ETTU - European Table Tennis Union - News (1 Cititor)

[Milica Nikolic]

SKST Havířov will open their ETTU Champions League Men Round of 16 campaign at home against Polish powerhouse KS Dekorglass Działdowo, on 16 November.

Działdowo, two-time Europe Cup winners (2018 and 2024), bring a world-class roster built around Poland’s national team stars. Two-time European Championship medalist Jakub DYJAS and 2022 U21 European singles champion Samuel KULCZYCKI lead the line-up, joined by Patryk LEWANDOWSKI, Croatian ace Tomislav PUCAR (WR 30), and the experienced Chinese defender Yingchao HOU.

But Havířov are determined not to play second fiddle. Coach Marek ČIHÁK commands a balanced mix of experience and youth, anchored by Chilean international Gustavo GÓMEZ (WR 110). Alongside him are reigning Czech junior champion Štěpán BRHEL, veterans Michal BLINKA and Jan ŠKALDA, plus Indian international Manush SHAH and several promising Czech juniors including Matyáš KOLEČKÁŘ and Jakub MAKARA.

“We respect our opponents, but we have quality and ambition,” said coach ČIHÁK ahead of the home leg. “The players have improved individually, and we want to show that we can compete with any team in Europe.”

The post SKST Havířov Set for Tough Home Clash Against Polish Giants KS Dekorglass Działdowo first appeared on European table tennis union.

Continue reading...

 

[Milica Nikolic]

The International Table Tennis Federation concluded its Annual General Meeting (AGM) 2025 today, 15 November, bringing to a close a process that began in Doha on 27 May 2025.

Following the decision of the ITTF Executive Board on 20 September 2025, and in accordance with ITTF Statutes, the continuation of the AGM was held in a fully online format. LUMI AGM UK Ltd, an independent, world-class provider, was appointed to managed the proceedings in line with the highest standards of governance.

“This is a historic moment for the ITTF, and I would like to congratulate all the newly elected members of the ITTF Executive Board. I sincerely hope that, together, our global table tennis community can continue to build peace, unity, and development under their leadership,” stated ETTU President Pedro MOURA.

With the conclusion of today’s meeting, the ITTF membership has now elected the full Executive Board for the 2025-2029 term. The following eight Executive Vice Presidents will serve alongside President Petra SÖRLING (SWE), who was re-elected in May during the initial session of the AGM: Anthony MOORE (AUS), Guoliang LIU (CHN), Paul CALLE (ECU), HRH Princess Zeina RASHID (JOR), Wahid OSHODI (NGR), Beatrice ROMANESCU (ROU), Prof. Veli Ozan CAKIR (TUR), Virginia SUNG (USA).

“I want to extend a very special word of congratulations to the two European members elected today Mrs. Beatrice ROMANESCU and Professor Veli Ozan CAKIR. It has been a long time since Europe has had three representatives on the Executive Board, and this is a proud moment for European table tennis. I am sure that the entire European delegation will work tirelessly and contribute strongly to the further development of our sport,” stated ETTU President MOURA. “I would also like to congratulate the ITTF Council members who were ratified today especially our European representatives, seven in total. In addition, I want to offer special recognition to all European members ratified as part of the newly confirmed committees.”

ITTF ratified Council Members from Europe are Zoran PRIMORAC, Richard SCRUTON, Miguel Angel MACHADO SOBRADOS, Heike AHLERT, Sonja GREFBERG, Philip MCCALUM and Aleksandar MATKOVIC.

ITTF permanent committee members (2025 – 2029) are Philip MCCALUM (Equipment Committee), Ina JOZEPSONE and Murat ERIS (Masters), Karen TONGE OBE, Tomas VARGA, Emre BASKAN (Para table tennis), Igor HELLER, Katja BRAND, Rudolf SPORRER, Ingrid BOGREN (Rules), Esko HEIKKINEN, dr Michael Wolfgang Johannes FUCHS, Irene FABER, (Sport Science and Medical), Martin PERRY (Sustainability), Werner THURY (Umpires and Referees).

In her closing remarks to the AGM, President SÖRLING called for the first Executive Board meeting on Sunday 16 November in order to fast-track key initiatives as the federation is about to enter a landmark year.

“I would like to express my gratitude to the former Executive Vice Presidents for their service and contribution,” said President SÖRLING. “And I warmly congratulate the elected Executive Vice Presidents, the ratified Council Members, and the appointed Committee members. I look forward to a professional and fruitful collaboration over the next years. Throughout this unprecedented period, I am proud our community remained focused on the sport. Events continued to grow, development programmes reached more people, and our players, coaches, officials and volunteers kept table tennis vibrant in every region. It is their work that kept our sport strong. Today we are moving forward together as a united table tennis family, with our eyes firmly on the future of table tennis worldwide. This Assembly has re-elected me and renewed its confidence in a programme that delivered concrete positive results in my first term and will continue to bring tangible benefits. The path ahead is ambitious and we cannot afford further delay. The Board will meet tomorrow to resume our work. I will strive to ensure that global success is translated into local impact. And it will be linked to responsibility, merit and a culture of accountability at every level.”

