1. FC Saarbrücken Tischtennis e.V. made a strong start in the Champions League Men quarterfinals with a 3-0 victory over GV Hennebont TTF in France. The reigning champions took a significant step toward the Final 4, which will be held at the Saarlandhalle in Saarbrücken on May 31 and June 1, 2025. Led by World No. 9 Truls MÖREGÅRDH, the visitors showed no mercy in their duel against the French club. After missing Darko JORGIĆ in the first leg of the Round of 16 and Patrick FRANZISKA in the second leg against HB Ostrov z.s., the German champions arrived in France with their strongest lineup. It also marked the first time this season that MÖREGÅRDH was listed in the team for a Champions League Men match. Patrick FRANZISKA opened the tie with a victory over Vladimir SIDORENKO, followed by Truls MÖREGÅRDH, who widened the gap with a win against Lev KATSMAN. Darko JORGIĆ then sealed the clash with a win over Iulian CHIRIȚA. “I am very happy with the match tonight. We showed some great table tennis, and I received fantastic support from the team. It’s a great joy to play for such an incredible club like 1. FC Saarbrücken, a two-time Champions League winner. Winning the opening leg 3-0, with a 9-1 games scoreline, is just the perfect way to start,” said Truls MÖREGÅRDH. In previous Round GV HENNEBONT TTF beat UKS Dojlidy Białystok. The return leg is scheduled for the 16th February. GV HENNEBONT TTF- 1 FC Saarbrücken Tischtennis e.V. 0-3
Champions League Men is heating up
The Champions League Men is heating up as the competition reaches the quarterfinal stage. With powerhouse clubs, rising stars, and thrilling round of 16 clashes behind us, the quarterfinals promise to deliver more high-intensity table tennis matches. This is the last step before the Final 4 will be played in the Saarlandhalle of Saarbrücken on May 31 and June 1, 2025. Watch all the matches live on ETTU TV.Let’s take a closer look at the matchups and what to expect from each tie.GV Hennebont TT (FRA)vs. 1 FC Saarbrücken TT (GER)• First Leg: 15.01.2025, Hennebont• Second Leg: 16.02.2025, SaarbrückenFrench GV Hennebont TT, led by rising stars Vladimir SIDORENKO, Lev KATSMAN, and Iulian CHIRITA, secured their quarterfinal spot with dominant performances against UKS Dojlidy Białystok of Poland. Hennebont’s home advantage in the first leg will be crucial as they face reigning champions 1 FC Saarbrücken TT.Saarbrücken, featuring World No. 9 Truls MÖREGÅRDH and a strong supporting cast led by Patrick FRANZISKA and Darko JORGIC, will be a formidable opponent. The German side’s depth and experience make them favorites, but Hennebont’s youthful energy and home support could produce an upset.Saarbrücken’s experience and depth give them a slight edge, but Hennebont’s home crowd could make the first leg interesting.KS Global PharmaOrlicz 1924 Suchedniow (POL) vs. K.S. Dekorglass Działdowo (POL)• First Leg: 19.01.2025, Suchedniow• Second Leg: 15.02.2025, DziałdowoA Polish derby between KS Global Pharma Orlicz 1924 and K.S.Dekorglass Działdowo promises to be a fiercely contested tie. Orlicz advanced after a nail-biting aggregate win over A.S Pontoise-Cergy TT, while Dekorglass edged out Postsportverein Mühlhausen in dramatic fashion, thanks to the Golden Match rule.Dekorglass’s Jonathan GROTH and Jakub DYJAS have shown they can deliver under pressure. Orlicz, on the other hand, will rely on Robert FLORAS and Deni KOZUL to carry the team through.Dekorglass has the edge with their experience in close matches, but the derby atmosphere could level the playing field.KS Dartom Bogoria Grodzisk Mazowiecki (POL) vs. Solex-Consult Wiener Neustadt (AUT)• First Leg: 14.02.2025, Grodzisk Mazowiecki• Second Leg: 17.01.2025, Wiener NeustadtKS Dartom Bogoria Grodzisk Mazowiecki secured theirquarterfinal spot with a comeback win over SF SKK EL NINO PRAHA. Panagiotis GIONIS and Takuya JIN led the charge for the Polish side, showing their resilience.Solex-Consult Wiener Neustadt, surprising semifinalists last season, are looking