ETTU - European Table Tennis Union - News

[Milica Nikolic]

SF SKK El Nino Praha completed a dominant Round of 16 performance with a convincing 3-0 home victory over Enoli Borges Vall in the second leg, confirming their place in the quarterfinals.

David REITSPIES set the pace with a composed straight-games win against Francesc CARRERA, before Tomas KONECNY doubled the advantage by overcoming Joan MASIP in four games. The tie was completed without difficulty as Yevhen PRYSHCHEPA was awarded a walkover in the final singles.

Petr Kaucký, coach of El Niňo Praha, reflected on the qualification:“We took an important step toward qualification already in Spain, where the opponent started with Marc Duran, but Tomáš Konečný gave him no chance. We didn’t know that our opponents would be able to field only two players, which allowed them to play a bit more freely. Last season we reached the final, and now we are in the quarterfinals. It’s great news for our fans, who will once again have the opportunity to see top-quality players in action.”

Return leg

SF SKK El Nino Praha – Enoli Borges Vall 3–0

• David REITSPIES – Francesc CARRERA 3-0 (11-7, 12-10, 11-8)
• Tomas KONECNY – Joan MASIP 3-1 (8-11, 11-6, 12-10, 11-8)
• Yevhen PRYSHCHEPA – Bye 3-0 (11-0, 11-0, 11-0)

Opening leg

Enoli Borges Vall – SF SKK El Nino Praha 0-3

• Marc DURAN – Tomas KONECNY 0-3 (3-11, 4-11, 3-11)
• Francesc CARRERA – David REITSPIES 2-3 (11-7, 4-11, 7-11, 13-11, 3-6)
• Joan MASIP – Yevhen PRYSHCHEPA 0-3 (6-11, 6-11, 9-11)

Sokah Hoboken Advance to Face El Nino Praha

TTC Sokah Hoboken secured their place in the quarterfinals, where they will meet SF SKK El Nino Praha, after completing a convincing Round of 16 campaign against UTTC Paneceo Stockerau.

Following a 3-1 away victory in the opening leg in Austria, the Belgian side left no room for doubt in the return match, recording a dominant 3-0 win at home to seal progression among the last eight.

Remi BETELU set the tone with a solid 3-1 victory over Aidos KENZIGULOV, before Benjamin BROSSIER extended Hoboken’s lead with another four-game success against Mykhailo LOVHA. The tie was completed in style as Quentin ROBINOT delivered a dominant straight-games win over David SERDAROGLU, underlining Hoboken’s strength on home soil.

Return leg

TTC Sokah Hoboken – UTTC Paneceo Stockerau 3-0

• Remi BETELU – Aidos KENZIGULOV 3-1 (11-7, 11-5, 6-11, 11-4)
• Benjamin BROSSIER – Mykhailo LOVHA 3-1 (11-4, 15-13, 3-11, 11-7)
• Quentin ROBINOT – David SERDAROGLU 3-0 (11-2, 11-6, 11-6)

Opening leg

UTTC Paneceo Stockerau – TTC Sokah Hoboken 1-3

• Khalid ASSAR – Quentin ROBINOT 0-3 (10-12, 8-11, 9-11)
• Mykhailo LOVHA – Benjamin BROSSIER 3-2 (11-7, 12-10, 9-11, 9-11, 6-5)
• David SERDAROGLU – Max RADIVEN 1-3 (11-9, 9-11, 7-11, 7-11)
• Khalid ASSAR – Benjamin BROSSIER 3-2 (11-6, 11-13, 11-5, 6-11, 6-2)
• Mykhailo LOVHA – Remi BETELU 0-3 (7-11, 10-12, 5-11)

Pontoise Cergy Set Up Quarterfinal Clash with Roskilde

AS Pontoise Cergy TT also booked their place in the quarterfinals of the ETTU Europe Cup, where they will face Roskilde Bordtennis BTK 61, after completing the Round of 16 with a convincing 3-0 away victory over SolexConsult TTC Wiener Neustadt in the second leg.

Having edged the opening leg 3-2 at home, the French side delivered a composed and authoritative performance in Austria to remove any doubts about their progression.