President SÖRLING continued:

“Next year, our centenary will open an important new phase for the ITTF. Important changes are being prepared. Some are already in motion; others are not yet ready to be presented today, but your decisions here give us the mandate and stability to complete this work with you. Together with the new Executive Vice Presidents, I am honoured to continue serving as your President at such a crucial time for table tennis.”

Table tennis now turns firmly to 2026 – a year that will mark the centenary of the International Table Tennis Federation and the ITTF World Table Tennis Championships. During the meeting, the ITTF showcased its plan, building anticipation for what promises to be a special and historic year for the global table tennis family.

A century after the inaugural ITTF World Table Tennis Championships took place in London in 1926, the sport returns to its birthplace for a truly historic celebration. London’s Copper Box Arena and OVO Arena Wembley will host the Championships from 28 April -10 May, where 64 men’s and 64 women’s teams will compete for global supremacy. This landmark celebration honours both the sport’s remarkable journey and the founding of the ITTF in that same historic year of 1926.

The post President MOURA: This is a historic moment for the ITTF first appeared on European table tennis union.

Continue reading...

 

[Milica Nikolic]

Top-seeded KTS Enea Siarkopol Tarnobrzeg recorded their second victory in Group A of the Stage 2 ETTU Champions League Women. This time, they prevailed against the French side Saint-Quentin TT at MOSiR Tarnobrzeg Hall, after the club beat MIRÓ Ganxets Costa Durada in Spain. With this commanding win, Tarnobrzeg strengthen their position at the top of Group A.

The Polish hosts controlled all three matches from start to finish, never allowing the visitors to gain momentum and completing the tie without dropping a single match.

Xiaoxin YANG opened the tie with a confident 3–0 win against Agnès LELANIC, displaying full control in all phases of play. The duel between two defensive specialists went in favour of Ying HAN, who overcame Linda BERGSTRÖM with characteristic precision and stability. Fu YU, despite Polina MIKHAILOVA’s late push in the third game, closed the match in straight games to secure the team victory.

KTS Enea Siarkopol Tarnobrzeg leave the hall with maximum points and a perfect start to their Stage 2 campaign.

Coach Zbigniew NĘCEK: “Today’s match cost my players a lot of energy. I’m happy with the victory because it will give us more breathing space in the upcoming games. I’m very pleased with the form of all my players.”

KTS Enea Siarkopol Tarnobrzeg (POL) – Saint-Quentin TT (FRA) 3–0

• Xiaoxin YANG – Agnès LELANIC 3–0 11–8, 11–5, 11–4
• Ying HAN – Linda BERGSTRÖM 3–0 11–8, 11–6, 11–4
• Fu YU – Polina MIKHAILOVA 3–0 11–5, 11–2, 13–11

The post KTS Enea Siarkopol Tarnobrzeg Secure Second Win in Group A first appeared on European table tennis union.

Continue reading...

 

[Milica Nikolic]

The culmination of the celebrations marking 100 years since the beginning of organized table tennis in the former Czechoslovakia was a festive gala evening held at the Belvedere Hotel in Prague on Saturday.

Two hundred guests accepted the invitation to this special occasion, which featured not only an engaging social programme but also a symbolic meeting of generations, bringing together the most successful living players in the history of Czech and Slovak table tennis.

Among the distinguished guests were ETTU President Pedro MOURA, Secretary General Pierre KASS, and Vice Presidents Jaroslaw KOLODZIEJCZYK and Zoran PRIMORAC.

„The Czech and Slovak Table Tennis Federations have shaped the very foundations of our sport in Europe. From the early days of the Czechoslovak pioneers who helped establish the ITTF, to generations of champions and dedicated leaders, their contribution has been extraordinary,“ said President MOURA. „As we celebrate this shared history, we also honour the values that unite us, excellence, teamwork, and innovation. The Czech and Slovak federations continue to inspire Europe with their vision, their development of young players, and their enduring commitment to our sport’s future. It is a privilege for the European Table Tennis Union to celebrate this milestone alongside them.”

The President of the Czech Table Tennis Association Nikolas ENDAL said:

“The almost seventy years of the common history of Czechoslovak table tennis are decorated with dozens of World championship titles, European championship titles and many other successes. After all, Czechoslovakia at that time was one of the founding members of the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF). For many years, our players were among the most successful in the world. After the division of the Federation in 1993, we each went our own way, but we have remained in a very close and friendly relationship with our Slovak partners. We cooperate, share experiences, give each other advice and symbolically we even received a beautiful gift. Last year, the Czech Republic’s Hana MATELOVÁ and the Slovak Barbora BALÁŽOVÁ won the gold medal in doubles at the European Championship. The legacy of mutual cooperation is one of the main motives of our celebration of 100 years of our common journey.”