to repeat their success. Amirezza Abbasi MONJEZI has been a key player, with his unique style posing problems for opponents.Bogoria’s depth and home-court advantage give them a slight upper hand, but Wiener Neustadt’s unpredictability makes them dangerous.Alliance Nîmes/Montpellier (FRA) vs. Borussia Düsseldorf (GER)First Leg: 17.01.2025, MontpellierSecond Leg: 16.02.2025, DüsseldorfThis tie is arguably the most anticipated of the quarterfinals. Alliance Nîmes/Montpellier, featuring the dynamic LEBRUN brothers, Felix and Alexis, have been in sensational form. Their dominance in the Round of 16 against SPG Felbermayr Wels demonstrated their potential to go all the way.However, standing in their way is Borussia Düsseldorf, Europe’s most successful club. With Timo BOLL, Dang QIU, Anton KALLBERG leading the charge, Düsseldorf will be tough to beat, especially at the ARAG CenterCourt.While the LEBRUN brothers have been exceptional, Borussia Düsseldorf’s experience and depth may prove too much over two legs.The Champions League Men quarterfinals are set to be a thrilling stage of the competition. With powerhouse clubs and rising stars, the battle for a place in the Final 4 is well underway.
Champions League Women quarterfinals are set to deliver exciting matches
Stage 2 of the Champions League Women has concluded, and the quarterfinals are set to deliver exciting matches. Watch all the matches live on ETTU TV. Let’s take a closer look at the upcoming quarterfinal clashes.ASD Quattro Mori(ITA) vs. KTS Enea Siarkopol Tarnobrzeg (POL)• First Leg: 19.01.2025, Cagliari• Second Leg: 14.02.2025, TarnobrzegASD Quattro Mori will face a daunting task against four-time Champions League winners KTS Enea Siarkopol Tarnobrzeg. The Italian side, led by Liemei HU, will need a near-perfect performance to overcome the Polish powerhouse.Tarnobrzeg enters the quarterfinals with a flawless record from the group stage. With stars like Fu YU, Satsuki ODO and Elizabeta SAMARA leading the charge, they are the favorites to advance to the semifinals.UCAM Cartagena TM (ESP) vs. ttc berlin eastside (GER)• First Leg: 19.01.2025, Cartagena• Second Leg: 14.02.2025, BerlinUCAM Cartagena TM secured their quarterfinal spot after a dominant performance in Group D. Led by Maria XIAO and Sofia-Xuan ZHANG, the Spanish side will be aiming to upset five-time Champions League winners TTC Berlin eastside.Berlin rested their top stars during their final group match but remains one of the most formidable teams in the competition. Nina MITTELHAM, Xiaona SHAN, Sabina SURJAN and the upcoming young star, Josi Neumann provide the German side with unmatched depth.Saint-Quentin TT (FRA) vs. Linz AG Froschberg (AUT)• First Leg: 17.01.2025, Saint Quentin• Second Leg: 15.02.2025, LinzFrench Saint-Quentin TT advanced to the quarterfinals as runners-up in Group A. Camille LUTZ and Linda BERGSTRÖM have been key players for theFrench side, delivering crucial victories to secure their spot in the knockout stage.Austria’s Linz AG Froschberg topped Group C with an unbeaten record. Suthasini SAWETTABUT, Ivana MALOBABIC, and Britt EERLAND have been in excellent form, making them one of the most consistent teams this season.Metz TT (FRA) vs. Etival ASRTT (FRA)• First Leg: 19.01.2025, Metz• Second Leg: 28.02.2025, EtivalA thrilling all-French quarterfinal pits Metz TT againstEtival ASRTT. Metzsecured their quarterfinal spot with two wins in the group stage, while Etivalremained unbeaten in Group D, led by players like Christina KALLBERG and JieniSHAO.Both teams know each other well, which adds an extra layer of intrigue to this tie. The outcome could go either way, making it one of the most anticipated quarterfinal matchups.The Champions League Women quarterfinals are shaping up to be an intense stage of the competition. With powerhouse clubs and star players on display, the road to the semifinals promises excitement and drama. Will the reigning champions maintain their dominance, or will we see surprises in the knockout phase?