Thomas LAROCHE led the way, surviving a dramatic five-game battle against Piotr CYRNEK after coming back from two games down. Alexandre CASSIN then doubled the advantage with a straight-games win over Peter HRIBAR, showing great composure in the tight moments. The match was sealed by Flavio MOURIER, who produced a commanding performance to defeat Jürgen MULLNER in straight games.

Return leg

SolexConsult TTC Wiener Neustadt – AS Pontoise Cergy TT 0–3

• Piotr CYRNEK – Thomas LAROCHE 2–3 (8–11, 7–11, 13–11, 13–11, 5–6)
• Peter HRIBAR – Alexandre CASSIN 0–3 (10–12, 18–20, 10–12)
• Jürgen MULLNER – Flavio MOURIER 0–3 (6–11, 3–11, 4–11)

Opening leg

AS Pontoise Cergy TT (FRA) – SolexConsult TTC Wiener Neustadt (AUT) 3–2

• Alexandre CASSIN – Patrick SKERBINZ 3–1 (11–4, 9–11, 11–4, 11–6)
• Flavio MOURIER – Piotr CYRNEK 0–3 (8–11, 7–11, 6–11)
• Thomas LAROCHE – Peter HRIBAR 2–3 (8–11, 11–9, 11–5, 10–12, 2–6)
• Alexandre CASSIN – Piotr CYRNEK 3–1 (13–15, 11–3, 11–9, 11–7)
• Flavio MOURIER – Patrick SKERBINZ 3–0 (11–2, 12–10, 12–10)

The post El Nino Praha, Sokah Hoboken and Pontoise Cergy Secured Quarterfinal Spot first appeared on European table tennis union.

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[Milica Nikolic]

Saint-Denis TT 93’s second victory of the group stage secured their place in the quarterfinals of the ETTU Champions League Women. The French side finished second in Group C after suffering two defeats against reigning champions ttc berlin eastside, while claiming two wins over Linz AG Froschberg.

With three victories and one defeat, ttc berlin eastside topped the group standings, as Saint-Denis TT 93 advanced alongside them to the knockout phase.

The French side secured a 3-1 home win after a series of close matches, with Prithika PAVADE once again playing a decisive role. She opened the tie with a hard-fought five-game victory over Suthasini SAWETTABUT to give Saint-Denis an early advantage.

Hana ARAPOVIC then extended the lead in another dramatic encounter, edging Britt EERLAND in five games. Although Linz responded through Ivana MALOBABIC, who defeated Agathe AVEZOU in four games to keep the Austrian side in contention, Saint-Denis held their nerve in the decisive match.

PAVADE returned to the table and sealed the victory with a four-game win against EERLAND, confirming Saint-Denis TT 93’s second triumph of the stage, both achieved against Linz AG Froschberg.

In Group C, reigning champions ttc berlin eastside concluded Stage 2 at the top of the standings with three wins and one defeat, their only loss coming against Linz AG Froschberg.

Quarterfinal places have already been secured by Group A winners KTS ENEA SIARKOPOL Tarnobrzeg and runners-up Saint-Quentin TT, as well as the top two teams from Group D, UCAM Cartagena T.M and Étival ASRTT, as the ETTU Champions League Women moves toward the knockout phase.

Saint-Denis TT 93 (FRA)-Linz AG Froschberg (AUT) 3-1

• Prithika PAVADE-Suthasini SAWETTABUT 3-2 (11-13,12-10,4-11,11-7,6-3)
• Hana ARAPOVIC-Britt EERLAND 3-2 (6-11,11-3,11-6,6-11,6-5)
• Agathe AVEZOU-Ivana MALOBABIC 1-3 (11-5,7-11,6-11,7-11)
• Prithika PAVADE-Britt EERLAND 3-1 (11-8,5-11,11-6,12-10)

The post Saint-Denis TT 93 Clinch Quarterfinal Spot Behind Group Winners ttc berlin eastside (VIDEO) first appeared on European table tennis union.

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[Milica Nikolic]

The reigning ETTU Champions League holders, 1. FC Saarbrücken TT, opened their quarterfinal campaign with an away victory in France, overcoming GV Hennebont TT 3-0 and taking a strong advantage from the opening leg.

The three-time Champions League winners made it clear they were leaving nothing to chance, fielding a formidable lineup that included Olympic champion FAN Zhendong, Europe’s current No. 1 Truls MOREGARD and No. 6 Patrick FRANZISKA.