Significant figures from the Czech and Slovak history of the sport filled the hall: European champions, World Championship medallists and other distinguished personalities. Among them were Jaroslav STAŇEK, Eliška KREJČOVÁ, Milan ORLOWSKI, Josef DVOŘÁČEK, Petr KORBEL, Iveta VACENOVSKÁ and Hana MATELOVÁ.

The event was also attended by Jiří KEJVAL, President of the Czech Olympic Committee, Ondřej ŠEBEK, Chairman of the National Sports Agency, and many other special guests.

The official programme symbolically lasted 100 minutes, featuring historical photographs and applause for several legends who received commemorative medals. Most importantly, the evening offered a chance to share memories and celebrate the enduring friendship and legacy of table tennis in the former Czechoslovakia now proudly continued by the Czech Republic and Slovakia.

The post Celebrating 100 Years of Czech and Slovak Table Tennis first appeared on European table tennis union.

Continue reading...

 

[Milica Nikolic]

Reigning champions ttc berlin eastside continued their 2025/26 ETTU Champions League Women campaign with a solid 3–1 victory over Linz AG Froschberg in Germany. In Stage 2 Group C, the six-time champions had previously opened with a convincing 3–0 away win against Saint-Denis TT 93, and they now remain unbeaten after two rounds.

Despite playing without Nina MITTELHAM and Miyuu KIHARA, Berlin Eastside delivered another confident performance. Natalia BAJOR took the lead role in the lineup but was unable to stop Thailand’s Suthasini SAWETTABUT, who earned the only point for the Austrian club.

The backbone of Berlin’s victory was Japan’s Yuka KANEYOSHI, who produced two commanding performances, first overcoming Britt EERLAND and later defeating SAWETTABUT in straight games to secure the team win.

At position three, Xiaona SHAN showed her trademark precision, sweeping Andrea PAVLOVIC 3–0 to restore Berlin’s lead at a crucial moment.

ttc berlin eastside – Linz AG Froschberg 3–1

• Yuka KANEYOSHI – Britt EERLAND 3–0 11–6, 11–1, 11–4
• Natalia BAJOR – Suthasini SAWETTABUT 1–3 6–11, 8–11, 11–8, 6–11
• Xiaona SHAN – Andrea PAVLOVIC 3–0 11–6, 11–6, 11–9
• Yuka KANEYOSHI – Suthasini SAWETTABUT 3–0 11–9, 11–9, 11–8

The post ttc berlin eastside Stay Perfect in Group C With Win Over Linz AG Froschberg (VIDEO) first appeared on European table tennis union.

Continue reading...

 

[Milica Nikolic]

Last season’s ETTU Champions League quarterfinalists KS Dekorglass Działdowo began their 2025/26 Round of 16 campaign in style, securing a convincing 3–0 away victory over SKST Havířov in the opening leg. Although the final scoreline suggests a comfortable win, several moments were closely contested, with the Polish side showing superior composure in the decisive points.

Działdowo set the tone immediately. Jakub DYJAS defeated Gustavo GÓMEZ in straight games without major alarm. Tomislav PUCAR then extended the lead with a 3–1 victory over Štěpán BRHEL.

“We are happy that we won. We expected a very tough encounter, and it proved to be true — all the matches were close. But all three of us were at the top of our task in the crucial moments. My match did not start well, since I lost the opening game. BRHEL forced me to change my tactics. I tried different services, which lifted my game. I gained a 2–1 advantage, but in the fourth game BRHEL led 6–2. I pushed myself to stay calm. This was my first match for the club, and I am happy that I performed well,” said Tomislav PUCAR.

In the final match, Samuel KULCZYCKI resisted a determined challenge from Michal BLINKA, sealing the tie after winning several crucial late points.

“We are of course very happy with the victory, because Havířov is not a weak adversary at all. The match was much closer than the result suggests. All the singles were difficult, with just a few balls and key moments deciding them. We did not underestimate anything — we came with the strongest line-up, because we want to fight for participation in the Final Four. This was an important first step,” said Dekorglass Działdowo coach Michal DZUBANSKI.

SKST Havířov – KS Dekorglass Działdowo 0–3

• Gustavo GÓMEZ – Jakub DYJAS 0–3 (7–11, 11–13, 5–11)
• Štěpán BRHEL – Tomislav PUCAR 1–3 (11–8, 6–11, 8–11, 8–11)
• Michal BLINKA – Samuel KULCZYCKI 1–3 (11–7, 9–11, 8–11, 10–12)

The post Dekorglass Działdowo Start Strong With Straight-Match Victory in Havířov (VIDEO) first appeared on European table tennis union.

Continue reading...

 

[Milica Nikolic]

Alliance Nîmes/Montpellier made a powerful start to their Round of 16 campaign, leaving Austria with a well-earned 3–1 victory over SolexConsult TTC Wiener Neustadt. The French champions showed their star quality, with Félix and Alexis LEBRUN once again proving decisive in crucial moments.

