The Mayor of Novi Sad, Žarko MIĆIN, and the City Council member for Sports and Youth, Tatjana MEDVED, met with the President of the European Table Tennis Union (ETTU), Pedro MOURA. MOURA visited the City Hall with a delegation from the Serbian Table Tennis Association to discuss the European Veterans Championship, which will take place from June 15 to 22, 2025, at the Novi Sad Fair. Pedro MOURA emphasized that the championship, which is expected to attract over 5,000 visitors from nearly all European countries and more than 3,000 competitors across 11 age categories, along with numerous table tennis enthusiasts, would be a spectacular sporting event. “Beyond the competition itself, I am confident that this event, given its significant tourism potential, will also contribute to the city’s economy and promotion,” MOURA stated. Mayor MIĆIN expressed confidence that Novi Sad would successfully rise to the challenge and be an excellent host for the European Veterans Championship, the largest table tennis competition on the continent. He also highlighted Novi Sad’s rich history of hosting major table tennis events, including the European Senior Championship in 1974, the European Youth Championships in 1988 and 2003, as well as the World Championship in 1981. Additionally, Novi Sad is a candidate for the title of European City of Sport in 2026. “Table tennis is inseparably linked to Novi Sad, a city that nurtures a strong sporting spirit. One of the city’s symbols, our SPENS arena, built specifically for the Table Tennis World Championship in the 1980s, is a testament to this legacy. Given that Novi Sad is a candidate for the European City of Sport 2026, I hope that this event, one of many prestigious sporting competitions held in our city, will contribute to securing that prestigious recognition,” said Mayor MIĆIN. Members of the Serbian Table Tennis Association delegation—Predrag NIČIĆ, Dan FRACILE, Vladimir ŠIŠKA, Marko JEVTOVIĆ, and Dušan CVEJIĆ—expressed their gratitude for the strong support from the ETTU President. They also affirmed their readiness to tackle all logistical and organizational challenges ahead as hosts of the championship. They proposed that Mayor MIĆIN assume the role of President of the Championship’s Organizing Committee, which he accepted.
President MOURA met with Serbian Minister of Sports
Serbian Minister of Sports Zoran GAJIĆ hosted a reception for ETTU President Pedro MOURA, and a delegation from the Serbian Table Tennis Association (STSS) on the occasion of the European Veterans Table Tennis Championships, which will take place from June 15 to June 22 at the Novi Sad Fair. Novi Sad is also the candidate for the 2026 City of Sport. This tournament is the largest sporting event in Serbia since the Universiade in Belgrade, bringing together over 5,000 competitors and guests. The event will be held in two large halls, featuring 150 table tennis tables across a total area of approximately 10,000 square meters, with an additional 100,000 square meters of open space dedicated to cultural and hospitality activities. The meeting was attended by State Secretary Ratko NIKOLIĆ, Assistant Minister for International Cooperation and European Integration, Chief of Staff Jovan KNEŽEVIĆ, as well as STSS President Predrag NIČIĆ, STSS Director Marko JEVTOVIĆ, STSS Vice President Vladimir ŠIŠKA, Championship Director Dane FRACILE, and STSS Executive Board Member Dušan CVEJIĆ. ETTU President Pedro Moura expressed his delight at visiting Belgrade and his full support for this prestigious competition. “This is my second visit to Belgrade, following the 2022 European Junior Championships. I am well aware of how much people here love sports, and that makes me feel at home. I came to present to Minister GAJIĆ what awaits us and to offer my full support to the new STSS leadership. It is already clear that the minister is well informed about all preparation phases, for which I am very grateful,” said Pedro MOURA. Minister GAJIĆ shared his personal connection to the sport, revealing that before his successful volleyball career, his first sporting steps were actually taken at a table tennis table in Senta, Čoka, and Pančevo. “Regardless of the results, table tennis has always held an important place in Serbian sports. Novi Sad and SPENS have a rich table tennis history, and I would like to remind everyone that SPENS was built specifically for the 1984 World Championships. With the 1974 European Championships and many other major events, this sport has deep roots in our country. The people currently leading table tennis in Serbia give me full confidence that, as a ministry, we should support the organization of this event. We are fully available to provide any kind of assistance,” said Minister Zoran GAJIĆ. The European Veterans Championships will have a maximum of 3,360 participants, divided into 11 age categories ranging from 40-44 years to 90+. Three months before the start of the competition, around 2,700 players have already registered from nearly every European country, with many bringing family members, adding significant tourism value to the event. Recently, the Serbian Table Tennis Association (STSS) underwent a leadership change, with Predrag NIČIĆ now at the helm. “The leadership change occurred due to shortcomings in the work of the previous management. Clubs were uncertain whether the previous team could successfully organize such a major event. We have now taken over all championship sectors, and the preparations are progressing at a satisfactory pace,” explained STSS President Predrag NIČIĆ. All attendees expressed their gratitude to the Ministry of Sports for its support. Championship Director Dane FRACILE highlighted the long-term benefits of this assistance: “The Ministry has provided significant support, and we are thrilled that not only this competition but also the Serbian Table Tennis Association and its athletes will benefit from it. After the championship, we will retain 150 tables, nearly 10,000 square meters of Taraflex flooring, and a new climate control system for the Novi Sad Fair,” stated Dane FRACILE.