MOREGARD gave the guests dream start in the opening singles, defeating Vladimir SIDORENKO 3-1. After dropping the second game, the Swedish star quickly regained control to give Saarbrücken an early lead.

The highlight of the evening followed in the second match, where Simon GAUZY, ranked No. 11 in Europe, pushed Olympic and World Champion FAN Zhendong to the absolute limit that thrilled the French crowd. GAUZY produced a spirited and high-quality performance, forcing the Chinese superstar into a deciding fifth game. FAN eventually prevailed 3-2, but not before being tested to the fullest by the French No. 3 in a thrilling encounter.

“This was my first time playing in a Champions League quarterfinal,” said FAN Zhendong. “Today I played against Simon Gauzy, and I think we both performed at a very high level. I managed to win the match in a very difficult situation and was able to contribute to the team’s success. I’m really looking forward to the second leg at home and hope that I can keep improving my performances in the Champions League.”

In the third singles, FRANZISKA underlined Saarbrücken’s experience with a straight-games victory over Lev KATSMAN, sealing a clean sweep for the German club.

“We are very happy. It was a very tough away match in Hennebont, but we are delighted to come through with a 3–0 victory. Everyone was in very good shape, and now we are looking forward to the home match.I am very proud to be part of this team,” said FRANZISKA.

With this convincing away success, Saarbrücken have taken a significant step toward another Final Four appearance on their home soil, while GV Hennebont TT will face a challenging task in the return leg as they attempt to overturn the deficit against the reigning champions.

GV Hennebont TT (FRA)-1. FC Saarbrücken TT (GER) 0-3

• Vladimir SIDORENKO-Truls MOREGARD 1-3 (8-11,11-9,4-11,10-12)
• Simon GAUZY-Zhendong FAN 2-3 (11-4,5-11,11-7,14-16,2-6)
• Lev KATSMAN-Patrick FRANZISKA 0-3 (8-11,8-11,11-13)

The post Champions 1. FC Saarbrücken TT Leave Nothing to Chance in Hennebont Victory (VIDEO) first appeared on European table tennis union.

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[Milica Nikolic]

The Regional Stage of the ETTU Trophy was held last weekend, with 10 clubs in the Men’s competition and eight clubs in the Women’s competition securing their places at the Grand Finals.

Men’s Competition

Region A was played in Tallinn, Estonia, hosted by TalTech Sport Club. Five clubs competed for two qualifying positions. After two days of play, UKS Piast Poprawa Ostrzeszów (POL) recorded four victories to finish first, followed by Sanberg–Evopipes (LAT) with three wins. The hosts finished in third place, just one position short of qualification.

Region B took place in Olot, Spain, hosted by CTT Olot. Five clubs fought for two places, with CTT Olot (ESP) emerging unbeaten with four wins, while ASD Tennistavolo Sassari (ITA) secured qualification with three victories.

Region C was staged in Valletta, Malta, hosted by MITTC. Ten clubs competed, divided into two groups, with the top two teams from each group progressing. In Group A, Panathinaikos (GRE) remained unbeaten to finish ahead of A.C. STK Zagreb (CRO). In Group B, the qualifiers were MITTC Butterfly Malta, who also finished unbeaten, and STK Pula (CRO) with three wins.

Region D was held in Niš, Serbia, hosted by STK Železničar. Four clubs took part, and notably the top three teams, all from Serbia, finished level with two wins and one defeat each. On points difference, TTC Radnički Beočin 1972 claimed first place, followed by STK Železničar Niš, while STK Crvena Zvezda narrowly missed out on qualification.

Women’s Competition

In Region A, played in Olot, Spain, four clubs qualified from two groups. Group 1 was topped by CDTM Hujase Jaén (ESP) and ASD Tennistavolo Norbello Blu (ITA), while Group B saw CD Indiana Games (ESP) and ASD Tennistavolo Norbello (ITA) progress to the next stage.

Region B was contested in Nicosia, Cyprus, hosted by Onisilos Lakatamias. Five clubs competed for two places, both of which were secured by Greek teams. Panathinaikos A.C. finished unbeaten at the top, followed by AEK Athletic Club, who recorded one defeat.