Montpellier entered the match with firepower and justified their status as one of the prime contenders for a place in the Final Four.

Wiener Neustadt, seeded No. 5, battled valiantly and managed to take one point through Navid SHAMS, but ultimately could not match the French visitors.

The opening match saw Alexis LEBRUN overcome Piotr CYRNEK 3–1, with both players producing long, high-quality rallies. After the French star claimed the tight first game, CYRNEK responded well, but Alexis regained control and closed the match with authority.

In the second singles, Félix LEBRUN delivered a trademark performance, sweeping Andrei ISTRATE 3–0.

Wiener Neustadt struck back through Navid SHAMS, who produced a superb 3–1 win over Antoine HACHARD, giving the home crowd a well-deserved moment of celebration. SHAMS handled the key points with maturity, taking the fourth game 12–10 to keep his team in the tie.

However, Félix LEBRUN returned to the table for the fourth match and sealed Montpellier’s victory, again defeating CYRNEK 3–0.

SolexConsult TTC Wiener Neustadt – Alliance Nîmes/Montpellier 1–3

• Piotr CYRNEK – Alexis LEBRUN 1–3 (10–12, 11–7, 6–11, 11–13)
• Andrei ISTRATE – Félix LEBRUN 0–3 (6–11, 6–11, 7–11)
• Navid SHAMS – Antoine HACHARD 3–1 (11–6, 6–11, 11–6, 12–10)
• Piotr CYRNEK – Félix LEBRUN 0–3 (7–11, 6–11, 6–11)

The post LEBRUN Brothers Lead Montpellier to 3–1 Victory in Austria (VIDEO) first appeared on European table tennis union.

Continue reading...

 

[Milica Nikolic]

The Stage 1 of the ETTU Europe Cup Men, played over the past three days in Romania, produced eight qualifiers, the winners and runners-up of the four groups, who advance to Stage 2.

The top two teams from each group move forward, while the third- and fourth-placed clubs drop into the Europe Trophy. The group winners are: Italy’s ASD Marcozzi Cagliari, Austria’s UTTC Paneceo Stockerau, Polish Energa Manekin Toruń and Spain’s Enoli Borges Vall.

The runners-up are: Spanish Alicante TM, Polish KS Olesno, Austria’ SPG Linz and the hosts Romania’s CSS-SZAK Odorheiu Secuiesc.

Group A

ASD Marcozzi Cagliari, represented by Federico VALLINO, Rares SIPOS, and Massimo FERRERO, topped the group after defeating both opponents, KTS Gliwice and Alicante TM.

The Polish side pushed Marcozzi to a full-distance battle but fell short. Later, Gliwice concluded the tournament without a win, losing to Alicante’s trio Alberto LILLO, Diego LILLO, and Jose GUILLOT.

• Alicante TM – ASD Marcozzi Cagliari 1–3
• ASD Marcozzi Cagliari – KTS Gliwice 3–2
• KTS Gliwice – Alicante TM 0–3

Group B

Spanish team Enoli Borges Vall, led by Francesc CARRERA, Marc DURAN, and José Luis ANDRADE, finished first after holding off the hosts CSS-SZAK Odorheiu Secuiesc in a close five-match encounter.

The Romanian side,Sebastian LOSO, Szilard GYÖRGY, Szabolcs TAMAS, delivered a strong challenge and deservedly secured second place.

• Fenerbahce Sport Club – Enoli Borges Vall 0–3
• CSS-SZAK Odorheiu Secuiesc – Enoli Borges Vall 2–3
• CSS-SZAK Odorheiu Secuiesc – Fenerbahce Sport Club 3–1

Group C

Energa Manekin Toruń, composed of Dimitrije LEVAJAC, Asuka SAKAI, and Konrad KULPA, dominated the group, winning all matches without dropping a single individual encounter.

SPG Linz, with Tomas SANCHI, Zhenlong LIU, and Tobias TISCHBERGER, secured second place, their only defeat coming at the hands of the group winners.

STK Libertas Marinkolor Dubrovnik and Irun Leka Enea finished third and fourth respectively.

• Irun Leka Enea – STK Libertas Marinkolor Dubrovnik 0–3
• SPG Linz – Energa Manekin Toruń 0–3
• SPG Linz – STK Libertas Marinkolor Dubrovnik 3–1
• Irun Leka Enea – Energa Manekin Toruń 0–3
• Energa Manekin Toruń – STK Libertas Marinkolor Dubrovnik 3–0
• Irun Leka Enea – SPG Linz 0–3

Group D

UTTC Paneceo Stockerau, with Mykhailo LOVHA, Khalid ASSAR, and Tarek AL-SAMHOURY, lived up to expectations and took first place.

Their decisive victory over KS Olesno (featuring Alan KULCZYCKI, Daniel LIS, Radek MRKVIČKA) in a five-match battle proved crucial. Portuguese side Clube Desportivo 1º de Maio finished without a win.

