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
Finlandia Open 2024 – U21 Titles Clinched by VAN DESSEL and Jeanne ROBBES
The first champions of the 2024 Finlandia Open table tennis tournament were crowned on Friday evening. In the U21 Men’s category, Mael VAN DESSEL of Luxembourg triumphed over Norway’s Alexander FRANSSEN in an intense final, securing a 3-1 victory (12-10, 9-11, 11-7, 11-6). The bronze medals were awarded to Matyas LEBEDA from the Czech Republic and Dominykas SAMUOLIS from Denmark. In the U21 Women’s final, France’s Jeanne ROBBES claimed the title, defeating Switzerland’s Fanny DOUTAZ 3-1 (11-6, 11-7, 9-11, 11-4). The third-place honors went to Martine TOFTAKER of Norway and Eugenia SASTRE of Spain. The tournament will continue through the weekend, with the winners of the Men’s and Women’s Singles events set to be decided on Sunday. The ETTU-sanctioned competition, held at the Kisakallio Sports Institute, boasts participation from over 160 players representing 27 countries. Info: Info: https://www.sptl.fi/sptl_uudet/?p=52414 Text: Heikki Kiiskinen / FTTA Photos: Hannu Tolvanen
Moldova Hosts Successful Seminar on Training Young Table Tennis Talents
As part of the European Table Tennis Union’s (ETTU) National Association Assistance Program (NAAP), a practical-methodical seminar titled “The Process of Training Young Players – The Road to the Olympics” took place in November in Chisinau, Republic of Moldova. The seminar, hosted at Chisinau Sports University, witnessed an impressive turnout of 74 participants, underscoring the growing interest in table tennis development in Moldova. The event was further elevated by the attendance of notable figures such as Mr. Viorel DORGAN, Director of the Institute of Physical Education, and Mrs. Maria TIMUS, principal specialist from the Youth, Sport, and Physical Education Policy Division under the Ministry of Education and Research. ETTU Vice President Jaroslaw KOLODZIEJCZYK expressed his delight at the overwhelming participation and the warm reception in Chisinau. Reflecting on the experience, he said: “The National Assistance Program has raised great interest in Moldova. Honestly, I had not expected the participation of no less than 74 people, who gathered for many hours in a very beautiful aula of Chisinau Sports University. The presence of Mr. Viorel DORGAN and Mrs. Maria TIMUS underlined the importance of this program for the country. ETTU Vice President KOLODZIEJCZYK underlined the warm hospitality. “Besides a serious and scientific content of the agenda, I was overwhelmed by the kindness and hospitality provided, particularly by the president of Moldova TTA, Mr. Ion SARANDI, and Mrs. Elena MOCROUSOV, General Secretary of MDA TTA. From my side, I just hope the participants have benefited from our meeting and I wish them all the best for the future.”
2025 Champions League Final 4 Saarbrücken: Book the tickets now
This year, 4,500 spectators in Saarlandhalle Saarbrücken contributed to the resounding success of the first-ever Champions League Final 4. The event returns next year, promising another thrilling experience for players and fans alike. Mark your calendars for May 31 and June 1, 2025. Tickets are now available here https://fcs-tt-tickets.reservix.de/events Combined tickets for both days can be purchased starting today and throughout December. From January, tickets for individual days will also go on sale—don’t miss out on securing your spot early. “We did a good job this year in organizing the event. The sporting results were also very satisfying for us. Winning the title at home in our venue was a great moment. We’re also highly motivated for 2025,” said 1. FC Saarbrücken TT e.V. team Manager Nicolas BARRIOS. Last year’s Champions League Final 4 winners, 1. FC Saarbrücken TT e.V, are now preparing for their first duel of the new season. In the Round of 16, the German club will face HB Ostrov z.s. of Czechia. “This year, the Champions League has fantastic lineups, such as Postsportverein Mühlhausen 1951 eV with Chinese players and Alliance Nîmes Montpellier TT with the LEBRUN brothers. There was no easy draw. If we make it to the quarterfinals, we could face GV Hennebont TT, which has an amazing team and great players. However, it’s too early to think about that since the team from Ostrava has very strong players,” added BARRIOS. Regarding the team’s current form, BARRIOS commented: “We are not in a good period right now. We’ve had a few disappointing results, which put us in seventh position in the Bundesliga standings. This is just temporary, and I hope we will be fully ready for the challenges of the new Champions League season, where our goal is to defend our title.”