1,100 Fans Celebrate: Standing Ovations Before Timo BOLL’s First Serve
Standing ovations before even a single ball was played. Great emotions before the match, and in the end, goosebumps and even a few tears. Everything revolved around Timo BOLL and his last regular-season home match at the ARAG CenterCourt (ACC). In between, the Bundesliga match between Borussia Düsseldorf and TTF LIEBHERR Ochsenhausen almost became secondary—almost, perhaps also because the record champions lost this top match 2-3, yet still had reason to celebrate. It was his big night: Timo BOLL was able to fully enjoy his farewell performance for Borussia. His entrance alone was already a victory lap through the entire hall. Step by step, he absorbed the atmosphere and cherished the loud and heartfelt gratitude from the audience for 18 unforgettable years at Staufenplatz. Right after 1,100 fans in the sold-out ACC sang him a birthday song for his 44th birthday, BOLL had to step right up to the table. And once again, he delivered brilliant table tennis, showing exactly what everyone loves about him. Seventeen-year-old Tiago ABIODUN was unimpressed by the legend standing across from him. He challenged the former world number one, leading to a match filled with exciting, long rallies. But BOLL still has his incredible touch, never giving up on a single point, and played with well-thought-out tactics. He fired up the crowd and put his club ahead 1-0. Just like against Werder Bremen, Kay STUMPER once again delivered great table tennis. Facing Simon GAUZY, he dominated the first set, leaving the Frenchman no chance. But GAUZY, with his experience and class, turned the game around. He took the next two sets, but STUMPER fought back to force a decisive fifth set. It was closely contested, and perhaps only a bit of luck was missing, but Ochsenhausen managed to equalize. With Dang QIU (Borussia Düsseldorf) and Hugo CALDERANO (Ochsenhausen) already on their way to China for the next WTT Champions event, Anton KÄLLBERG took the stage next. Facing Leonardo IIZUKA, he played solidly, but the match couldn’t quite match the intensity of the previous games. The Swede controlled the match and won comfortably 3-0. The fans got one last chance to see Timo BOLL in action. In the climactic match, he faced Simon GAUZY and the Frenchman’s powerful backhand. BOLL immediately felt the intensity, scoring just one point in the first set. The second set was more balanced, but still went to GAUZY. In the third set, Boll took a 5-0 lead but couldn’t hold on, allowing Ochsenhausen to level the score at 2-2. For the second time in four days, an ARAG CenterCourt match came down to a deciding doubles match. Borussia Düsseldorf sent Anton KÄLLBERG and Borgar HAUG to the table. The two Scandinavians have been unbeaten this season as a duo, but IIZUKA and ABIODUN, despite their youth, are a well-established pair, having finished third at the last Youth World Championships. They started strong, preventing the Borussia duo from getting into the match. But in the second set, Källberg and Haug turned things around, leveling the score. However, it wasn’t enough. Ochsenhausen took the final set and claimed the victory in Düsseldorf. In the standings, both Borussia Düsseldorf and Ochsenhausen now have 30:10 points, but Düsseldorf remains in first place thanks to a better game ratio. However, the fans in the hall had little concern for the standings. They were only interested in celebrating their hero. The “Timo, Timo” chants didn’t stop—especially after he took the microphone from manager Andreas PREUß and shared heartfelt words with his fans and supporters: “No matter where I played in the world, I was always welcomed with open arms and received so much support, respect, and appreciation from you fans. It has been a great honor to be your table tennis entertainer. I will miss all of this so much. Thank you for these unforgettable moments that I was able to experience thanks to you.” Danny HEISTER, Head Coach of Borussia Düsseldorf “It’s a shame that we lost today. We always want to win, but on this evening, I especially wanted Timo to have a victory. However, we are safely in the playoffs, so I don’t want to overanalyze the defeat. You can lose to Ochsenhausen. GAUZY was strong, winning two key points, which you always have to factor in. Unfortunately, our doubles weren’t as sharp as they have been recently.” Borussia Düsseldorf – TTF Liebherr Ochsenhausen