• Clube Desportivo 1º de Maio – UTTC Paneceo Stockerau 0–3
• KS Olesno – UTTC Paneceo Stockerau 2–3
• Clube Desportivo 1º de Maio – KS Olesno 1–3

The post ETTU Europe Cup Men: Marcozzi, Stockerau, Toruń and Borges Vall Stage 1 Winners first appeared on European table tennis union.

Continue reading...

 

[Milica Nikolic]

After three days of matches in ETTU Europe Cup Women Stage 1 in Spanish Linares, six clubs secured their place in the next phase. The Group winners are Son Cladera TTC – Mallorca (ESP), ASD Tennistavolo Sassari (ITA), and Bebetto AZS UJD Częstochowa (POL), while the runners-up are Fenerbahçe Sports Club (TUR), TalTech Sport Club (EST), and CP Lyssois Lille Métropole (FRA).

These six clubs will join the 3rd- and 4th-placed teams from Champions League Women Stage 1. From there, the four winners and four runners-up of Stage 2 will qualify for the quarterfinals, where they will meet the third-placed teams from Champions League Women Stage 2.

Group A

Italy’s ASD Tennistavolo Sassari, represented by Tatiana GARNOVA, Irina CIOBANU, and Teodora SIMON, remained unbeaten across the three days of play.

Israel’s TalTech Sport Club (Airi AVAMERI, Agata ZAKRZEWSKA, Reelica HANSON) finished second with two wins and one defeat.

• Universidad de Burgos – RM Terán – ASD Tennistavolo Sassari 0–3
• TalTech Sport Club – GDCS Do Juncal 3–2
• Universidad de Burgos – RM Terán – TalTech Sport Club 0–3
• ASD Tennistavolo Sassari – GDCS Do Juncal 3–1
• GDCS Do Juncal – Universidad de Burgos – RM Terán 1–3
• TalTech Sport Club – ASD Tennistavolo Sassari 1–3

Group B

Bebetto AZS UJD Częstochowa, with Emiko TAGUCHI, Tetyana BILENKO, and Paulina KRZYSIEK, dominated Stage 1 undefeated.

On second place, CP Lyssois Lille Métropole (Shuohan MEN, Lucie MOBAREK, Margo DEGRAEF) joined them in advancing to the next stage.

• CP Lyssois Lille Métropole – Bebetto AZS UJD Częstochowa 0–3
• CD Indiana Games – UTTC Paneceo Stockerau 2–3
• UTTC Paneceo Stockerau – CP Lyssois Lille Métropole 0–3
• Bebetto AZS UJD Częstochowa – CD Indiana Games 3–1
• CP Lyssois Lille Métropole – CD Indiana Games 3–1
• UTTC Paneceo Stockerau – Bebetto AZS UJD Częstochowa 0–3

Group C

Son Cladera TTC – Mallorca, featuring Pauline CHASSELIN, Ayano UGI, and Eugenia SASTRE, remained unbeaten and finished at the top of the group. They recorded solid 3–1 wins over both KS Wamet Dąbcze and TTC Meerdaal Leuven.

Their toughest challenge came from Fenerbahçe Sports Club, with Elizabeta SAMARA, Gül Pembe ÖZKAYA, and Ece HARAC, who pushed the Spanish side to the full distance and secured the runners-up position.

• KS Wamet Dąbcze – Son Cladera TTC – Mallorca 1–3
• Fenerbahçe Sports Club – TTC Meerdaal Leuven 3–0
• Son Cladera TTC – Mallorca – TTC Meerdaal Leuven 3–1
• Fenerbahçe Sports Club – KS Wamet Dąbcze 3–1
• Son Cladera TTC – Mallorca – Fenerbahçe Sports Club 3–2
• TTC Meerdaal Leuven – KS Wamet Dąbcze 0–3

The post Sassari, Son Cladera Mallorca and Częstochowa Lead the Field in Linares first appeared on European table tennis union.

Continue reading...

 

[Milica Nikolic]

Romania’s Andreea DRAGOMAN and the Netherlands’ Gabrielus CAMARA captured the Women’s and Men’s Singles titles at the Belgium Open.

DRAGOMAN lived up to expectations, but had to dig deep in the final to defeat Dutch player Tanja HELLE in a thrilling five-game battle.

In the men’s event, No. 1 seed Gabrielus CAMARA overcame local favourite Tom CLOSSET in four games to claim the crown.

The Under-21 titles went to Eireen KALAITZIDOU from Germany and Belgium’s Alessi MASSART.

The first edition of the Belgium Open proved a great success, featuring players from 20 European member associations. The host nation impressed as well, earning four podium finishes across all categories.

All results can be found here.

The post DRAGOMAN and CAMARA Triumph at Belgium Open first appeared on European table tennis union.

Continue reading...

 

[Milica Nikolic]

From March 4 to 8, 2026, the town of Vrsar will once again welcome the Stone Racket of Istria, an international veterans’ table tennis tournament for players aged 40 and above.