33rd Finlandia Open – Everything You Need to Know
The traditional Finlandia Open returns this year, welcoming over 160 players from 27 countries to the enchanting home of Father Christmas. Hosted at the Kisakallio Sports Institute, just an hour’s drive from Helsinki Airport, the venue offers world-class facilities for this highly anticipated international event. Schedule and Format The Men’s Singles Trophy is steeped in history, bearing the names of iconic table tennis stars such as Liu Guoliang, Jan-Ove Waldner, and Mattias Falck. Unique Format The tournament employs a progressive knock-out system, ensuring each player competes in approximately six singles matches, with their final positions determined by the results. Matches will be played in a best-of-five format. Recognized by the European Table Tennis Union (ETTU), the competition carries ETTU ranking status, further adding to its prestige. Stay Updated Follow the latest updates and results here: Finlandia Open 2024.
ETTU Announces Key Updates and Initiatives
The European Table Tennis Union (ETTU) has unveiled significant updates following decisions made at the 2024 Congress. From ranking system changes to new hosting opportunities and support for female coaches, these updates mark a pivotal step for the development of European table tennis. Key highlights include the launch of a new ETTU Handbook, the introduction of the ETTU Ranking for seeding in 2025 events, and announcements on the 2025 World Table Tennis Championships European Quotas and the tender for the 2026 European Championships. Additionally. NEW ETTU HANDBOOK Following the 2024 Congress decisions, ETTU’s updated constitution and regulations are available separately but also in handbook version here: ETTU RANKING At the 2024 ETTU Congress, it was approved to use the ETTU Ranking for seeding in all ETTU team and individual competitions, excluding club competitions. This change will be implemented starting with events in 2025 and will take effect immediately. 2025 WORLD TABLE TENNIS CHAMPIONSHIPS EUROPEAN QUOTAS The top 16 Singles and top 8 Doubles finishers from the 2024 European Championships will qualify directly for the 2025 World Table Tennis Championships, with the remaining European quota positions filled based on ITTF rankings. 2026 EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS ETTU announces that there will be no 2026 edition of the Multisports European Championships. As a result, the tender process for hosting the 2026 European Championships (Individual Events) is now officially open. The application form, along with the Championship’s directives and regulations, has been sent to all Member Associations. Completed applications must be submitted no later than 20th December 2024. ETTU RANKING INCLUSION ETTU invites members’ associations to apply their tournaments to be part of the ETTU Ranking Platform. The essential requirements that a tournament can be part of the ranking platform are: Entry System can be done only through the Member Associations. The minimum number of participating Associations is 5. The application form for inclusion in the ETTU Ranking Platform has been sent to all Member Associations. EUROPE YOUTH SERIES SUPPORT ETTU will continue supporting the participation of one female coach per Member Association in 2025, covering full hospitality costs for coaches from ITTF categories 3 and 4 and 50% of hospitality costs for coaches from categories 1 and 2. This support aims to further promote female coach participation.
ETTU JOB OPENINGS: PART-TIME FINANCIAL MANAGER (20H/WEEK)
Location: Luxembourg Position Overview: ETTU is looking for a skilled Financial Operations Manager to handle daily financial tasks, including accountancy, budget management, and liaising with auditors. Based in Luxembourg, this part-time position offers flexible working arrangements. Job Responsibilities: Required Skills and Qualifications: What We Offer: Interested candidates are invited to submit their applications, including a CV and cover letter, to Galia Dvorak galia.dvorak@ettu.org and Pierre Kass pierre.kass@ettu.org no later than 31st December 2024.