17th ITTF Sports Science Congress – Doha 2025: A Premier Event for Table Tennis Science
The International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) announced the 17th ITTF Sports Science Congress, set to take place in Doha, Qatar, on 15-16 May 2025. This event is jointly provided by the Qatar Table Tennis Association (QTTA) and Aspetar-Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Hospital, offering a unique opportunity for professionals to engage with leading experts in table tennis science and sports medicine. The Congress, an accredited CPD activity, will feature world-class speakers sharing the latest evidence-based insights into diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of injuries in table tennis players. Discussions will cover key areas such as: Researchers, practitioners, and scholars are invited to submit papers on a wide range of topics, including but not limited to: Key Details Dates & Time: Upon completion of the Congress, participants will be able to: A Key Event Ahead of the ITTF World Championships Finals Adding to the excitement, the ITTF World Table Tennis Championships Finals Doha 2025 will commence immediately after the Congress, running from 17-25 May 2025. This presents a perfect opportunity for attendees to experience both the scientific and competitive aspects of world-class table tennis in one location. See more here
ETTU Announces with Regret the Passing of the Legendary Ella Constantinescu ZELLER
Ella CONSTANTINESCU ZELLER, a legend of Romanian table tennis, has passed away at the age of 91. Inducted into the Hall of Fame by the ETTU and ITTF, alongside the legendary Angelica ROZEANU, Ella CONSTANTINESCU ZELLER made history in the sport, serving as an inspiration both during her playing career and in the years following her retirement. Alongside other emblematic figures, Ella CONSTANTINESCU ZELLER contributed to the development and global recognition of Romanian table tennis. She also played a significant role in shaping future generations, acting as a mentor and guide. Born on November 26, 1933, in Moldova Nouă, her table tennis journey began at the age of 11 in Timișoara, at RGMT Club, where she quickly stood out, becoming a local junior champion in 1946. This was just a prelude to her 30 national championship titles, won while playing for Progresul and Voința, in Bucharest. “I felt the paddle like a violin,” she once said, and she mastered it with exceptional skill between 1952 and 1963, during which she won 13 medals at the World Championships, including three gold medals with the team and two gold medals in doubles, alongside Angelica ROZEANU. Ella CONSTANTINESCU ZELLER was also European champion in women’s doubles in 1958, as well as a two-time European runner-up, with the team (1958) and in women’s doubles (1964). Her impressive record at the biggest events also includes: World Championships: European Championships: International Championships: 1st place in Women’s Singles: Romanian National Championships: Best rankings: After retiring in 1966, Ella ZELLER CONSTANTINESCU’s success story continued. Until 1989, she served as a federal coach, playing a crucial role in training top athletes who achieved international success. As a distinguished coach in Romania, Ella CONSTANTINESCU ZELLER later emigrated to Germany, where she remained dedicated to table tennis. In 2000, Romania honored her with the National Cross for Faithful Service, 3rd Class. Condolences to Ella ZELLER CONSTANTINESCU’s family. The funeral will be held in Timișoara.
The Draw for the 2025 Europe Trophy Grand Final
The draw for the 2025 Europe Trophy Grand Final was held today. The tournament is set to take place from April 4th to 6th, 2025, in Igalo, a coastal town just beyond the Croatian border.Igalo will host both the Men’s and Women’s events at the Europe Trophy Grand Final.