ETTU is inviting all Member Associations to nominate a person for the role of WTTD Promoter
ETTU is inviting all Member Associations to nominate a person for the role of World Table Tennis Day (WTTD) Promoter for 2025. From the applications received, ETTU will select two individuals to represent the region as WTTD Promoters. As announced by the ITTF Foundation, WTTD 2025 will be celebrated on 23 April under the theme of “Diversity and Inclusion”—a continued celebration of table tennis as a universal, popular, and inclusive sport. Benefits for Selected Promoters: Nomination Submission Deadline: Please submit your nominations (Motivation letter and brief CV) by Friday 17th January 2025. Please ensure that your nominee meets the following criteria:
PT Jyväskylä Dominates Finnish Women’s Championship Series
PT Jyväskylä clinched the title in the Finnish Women’s Championship Series, held at Ruskeasuo, Helsinki, with a commanding performance. In the final, they defeated PT Espoo with a decisive 3-0 victory. The standout player for the champions, Maria GIRLEA, remained undefeated throughout the weekend. “It was fun to play, and I’m really happy with the championship. Thanks to the club for this opportunity,” GIRLEA shared enthusiastically. Alongside Girlea, the PT Jyväskylä team featured Estonian player Vitalia REINOL and Romanian Dora MOLDOVAN, both celebrating the triumph. PT Espoo, the silver medalists, were represented by Aleksandra TITIEVSKAJA, Polina LEVKINA, and Alisa SINISHIN. In the battle for bronze, PT 75’s second team pulled off an upset by defeating the club’s first team 3-2. The Women’s Championship Series made a much-anticipated return to Finnish table tennis after a 22-year hiatus. Looking ahead to next season, Mikkelin PALLOSEURA will replace Helsinki-based MBF, which has withdrawn from the top division.
Sarajevo Set to Host 2025 European Teams Championships Stage 1 from January 21-25
The 2025 European Teams Championships (ETC) Stage 1 will take place from January 21 to 25 in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, bringing together teams in their pursuit of a place in the Final Stage, scheduled to be held from October 12 to 19 in Zadar. The tournament will host 17 women’s teams and 21 men’s teams. Women’s Teams: Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Denmark, England, Finland, Greece, Greenland, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, Netherlands, Norway, Scotland, Slovenia, Switzerland. Men’s Teams: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, Greece, Greenland, Iceland, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Moldova, Netherlands, Norway, San Marino, Scotland, Spain, Switzerland, Türkiye and Wales. Tournament Format The Stage 1 competition will follow a group-stage system for both the men’s and women’s events. Men’s Competition 21 teams divided into 4 groups: The top 4 teams from each group advance to the Main Stage (positions 1-16). The 5th and 6th placed teams will compete for positions 17-21 in a round-robin format. Main Stage (Positions 1-16) 4 groups of 4 teams. The winner of each group qualifies directly for the ETC Final Stage. The second-placed teams will play an additional match to secure the final two spots in the Final Stage. Main Stage (Positions 17-21) 1 group of 5 teams in a round-robin format. Women’s Competition 17 teams divided into 4 groups: The top 3 teams from each group advance to the Main Stage (positions 1-12). The remaining teams will compete for positions 13-17. Main Stage (Positions 1-12) 4 groups of 3 teams. The group winners qualify directly for the ETC Final Stage. The second-placed teams will play additional matches for the two remaining spots in the Final Stage. Main Stage (Positions 13-17) One group of 5 (Round-robin)
Ochsenhausen Wins the LIEBHERR Cup Final Four in Germany
