I am very happy that we qualified for the quarterfinals. That was the main goal: to advance from the group. Coming here, we knew we only needed one point because we won at home 3-0, but we still wanted to win and remained very focused,” explained DIACONU. “I am very happy with my performance tonight. I felt very strong mentally, and my service game was at a good level against MORI, who is a very dangerous player. Mariia beat BRATEYKO 3-2 at home, so we knew we had to be cautious. She stayed calm, and everything went well. For LUTZ, it wasn’t easy since it was her first time playing against GROFOVA, who is known for her very aggressive style. With a 2-0 lead, we gave her some space to ease the pressure, and she delivered the win.” ttc berlin eastside will meet SKST PLUS HODONIN in the final match of the group on Sunday. In Group D, French club ETIVAL A.S.R.T.T has recorded four consecutive wins. Their latest victory came against Hungary’s Budaörsi Sport Club, though the Hungarian team put up a strong fight. Dora MADARASZ gave the hosts a dream start with a win over Camelia IACOB and later defeated Christina KALLBERG in a thrilling five-game match. However, Helga DARI and Maria FAZEKAS could not maintain the momentum. Jieni SHAO defeated Maria, while Camelia IACOB overcame DARI in the decisive match. Helga also suffered a loss to Christina KALLBERG. The final match in the group will see UCAM Cartagena face Budaörsi Sport Club on Monday. The Spanish team defeated Budaörsi Sport Club in the opening leg in Hungary. Group A: KTS ENEA SIARKOPOL TARNOBRZEG – SAINT-QUENTIN TT 3-1 Group B: SKST Plus Hodonín – METZ TT 0-3 Group D: Budaörsi Sport Club – ETIVAL A.S.R.T.T 2-3
Exciting Week Ahead– watch it live on new ETTU TV platform
What an exciting week lies ahead! Starting tomorrow, matches in all five ETTU club competitions will ignite venues across Europe, and you can catch all the action on the new ETTU OTT platform. This platform will bring live-streamed matches straight to you! All you need to do is sign up at https://ettutv.stupaevents.com/ and create an account. A verification code will be sent to your email, and then you’re ready to enjoy the best European table tennis action. From tomorrow, the Champions League Men will see the big guns enter the fray. The Round of 16 kicks off with a thrilling duel between SKST Havířov and Borussia Düsseldorf. Meanwhile, the titleholders, 1. FC Saarbrücken TT, will face HB Ostrov z.s. on Sunday in Havlíčkův Brod. In the Champions League Women, the competition continues with matches in Group Stage 2. Linz, Roskilde, and Lille will host the four groups in the Europe Cup Men’s Group Stage 2. Similarly, Montpellier and Mirandela will host the four groups in the Europe Cup Women. Additionally, the Men’s and Women’s Europe Trophy Regional Stage also begins tomorrow. Don’t miss out on this incredible week of top-level European table tennis action!
ETTU and ITTF Signs Strategic Quadrennial Agreements
The International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) has formalized the Strategic Quadrennial Agreements (SQA) with the European Table Tennis Union (ETTU), as well as with the Continental Federations of Africa, Americas, and Oceania. This agreement represents a shared commitment to promoting and developing table tennis across these regions from 2025 to 2028. The signing ceremony was held on 7 December 2024 in Chengdu, China, with ITTF President Petra SÖRLING, European Table Tennis Union (ETTU) President Pedro MOURA, African Table Tennis Federation President Wahid OSHODI, ITTF-Americas President Juan VILA, and ITTF-Oceania President Anthony MOORE in attendance. “This marks a significant milestone in the ongoing collaboration between ITTF and ETTU, aimed at the growth and development of our sport and the implementation of the ETTU Strategic Plan. We are delighted to have finalized this agreement before year-end, enabling immediate alignment of our 2025 objectives with ITTF. I extend my gratitude to the ITTF General Secretary and President for their extensive efforts to ensure the timely conclusion of the SQA,” said ETTU President Pedro MOURA. “The Strategic Quadrennial Agreements mark a pivotal moment for our global table tennis family,” said ITTF President Petra SÖRLING. “By aligning our efforts and resources with the unique needs and aspirations of each continent and member associations, we can elevate the sport to new heights. These agreements reflect our shared vision for excellence, development and inclusivity in every corner of the world.” The SQAs are designed to streamline cooperation between the ITTF and the Continental Federations, focusing on key areas including: This collaborative framework underscores the ITTF’s commitment to fostering sustainable growth and ensuring that table tennis continues to thrive globally while meeting the unique challenges and opportunities in each region.