Cristinel ROMANESCU Re-Elected as President of the Romanian Table Tennis Federation
On March 4, 2025, the General Assembly of the Romanian Table Tennis Federation (RTTF) convened to elect the RTTF President, Vice-President, and members of the Board of Directors, as well as the members of the Commission of Censors and the President of the Appeal Commission. A total of 75 affiliated members with voting rights participated in the RTTF General Assembly. Cristinel Romanescu was re-elected as president with an overwhelming 72 votes. Elected Members of the RTTF Board of Directors: Additionally, the non-elected members of the Board of Directors include: Cristinel Romanescu’s said: “I sincerely thank all my colleagues who participated in the General Assembly and am deeply grateful for their trust. This re-election is a recognition of my dedication and lifelong involvement in table tennis. We are a highly valuable team, fully committed to this sport, and we will continue to set and achieve our objectives at the highest level. I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to:the athletes, who have made me proud so many times, the coaches, for their dedication, professionalism, and guidance in leading athletes to success, the federation staff, for their professionalism, commitment, and hard work, the clubs, for their sacrifices, involvement, and support in achieving excellence, the National Sports Agency and the Romanian Olympic and Sports Committee, for their continuous support, Romstal, the official partner of RTTF, all RTTF sponsors, for their essential contributions, the parents and families of our athletes – you are incredibly important, the media, for their coverage and promotion of our sport, everyone who has believed in me, supported me, and contributed to RTTF projects during my previous mandate and all those who love and support Romanian table tennis!” With his re-election, Cristinel ROMANESCU, member of the Executive Committee of the Romanian Olympic and Sports Committee, continues his leadership, aiming to further develop Romanian table tennis and strengthen its presence on the international stage.
Historic Double for Priego de Córdoba in the 2025 Spanish Cup
Spanish table tennis witnessed a historic moment at Tarragona 2025, as Priego de Córdoba achieved a remarkable double victory, securing both the Copa de la Reina Iberdrola and the Copa del Rey. The women’s team, Museo de la Almendra Francisco Morales, and the men’s team, Real Cajasur Priego TM, claimed the titles in a competition that further cemented their dominance at the national level. The Copa de la Reina Iberdrola final was an intense marathon, lasting over 3 hours and 26 minutes, as Museo de la Almendra Francisco Morales edged out Universidad de Burgos – RM Terán 3-2 in a dramatic encounter. Tatiana GARNOVA played a crucial role, securing both the opening and decisive victories, while Jiaqi MENG added another key point. With this triumph, the team from Priego de Córdoba captured their second Copa de la Reina Iberdrola, following their previous victory in Jaén, overcoming last season’s runner-up finishes in the Copa, Iberdrola League, and Europe Cup. In the Copa del Rey, Real Cajasur Priego TM successfully defended their 2024 championship, securing their tenth title with a 3-1 victory over Leka Enea Irún in the final. Diogo CARVALHO emerged as the standout player, delivering two crucial wins, including the decisive point. Hampus SÖDERLUND also contributed with a key victory, further reinforcing the team’s legacy in Spanish table tennis. Their ten national cup triumphs, spanning from 1998 to 2025, underscore their consistent dominance over the years. In the semifinals, Museo de la Almendra Francisco Morales defeated UCAM Cartagena 3-1, while Universidad de Burgos – RM Terán secured their first-ever final appearance with a 3-1 win over Miró Ganxets Costa Daurada. In the Copa del Rey, Real Cajasur Priego TM booked their spot in the final with a 3-0 win over Arteal TM, while Leka Enea Irún advanced after a 3-1 victory against Santjosep.net – Sant Jordi. The awards ceremony was attended by Mario SOLER, Tarragona’s Sports Councillor; Estefanía SERRANO, Territorial Sports Representative of the Generalitat; Miguel Ángel MACHADO, RFETM President; and Daniel VALERO, RFETM Events Director. With this extraordinary double triumph, Priego de Córdoba has made history, solidifying its place as a powerhouse in Spanish table tennis at the 2025 Spanish Cup.