The first title of the season goes to Swabia: TTF Liebherr Ochsenhausen triumphed at the LIEBHERR Cup Final Four and won the German Table Tennis Cup for the fifth time. On Saturday, in front of 4,500 enthusiastic fans at the ratiopharm arena in Ulm/Neu-Ulm, TTF secured the final with a 3-1 victory over 1. FC Saarbrücken TT. Hugo CALDERANO, the world No. 6 smiled broadly, danced around the court, and repeatedly celebrated with a clenched fist. CALDERANO played four matches throughout the LIEBHERR Cup Final Four, winning all of them and dropping just one game in total. In the final against 1. FC Saarbrücken TT, Calderano and his teammates lifted the trophy after a 3-1 victory, marking their first title since the 2019 double win. “It’s very special for us to win this title,” said CALDERANO afterward. “I’m very happy it worked out. Playing here is always a special experience because of the proximity to Ochsenhausen and the many fans in the arena.” The decisive victory came from Calderano in his match against Patrick FRANZISKA. CALDERANO won 3-0, displaying clever play at key moments, stealing points from his opponent, and benefiting from some luck. A spectacular rally gave him the first set 11-10, and a defensive edge shot secured a 10-7 lead in the second set. “Hugo played flawlessly, very versatile, and extremely confidently,” acknowledged FRANZISKA. “When he plays like that, he can beat any player in the world.” With five cup victories (2002, 2003, 2004, 2019, 2025), Ochsenhausen is now the second most successful team in the tournament’s history, behind record-holder Borussia Düsseldorf (28 titles). “Incredible, truly incredible,” said Simon GAUZY. “Our big goal was to participate and win the title. We faced two incredibly strong opponents today, so we’re even happier with our success.” Saarbrücken and Ochsenhausen last met in a final in 2020, when Saarbrücken won the German Championship 3-1. However, Saarbrücken missed out on their third cup victory (after 2012 and 2022) on Saturday. They still have two more title opportunities in the Table Tennis Bundesliga (TTBL) and the Champions League. In the TTBL, both Saarbrücken and Ochsenhausen are fighting for playoff spots, and Saarbrücken has reached the Champions League quarterfinals. Before beating FRANZISKA, CALDERANO had already defeated Saarbrücken’s Darko JORGIC (3-1) and, in the semifinals, Yuma TSUBOI and Kristian KARLSSON (both 3-0) from TTC OE Bad Homburg. GAUZY also contributed a point against Bad Homburg with a 3-1 win over KARLSSON, while Shunsuke TOGAMI secured a crucial point against Saarbrücken. The Japanese player saved three match points from Eduard IONESCU and fought back to win the fifth set 3-2, celebrating on his knees with clenched fists. In the other semifinal, Saarbrücken defeated SV Werder Bremen 3-1. “Of course we’re disappointed, and it’s not a good feeling to be second for what feels like the tenth time,” admitted FRANZISKA. Last year, FCS also lost the cup final, that time 0-3 to Borussia Düsseldorf. “But it is what it is,” FRANZISKA added. “Congratulations to Ochsenhausen; they played strongly and deserved to win.” Final 1. FC Saarbrücken TT – TTF Liebherr Ochsenhausen 1:3 Semi final TTF Liebherr Ochsenhausen – TTC OE Bad Homburg 3:1 SV Werder Bremen – 1. FC Saarbrücken TT 1:3 FOTO: BeLa Sportfoto
LIEBHERR Cup Final Four 2025: Who Will Claim the First Title of the Year in Germany