German Championships: Multi-Event Spectacle
From June 6 to 9, 2025, the Erfurt Trade Fair will become the heart of German table tennis. Over 1,000 participants will compete in three event halls for prestigious national titles. For the first time, 500 senior players will contest their German Championships as part of the Multi-Event format, which debuted last year. Junior World Champion (U19) and two-time national champion Annett KAUFMANN is already looking forward to the next edition, stating: “The new format with U15, U19, and amateur performance classes alongside the women’s and men’s competitions was already super cool this year.” During the long Pentecost weekend, spectators can stroll through three event halls, enjoy the festival atmosphere with interactive activities, music, and shows, and witness over 1,000 participants competing for coveted national titles. Annett KAUFMANN and men’s singles champion Benedikt DUDA emerged as international rising stars in 2024. Koharu ITAGAKI made history in Erfurt by becoming the youngest-ever winner of an adult competition at just 14 years old, clinching the mixed doubles title alongside Daniel Rinderer. Josephina NEUMANN won the highly anticipated U15 singles title, while U19 champions Mia GRIESEL and Andre BERTELSMEIER continued to make waves post-tournament. “The TT Finals are a unique event. Playing in front of German fans is always special,” said Benedikt DUDA. “The atmosphere during the debut was already fantastic.” The main event—the women’s and men’s championships—will again take center stage in Hall 1, with youth and amateur performance classes held in Hall 2. For the 500 senior players across U40 to U85 categories, Hall 3 will be exclusively opened. Tickets: https://www.tt-finals.de/tickets/
ETTU opened the application process for the 2025 NAAP
ETTU is pleased to open the application process for the 2025 National Association Assistance Program (NAAP). This program provides financial support of €2,000 to 15 selected Associations. To apply, please submit: Please, send your proposals to projects@ettu.org and ana.ivosevic@ettu.org by Friday, 10th January 2025.
Finlandia Open Victories for the Netherlands and France
The international Finlandia Open table tennis tournament concluded over the weekend at the Kisakallio Sports Institute in Lohja, Finland. In the Men’s Singles, Dutch player Milo de BOER emerged victorious, defeating the Czech Republic’s Vlastimil BUBEN in a thrilling seven-game final with a scoreline of 4–3 (8–11, 11–5, 12–10, 11–8, 8–11, 7–11, 11–6). Norway’s Alexander FRANSSON secured the bronze medal. “This was a great tournament. I enjoyed playing a lot and cherished every moment. My matches improved progressively. The beginning was tough, but on the final day, I played at my best level. The season continues in January with the European Championship qualifiers and my national league,” de BOER reflected. In the Women’s Singles, France’s Jeanne ROBBES claimed the title, defeating Luxembourg’s Enisa SADOKOVIC 4–1 (11–7, 11–8, 7–11, 11–5, 11–6) in the final. Norway’s Christine KALVATN took the bronze medal. “It feels amazing to win a tournament like this. I will definitely return next year. The rest of the season will involve France’s Pro B league and perhaps a WTT Feeder tournament,” Robbes shared after her victory. The tournament, sanctioned by the European Table Tennis Union (ETTU), featured 158 players from 27 different associations, showcasing high-level competition across the board. Videos https://www.facebook.com/share/v/17mEcp7Gmr/ Text: Heikki Kiiskinen / FTTA Photos: Hannu Tolvanen
