The lineup of eight clubs advancing to Round 3 of the Europe Cup Women has been finalized. Stage 2, held in France and Portugal, identified four group winners and four runners-up who will now proceed to the next phase, featuring a home-and-away (double round-robin) format. The Round 3 winners will secure spots in the quarterfinals, where they will face third-placed teams relegated from the Champions League (CL Round 2). In Group A, hosted in Montpellier, France, HB Ostrov z.s. topped the standings with three wins. Tatiana KUKULKOVA, Zdena BLASKOVA, and Veronika POLAKOVA led the Czech side to victory. Spanish team SON CLADERA TTC – MALLORCA, represented by Honoka KAWAKITA, Pauline CHASSELIN, and Ainhoa CRISTOBAL, secured the runners-up position. In Group B, held in Mirandela, Portugal, FIBRAIN KU AZS POLITECHNIKA RZESZOW claimed the top spot with an unbeaten record. The Polish trio of Yami NARUMOTO, Zuzanna WIELGOS, and Katarzyna GRZYBOWSKA-FRANC displayed dominance throughout. They were followed by Spain’s Museo de la Almendra Francisco Morales, represented by Marija ZOLOTIC GALONJA, Margarita FETUKHINA, and Patricia SANTOS. In Group C, Spanish team MIRÓ GANXETS REUS, featuring Margaryta PESOTSKA, Takara MURAKAMI, and Elvira Fiona RAD, emerged as the group winners. They defeated the host team, CTM Mirandela, led by Ines MATOS, Annamaria ERDELYI, and Mariana SANTA COMBA, who finished in second place. In Group D, UNIVERSIDAD DE BURGOS – RM TERAN secured the top position. Gabriela FEHER, Maria BERZOSA, and Candela MOLERO completed their matches with two wins. CP LYSSOIS LILLE METROPOLE, represented by Shouhan MAN, Filippa BERGAND, Margo DEGRAEF, and Lilou MASSART, overcame Gibrau VIV TT today to claim the second spot in this group of three. Group A União Sebastianense FC – HB Ostrov z.s. 0-3 Alliance Nîmes Montpellier TT – HB Ostrov z.s. 2-3 União Sebastianense FC – SON CLADERA TTC – MALLORCA 0-3 Group B FIBRAIN KU AZS POLITECHNIKA RZESZOW – Museo de la Almendra Francisco Morales 3-1 Group C MIRÓ GANXETS REUS – CTM Mirandela 3-1 BEBETTO AZS UJD CZESTOCHOWA – TT Moravský Krumlov 3-0 w/o Group D Girbau-Vic TT – CP LYSSOIS LILLE METROPOLE 0-3
Dominant Performance by Alliance Nîmes/Montpellier in the CL Round of 16
The team with the most impressive lineup in this season’s European club competition made a commanding statement in the Round of 16. After advancing through the Group Stage, Alliance Nîmes/Montpellier showed their full strength in front of an electrified home crowd at the Palais des Sports Pierre de Coubertin in Montpellier. This match marked the Champions League debut for Europe’s No. 1 player, Felix LEBRUN, and No. 3, Alexis LEBRUN, and they did not disappoint. Their stellar performances propelled the French team to a dominant win over Austria’s SPG Felbermayr Wels in straight matches. Felix LEBRUN faced a brief challenge in the opening game against Maciej KOLODZIEJCZYK but quickly turned the tide, dictating the pace from the second game onwards in a one-sided display. Alexis LEBRUN entered the arena fully prepared and dispatched Andreas LEVENKO in straight games with clinical precision. Esteban DORR, the only player from the team who also participated in Stage 1 last month in Suchedniow, completed the triumph with a composed 3-1 victory over Felix WETZEL. The fantastic atmosphere in Montpellier, coupled with the outstanding performances of its players, solidifies Alliance Nîmes/Montpellier as a top contender in this season’s Champions League Men. Alliance Nîmes/Montpellier – SPG Felbermayr Wels 3-0
Stage 2 Europe Cup Women: Intense Battles in France and Portugal
This weekend, the Stage 2 matches of the Europe Cup Women are underway, hosted across four groups in France and Portugal. The competition sees favorites delivering on expectations and fierce contests among strong contenders. The winners and runners-up from all four groups progress to Round 3, which will follow a home-and-away format (double round robin). The Round 3 winners will then advance to the quarterfinals, where they will face teams relegated from the Champions League (CL Round 2 3rd-placed teams). Group A: Montpellier, France At the Palais des Sports Pierre de Coubertin in Montpellier, the top-seeded Alliance Nîmes Montpellier TT justified their status, defeating Portugal’s União Sebastianense in straight matches. Similarly impressive, Czech team HB Ostrov z.s. prevailed over Spanish side SON CLADERA TTC – MALLORCA, maintaining the group’s competitive spirit. Group B: Mirandela, Portugal FIBRAIN KU AZS POLITECHNIKA RZESZOW and Spain’s Museo de la Almendra Francisco Morales remain unbeaten after two rounds. Both clubs were awarded walkovers due to the absence of TT Moravský Krumlov. In their played matches, they secured wins against BEBETTO AZS UJD CZESTOCHOWA from Poland, asserting their dominance in the group. Group C: Mirandela, Portugal Spanish team MIRÓ GANXETS REUS secured a hard-earned win over Hungary’s Győri AC. Bernadett BALINT claimed victory over Japan’s Takara MURAKAMI, but Margaryta PESOTSKA proved unstoppable, recording two straight-game wins against BALINT and Alexa SZVITACS. The hosts, CTM Mirandela, featuring Ines MATOS, Annamaria ERDELYI, and Mariana SANTA COMBA, also swept aside the Hungarian club with a dominant straight-match victory. Group D: Mirandela, Portugal In a three-team group, UNIVERSIDAD DE BURGOS – RM TERAN finished on top after a series of grueling matches. In the morning, Gabriela FEHER, Maria BERZOSA, and Candela MOLERO triumphed over CP LYSSOIS LILLE METROPOLE’s Shouhan MAN, Filippa BERGAND, and Lilou MASSART after a five-game thriller. The afternoon match saw them pushed to the limit once again before prevailing against Girbau-Vic TT. Notably, Charlotte CAREY delivered standout performances, defeating both FEHER and BERZOSA. Europe Cup Women Stage 2 Group A Alliance Nîmes Montpellier TT – União Sebastianense FC 3-0 SON CLADERA TTC – MALLORCA – HB Ostrov z.s. 0-3 Group B Museo de la Almendra Francisco Morales – BEBETTO AZS UJD CZESTOCHOWA 3-2 FIBRAIN KU AZS POLITECHNIKA RZESZOW – TT Moravský Krumlov 3-0 w/o TT Moravský Krumlov – Museo de la Almendra Francisco Morales 0-3 w/o FIBRAIN KU AZS POLITECHNIKA RZESZOW – BEBETTO AZS UJD CZESTOCHOWA 3-0 Group C Győri AC- MIRÓ GANXETS REUS 2-3 Győri AC – CTM Mirandela 0-3 Group D UNIVERSIDAD DE BURGOS RM TERAN – CP LYSSOIS LILLE METROPOLE 3-2 Girbau-Vic TT – UNIVERSIDAD DE BURGOS – RM TERAN 2-3
Europe Cup Men Stage 2: Action Unfolds Across Austria, Denmark, and France
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.