Just like last year, the organizers are making sure this will be much more than just a tournament. One thing is already certain – visitors to the Saline Sports Hall will once again enjoy a legendary table tennis showdown between Swedish great Jörgen PERSSON and Zoran PRIMORAC, now the President of the Croatian Table Tennis Association and Vice President of the European Table Tennis Union.

In their playing days, even the Chinese were not guaranteed victories when facing PERSSON, PRIMORAC, and the top European stars of their era. The magnitude of their achievements is best shown by the fact that together they have collected over 60 medals from major international events – including Olympic Games, World Championships, and European Championships.

These two icons in 2025 will treated the Vrsar crowd with an unforgettable spectacle. Before the match, PRIMORAC humorously announced he was seeking “revenge” for the 2008 Olympic Games quarterfinal, and the audience was in for a true show: rallies with two balls at once, mock medical time-outs, a stethoscope check to “see if the heart was still working,” and PRIMORAC’S improvised doctor routine that had the crowd in stitches.

The result? PRIMORAC got his revenge.

“We’ve played plenty of exhibition matches during our careers and I’m good at them,” said PRIMORAC with a smile. “What’s best is that we still have more tricks up our sleeves, we’ve only shown 50 percent so far. We saved something for 2026! Table tennis is perfect for this kind of fun. The crowd in Vrsar was fantastic last year – we broke the ice, people laughed, cheered, and truly enjoyed it. This year, we’re preparing something a bit different. The conditions for veterans here are unmatched – Maistra and STK Vrsar did an amazing job. This could easily become the most beautiful veterans’ tournament in Europe.

Will the great Swede strike back? PERSSON has already promised his own revenge, but that won’t be the only surprise – organizers are teasing another major project that remains under wraps for now.

The Stone Racket of Istria is open to players aged 40 to 80+, featuring singles and doubles events (men and women). Last year’s edition gathered participants from 12 countries, and that number is expected to grow in 2026.

“Just like last year, the event offers a rich off-court program, including organized trips and experiences across the stunning Istrian region. The unique trophies are made of authentic Vrsar stone. The concept is simple: play + fun + experience. Participants will compete, but also enjoy everything Istria has to offer. It’s all about the experience,” said Bernard MUSULIN, Head of Destination Product Development at Maistra.

A major new feature in 2026 will be the “Zoran PRIMORAC Table Tennis Masterclass”, a special training camp held March 1-4, 2026, just before the tournament. Participants will have the opportunity to learn directly from the legend himself, alongside four professional coaches, with limited spots available.

Once again, Vrsar is set for a true table tennis spectacle – a celebration of sport, friendship, and unforgettable experiences. Fans will have the chance to witness two living legends in action, and all additional information can be found on the official website www.stoneracketistria.com and the tournament’s social media pages.

The post PERSSON and PRIMORAC at Stone Racket of Istria 2026 in Vrsar first appeared on European table tennis union.

Continue reading...

 

[Milica Nikolic]

The draw for Stage 2 of the 2025/26 ETTU Europe Cup in both the women’s and men’s competitions was conducted today in Luxembourg. The teams advancing from Stage 1, together with those joining from the Champions League, have now learned their opponents on the road to the knockout phase.

In the women’s event, two groups of five teams were formed, while the men’s competition features four balanced groups, promising high-level and closely contested matches across Europe.

The post ETTU Europe Cup 2025/26: Stage 2 Draw Held in Luxembourg first appeared on European table tennis union.

Continue reading...

 

[Milica Nikolic]

Jack HUNTER-SPIVEY of England has been elected as the Para-athlete representative on the ETTU Athletes’ Commission, following voting held during the 2025 European Para Championships in Helsingborg.

In a closely contested election, HUNTER-SPIVEY received 44 votes, narrowly finishing ahead of Martin PERRY of Scotland, who collected 43 votes.

HUNTER-SPIVEY’s accomplishments include winning a bronze medal at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games (held in 2021), a silver medal at the 2023 European Championships, and a gold medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games.

“As a full-time wheelchair user, disability inclusion is not just a passion, it’s a lived experience. I regularly deliver talks and keynote speeches to some of the world’s leading companies, advocating for greater inclusivity and accessibility, and sharing insights on how we can collectively build a more inclusive world for disabled people. Last year, I was also voted in as an athlete representative for British Para Table Tennis. Within this role, I have been a voice for the athletes within the BPTT squads,” stated HUNTER-SPIVEY.

The Para representative completes the composition of the ETTU Athletes’ Commission for the 2025–2029 term.

The Commission, which serves as the official voice of athletes within European table tennis, now consists of five elected members—four from the able-bodied athlete elections and one from the Para table tennis community.

The able-bodied athletes were elected earlier this year during the voting process connected to the 2025 European Team Championships in Zadar, as well as the online voting for Associations that competed in Stage 1 in Sarajevo.