ETTU and JOOLA Partner to Elevate European Youth Table Tennis
The European Table Tennis Union is thrilled to announce a landmark partnership with JOOLA, which will become the title sponsor of the ETTU Europe Youth Series for the next two years (2025 and 2026). This agreement also includes sponsorship of the ETTU Development Camps, powered by JOOLA, reinforcing a shared commitment to nurturing young talent and strengthening table tennis development across Europe. Through this collaboration, young players will gain greater opportunities to compete and train in Europe, ensuring they have the necessary resources and infrastructure to reach the highest level. As part of the agreement, JOOLA will serve as the exclusive ball sponsor for both the Europe Youth Series and Development Camps and will provide additional material support to enhance the overall experience for participants. A Shared Vision for Youth Development “This partnership with JOOLA is a major step forward for European youth table tennis. By joining forces, we are not only enhancing the competitive landscape for young players but also creating the right conditions for them to develop and thrive. JOOLA’s commitment to our sport aligns perfectly with ETTU’s vision of strengthening the European table tennis ecosystem. Together, we will create more opportunities for the stars of tomorrow. We are delighted that JOOLA has chosen to join ETTU in building the future of European table tennis, capitalizing on the momentum generated by the Olympic Games in Paris,” said ETTU President Pedro MOURA. JOOLA Tischtennis GmbH Managing Director Rade MARKOVIC echoed this enthusiasm: “For us, this partnership brings a dual benefit. It increases our brand visibility across Europe while allowing us to invest in young players and provide them with more opportunities to develop within the European table tennis scene. It goes without saying how challenging it is to send a 13-year-old player to China for training. Through this collaboration with ETTU, we are ensuring that young talents have access to high-quality competitions closer to home.” MARKOVIC also highlighted the resurgence of European table tennis, led by young stars like the LEBRUN brothers and Truls MÖREGÅRD, who have put Europe back on the global table tennis map. “For the first time in a long while, Europe has young players competing at the highest level again. This is a significant step forward, and we want to continue supporting the next generation. Partnering with ETTU is the logical next step in that direction. ETTU has done an excellent job with the Europe Youth Series and Development Camps for years, organizing competitions across the continent and offering valuable playing experiences. This partnership not only enhances our visibility but also allows us to contribute to the sport’s growth.” Strengthening the Sport Across Europe Beyond supporting competitions and training initiatives, the agreement will also provide special conditions for Member Associations looking to purchase table tennis equipment, further strengthening the accessibility and development of the sport across Europe. This collaboration marks a significant milestone for youth table tennis in Europe, underscoring JOOLA and ETTU’s shared vision of fostering the next generation of champions.
New Sports Hall in Madeira named after Marcos FREITAS
The Madeira Island, known as the birthplace of Cristiano RONALDO, had already recognized its most famous footballer by naming its airport after him—Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport. Now, the island extends this tradition of honoring its sports icons by naming a new sports venue after Marcos FREITAS, one of the greatest Portuguese table tennis players. This parallel between Cristiano RONALDO and Marcos FREITAS highlights how Madeira continues to celebrate its most accomplished athletes, acknowledging their impact on the international stage and inspiring future generations. This initiative reinforces Madeira’s reputation as a land of champions, recognizing those who have brought pride to the region through their outstanding achievements. The new Gimnodesportivo Sports Hall in Estreito de Câmara de Lobos has been named after Marcos FREITAS, the Portuguese star who was born there and started his career representing the local club. The inauguration ceremony took place this Saturday and was attended by prominent figures from the sports and political scene, including the President of the Portuguese Table Tennis Federation, Fernando MALHEIRO, the President of the Regional Government of Madeira, Miguel ALBUQUERQUE, the Interim President of Câmara de Lobos Municipality, Sónia PEREIRA, and the President of GD Estreito, Sónia SILVA. Marcos FREITAS expressed his gratitude for this tribute, saying: “This is a great honor. This truly is the recognition of a long career and the great achievements I have accomplished.” GD Estreito President Sónia SILVA emphasized the significance of opening this facility in a parish “where athletes are king,” expressing confidence that the sports hall will contribute to the development of new talents. Likewise, Sónia PEREIRA, interim president of Câmara de Lobos Municipality, described the tribute as “well-deserved recognition for Marcos FREITAS, an ambassador of our region who has carried the name of Câmara de Lobos beyond borders.” During the ceremony, Marcos FREITAS gifted Miguel ALBUQUERQUE a signed jersey and a table tennis racket, while he himself received a token of appreciation from the Portuguese Table Tennis Federation, presented by Fernando MALHEIRO. Throughout his career, Marcos has collected multiple medals in the European Games, European Championships, and Europe Top-16 tournaments, solidifying his place among the sport’s elite. In the European Games, Marcos FREITAS won a gold medal in the team event in Baku in 2015. He later secured a silver medal in the singles event in Kraków-Małopolska in 2023 and a bronze medal in the team competition in Minsk in 2019. In the European Championships, he became a gold medalist in doubles in Gdansk-Sopot in 2011 and later added another gold in the team event in Lisbon in 2014. He earned silver medals in the singles event in Ekaterinburg in 2015 and in the team event in Luxembourg in 2017 and Nantes in 2019. His career also includes multiple bronze medals: in doubles in Saint Petersburg in 2008, in the team event in Gdansk-Sopot in 2011, in singles in Warsaw in 2020, and in the team event in Malmö in 2023. FREITAS was also junior and cadet champion at the European Youth Championships in singles and reached the seventh position at the World Rankings in 2015. In the prestigious Europe Top-16 tournament, he claimed the gold medal in singles in Lausanne in 2014. He also won silver medals in singles in Baku in 2015 and Thessaloniki in 2021, as well as a bronze medal in Montreux in 2024.