Four teams, three matches, one goal: On January 4, 2025, the top four teams of the cup season will face off at the LIEBHERR Cup Final Four. 1. FC Saarbrücken TT, TTF Liebherr Ochsenhausen, SV Werder Bremen, and TTC OE Bad Homburg will battle it out at the ratiopharm arena Ulm/Neu-Ulm for the first title of the year, with a compact and thrilling schedule featuring semifinals and the final on the same day. This year marks the 10th consecutive LIEBHERR Cup Final Four hosted at the ratiopharm arena Ulm/Neu-Ulm, promising a spectacular event. The Table Tennis Bundesliga (TTBL) expects around 5,000 fans to attend, ensuring a vibrant atmosphere. The audience can anticipate world-class sports, as top stars have confirmed their participation on January 4. Representing 1. FC Saarbrücken TT will be Patrick FRANZISKA and Darko JORGIC, while TTF Liebherr Ochsenhausen brings Hugo CALDERANO and Simon GAUZY. Mattias FALCK and Kirill GERASSIMENKO play for SV Werder Bremen, and Kristian KARLSSON leads TTC OE Bad Homburg. The semifinals kick off at 11 AM, played simultaneously on two tables. Following a brief transition, the grand final showdown will take place on the center court. TTF Liebherr Ochsenhausen, located just 35 kilometers from the arena, aims to secure their fifth title, making them the second most successful team in the cup’s history, behind record-holder Düsseldorf (28 titles). Ochsenhausen’s last victory came on January 5, 2019, when they defeated SV Werder Bremen in the final—a matchup that could be repeated this year. Ochsenhausen faces Bad Homburg in the semifinal, while Saarbrücken plays Bremen on the adjacent table. For TTC OE Bad Homburg, January 4 will be a historic day as they make their debut at the LIEBHERR Cup Final Four. After previous seasons saw them advance only as far as the quarterfinals, they now aim to both enjoy the atmosphere and compete strongly. If Bad Homburg reaches the final, KARLSSON could face his brother-in-law, Patrick FRANZISKA. FRANZISKA, who married KARLSSON’S sister Frida in 2021, will lead 1. FC Saarbrücken TT in their pursuit of another title. Having won the Champions League in the past two seasons, Saarbrücken aims to add to their collection. “We’ll try to create another great memory,” says world-ranked No. 13 Darko JORGIC. While acknowledging Ochsenhausen’s strong lineup, JORGIC remains determined: “It’s our clear goal to win the cup this year.” SV Werder Bremen, who eliminated TTC RhönSprudel Fulda-Maberzell in a dramatic 3-2 quarterfinal, returns to the Final Four for the first time since 2019. Although they have yet to win the title, Bremen has reached the final three times. “This is a big opportunity for us to fight for the trophy,” says team leader Mattias FALCK. “We know we’re a strong team when we play our best table tennis, and we aim to deliver at this spectacular event.” Schedule for the LIEBHERR Cup Final Four 2025 11:00 AM: Semifinals (simultaneous) Semifinal 1: TTF Liebherr Ochsenhausen vs. TTC OE Bad Homburg Semifinal 2: SV Werder Bremen vs. 1. FC Saarbrücken TT After a short break: Final
Season’s Greetings from the ETTU President!
Dear European Table Tennis Friends, As we celebrate the close of 2024, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to all our member associations, players, coaches, officials, and fans for your incredible contribution to European table tennis.This year has been a momentous one, filled with achievements, growth, and unforgettable moments. It was also a personal milestone for me as I had the honour of being elected your ETTU President. I am truly grateful for your trust as we continue to shape the future of our sport together.We are delighted to share some of our highlights of ETTU’s 2024 activities. You can watch it here.May this holiday season bring you joy, peace, and cherished time with your loved ones. Let’s look forward to a dynamic and successful 2025 filled with unity and progress for European table tennis!Happy Holidays and Best Wishes for the New Year! Pedro Moura ETTU President
The draw for the Women’s Champions League
Stage 2 of the Women’s Champions League has concluded, and the draw for the quarterfinals took place today in Luxembourg.The first leg of the quarterfinal matches will be played in mid-January.