The elected members are:

• Linda BERGSTRÖM (Sweden) – 111 votes
• Tin-Tin HO (England) – 108 votes
• Elizabeta SAMARA (Romania) – 107 votes
• Frane Tomislav KOJIC (Croatia) – 105 votes

Together with newly elected Para representative Jack HUNTER-SPIVEY, they will serve throughout the 2025–2029 term.

Acting as a direct link between players and the ETTU leadership, the Athletes’ Commission ensures that athletes’ voices, concerns, and perspectives are incorporated into key decisions shaping European table tennis. It plays a vital role in strengthening athlete representation and providing guidance on matters affecting competition, welfare, development pathways, and the overall future direction of the sport.

With all five members now elected, the Commission is fully prepared to begin its work for the upcoming cycle.

The post Jack HUNTER-SPIVEY Elected to ETTU Athletes’ Commission as Para Representative first appeared on European table tennis union.

Continue reading...

 

[Milica Nikolic]

In the eighth edition of the Italian Men’s Super Cup, two Sardinian teams met for the first time in the competition’s history. Marcozzi Cagliari triumphed over Tennistavolo Sassari in a dramatic 36–45, 45–44, 45–38 victory and received the trophy from FITeT Deputy Vice President Carlo BORELLA and Councillor Raffaele CURCIO.

This marks the sixth major title in Marcozzi’s history, following four Italian Championships (1990, 1992, 2000, 2001) and last year’s Italian Cup.

As in the women’s event, the Super Cup used the relay format, with pairs of players alternating every five points and each set played to 45. Marcozzi led by Rares SIPOS (ROU), Jeet CHANDRA (IND), and Carlo ROSSI and Federico VALLINO COSTASSA (ITA), mounted multiple comebacks to overcome Sassari’s lineup of Santiago LORENZO, John OYEBODE, Andrea PUPPO, and Marco CAPPUCCIO.

Coach Massimo FERRERO described the match as an emotional ride:

“It was like a roller coaster. We lost the first game, but recovered in the final points and gained confidence. In the second, we started behind again but came back and took the lead for the first time. We prevailed at ‘sudden death’ and everything reopened. At that point we believed even more.

We fought hard in the third game too, again coming from behind. The guys all played well at key moments and took control. Even in the toughest moments we stayed in the match. In the end, team spirit won out.”

FERRERO then analysed the individual performances:

“VALLINO COSTASSA replaced CHANDRA in the first game and fought hard. In the second, he made way for ROSSI, who was excellent against PUPPO, and in the third he secured the decisive lead against OYEBODE.

SIPOS pushed a comeback in the first game, then clearly beat PUPPO again in the second and gave us momentum against LORENZO.

CHANDRA closed both the second and third games. His game is risky — he makes mistakes, but to stay aggressive he needs to be ahead. We know him well; he performs best under pressure. We knew this would be his match, and it was.”

FERRERO emphasised the importance of the achievement:

“We are happy to bring the second Super Cup to Cagliari, after the women’s title recently won by Quattro Mori. We really care about this trophy it is the sixth in our club’s history. After the four league titles won with my father Fabio on the bench, this is my second as coach, following last year’s Italian Cup. And I’m only 35, there’s time.”

Tennistavolo Sassari – Marcozzi Cagliari 36–45, 44–45, 38–45

First Game

• PUPPO – ROSSI 5–1
• OYEBODE – SIPOS 5–5 (10–6)
• LORENZO – CHANDRA 5–2 (15–8)
• OYEBODE – ROSSI 5–5 (20–13)
• PUPPO – VALLINO COSTASSA 5–4 (25–17)
• LORENZO – SIPOS 5–3 (30–20)
• OYEBODE – VALLINO COSTASSA 5–3 (35–23)
• LORENZO – ROSSI 5–4 (40–27)
• PUPPO – SIPOS 5–9 (45–36)

Second Game

• OYEBODE – SIPOS 5–4
• PUPPO – CHANDRA 5–3 (10–7)
• LORENZO – VALLINO COSTASSA 5–1 (15–8)
• PUPPO – SIPOS 5–9 (20–17)
• OYEBODE – ROSSI 5–5 (25–22)
• LORENZO – CHANDRA 5–3 (30–25)
• PUPPO – ROSSI 5–8 (35–33)
• LORENZO – SIPOS 3–7 (38–40)
• OYEBODE – CHANDRA 6–5 (44–45)

Third Game

• OYEBODE – CHANDRA 5–2
• PUPPO – SIPOS 5–4 (10–6)
• LORENZO – ROSSI 5–6 (15–12)
• OYEBODE – SIPOS 5–7 (20–19)
• LORENZO – CHANDRA 5–4 (25–23)
• PUPPO – ROSSI 4–5 (29–30)
• LORENZO – SIPOS 4–5 (33–35)
• OYEBODE – ROSSI 0–5 (33–40)
• PUPPO – CHANDRA 5–5 (38–45)

The post Marcozzi Cagliari Claim Their First Italian Men’s Super Cup first appeared on European table tennis union.

Continue reading...

 

[Milica Nikolic]

The individual events at the ITTF European Para Championships 2025 in Helsingborg concluded with the doubles events taking the stage.

After five days od matches the medal winners are.

Men’s Singles Class 1

• Gold: Robert DAVIES (Great Britain)
• Silver: Federico FALCO (Italy)
• Bronze: Endre MAJOR (Hungary) and Thomas MATHEWS (Great Britain)

Men’s Singles Class 2

• Gold: Jiri SUCHANEK (Czechia)
• Silver: Jan RIAPOS (Slovakia)
• Bronze: Fabien LAMIRAULT (France) and Christopher RYAN (Great Britain)

Men’s Singles Class 3

• Gold: Thomas SCHMIDBERGER (Germany)
• Silver: Eder RODRIGUEZ (Spain)
• Bronze: Vasyl PETRUNIV (Ukraine) and Thomas BRUECHLE (Germany)

Men’s Singles Classes 4–5

• Gold: Filip NACHAZEL (Czechia)
• Silver: Tommy URHAUG (Norway)
• Bronze: Mitar PALIKUCA (Serbia) and Boris TRAVNICEK (Slovakia)

Men’s Singles Class 6

• Gold: Matteo PARENZAN (Italy)
• Silver: Peter ROSENMEIER (Denmark)
• Bronze: Martin PERRY (Great Britain) and Georgios MOUCHTHIS (Greece)

Men’s Singles Class 7

• Gold: Yannick PAREDIS (Belgium)
• Silver: Jonas HANSSON (Sweden)
• Bronze: Gonzalo RODRIGUEZ (Spain) and Theo BISHOP (Great Britain)

Men’s Singles Class 8

• Gold: Clément BERTHIER (France)
• Silver: Emil ANDERSSON (Sweden)
• Bronze: Thomas BOUVAIS (France) and Billy SHILTON (Great Britain)

Men’s Singles Class 9

• Gold: Laurens DEVOS (Belgium)
• Silver: Ander CEPAS (Spain)
• Bronze: Lev KATS (Israel) and Ivan MAI (Ukraine)

Men’s Singles Class 10

• Gold: Patryk CHOJNOWSKI (Poland)
• Silver: Luka BAKIC (Montenegro)
• Bronze: Mateo BOHEAS (France) and Igor MISZTAL (Poland)

Men’s Singles Class 11

• Gold: Lucas CREANGE (France)
• Silver: Maciej MAKAJEW (Poland)
• Bronze: Valerii VLASENKO (Ukraine) and Florian VAN ACKER (Belgium)

Women’s Singles Classes 1–2

• Gold: Maëva OLIVIER (France)
• Silver: Giada ROSSI (Italy)
• Bronze: Aino TAPOLA (Finland) and Jana SPEGEL (Germany)

Women’s Singles Class 3

• Gold: Andela MUZINIĆ VINCETIĆ (Croatia)
• Silver: Carlotta RAGAZZINI (Italy)
• Bronze: Michela BRUNELLI (Italy) and Nergiz ALTINTAS (Türkiye)

Women’s Singles Classes 4–5

• Gold: Sandra MIKOLASCHEK (Germany)
• Silver: Irem OLUK (Türkiye)
• Bronze: Kyra LIEPACH (Germany) and Alexandra SAINT-PIERRE (France)

Women’s Singles Class 6

• Gold: Stephanie GREBE (Germany)
• Silver: Katarzyna MARSZAŁ (Poland)
• Bronze: Cajsa STADLER (Sweden) and Felicity PICKARD (Great Britain)

Women’s Singles Class 7

• Gold: Bly TWOMEY (Great Britain)
• Silver: Kübra KORKUT (Türkiye)
• Bronze: Kelly VAN ZON (Netherlands) and Smilla SAND (Denmark)

Women’s Singles Class 8

• Gold: Juliane WOLF (Germany)
• Silver: Grace WILLIAMS (Great Britain)
• Bronze: Olaia MARTÍNEZ (Spain) and Frederique VAN HOOF (Netherlands)

Women’s Singles Class 9

• Gold: Alexa SZVITACS (Hungary)
• Silver: Karolina PEK (Poland)
• Bronze: Neslihan KAVAS (Türkiye) and Iryna SHYNKAROVA (Ukraine)

Women’s Singles Class 10

• Gold: Natalia PARTYKA (Poland)
• Silver: Merve DEMIR (Türkiye)
• Bronze: Anja HANDEN (Germany) and Marlene REEG (Germany)

Women’s Singles Class 11

• Gold: Ebru ACER (Türkiye)
• Silver: Natalia KOSMINA (Ukraine)
• Bronze: Sumeyra TÜRK (Türkiye) and Léa FERNEY (France)

The post European Para Champions crowned in Helsingborg first appeared on European table tennis union.

Continue reading...