Region C took place in Niš, Serbia, hosted by STK Josip Kolumbo. Six clubs competed in a single group, with two teams qualifying. The hosts, STK Josip Kolumbo, did not lose a single individual match to claim first place, while TTV Gartenstadt Tulln (AUT) finished second to secure qualification.

The post Clubs from Eight Nations Secure Grand Finals Places at ETTU Trophy Regional Stage first appeared on European table tennis union.

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[Milica Nikolic]

The draw for the quarter-finals of the ETTU Champions League and the ETTU Europe Cup was held today in Luxembourg.

The post Quarter-Final Draw Held for ETTU Champions League and Europe Cup first appeared on European table tennis union.

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[Milica Nikolic]

Last year, Alexis LEBRUN ended Darko JORGIC’s reign at the CCB Europe Top 16 Cup in Montreux, stopping a historic run that had brought the Slovenian star three consecutive titles since 2022.

This time, JORGIC returns to Switzerland in a different position, аnd for the first time in years, he feels the pressure shift.

“After three years, this is the first time I’m not coming as the defending champion, but as the finalist. That is still a big thing, of course, but maybe it’s a little easier for the head. The pressure was really big for four years in a row,” JORGIC admits.

Yet, with Europe’s elite gathering in Montreux from 5 to 8 February, the challenge remains as demanding as ever.

“The competition is incredibly strong. Honestly, I believe that all 16 players, and even more if we include the qualification stage, can win this tournament. European table tennis has raised its level, and the quality is extremely high. From the very first round, every match will be difficult.”

Despite losing his crown last year, JORGIC arrives in Switzerland in excellent shape.

“I feel very good. I’m playing great in the league, I’m currently 11–0. Recently, I lost in the semifinals in Muscat against a Chinese player WEN Ruibo, but overall, I feel I’m in very good form. I just hope to bring this level to the Top 16.”

The Montreux stage has become something of a second home for the Slovenian.

“I’ve played in the final five times in a six-year period, which means a lot to me. There is always extra pressure, but at the same time I feel amazing there. Many fans come to support me, and that gives me a special energy.”

Even without the title to defend, JORGIC’s ambitions remain unchanged.

“I just hope that the real Darko, the one people know from Switzerland, will show up again. I want to play good table tennis, fight hard, and once again be in the battle for a medal, like in all these years.”

With Europe’s best set to clash once more on the Montreux stage, Darko JORGIC is ready for another chapter in his special relationship with the CCB Europe Top 16 Cup.

Men’s event

In the Men’s event will play Truls MOREGARD of Sweden, Alexis LEBRUN of France, Felix LEBRUN of France, Darko JORGIC of Slovenia, Benedikt DUDA of Germany, Patrick FRANZISKA of Germany, Dang QIU of Germany, Dimitrij OVTCHAROV of Germany, Anton KALLBERG of Sweden, Anders LIND of Denmark, Simon GAUZY of France, Jonathan GROTH of Denmark, Marcos FREITAS of Portugal, Eduard IONESCU of Romania, Alvaro ROBLES of Spain, Andrej GACINA of Croatia, Milosz REDZIMSKI of Poland, Tomislav PUCAR of Croatia, Kristian KARLSSON of Sweden, Daniel HABESOHN of Austria, Joao GERALDO of Portugal, and Pedro OSIRO of Switzerland.

Preliminary Stage – Men

Iulian CHIRITA of Romania, Thibault PORET of France, Andre BERTELSMEIER of Germany, Martin ALLEGRO of Belgium, Adrien RASSENFOSSE of Belgium, Luka MLADENOVIC of Luxembourg, and Ovidiu IONESCU of Romania.

Women’s event

In the Women’s event will play Sabine WINTER of Germany, Sofia POLCANOVA of Austria, Bernadette SZOCS of Romania, Ying HAN of Germany, Jia Nan YUAN of France, Elizabeta SAMARA of Romania, Prithika PAVADE of France, Jieni SHAO of Portugal, Nina MITTELHAM of Germany, Linda BERGSTROM of Sweden, Fu YU of Portugal, Maria XIAO of Spain, Natalia BAJOR of Poland, Xiaona SHAN of Germany, Anna HURSEY of Wales, Annett KAUFMANN of Germany, Charlotte LUTZ of France, Andreea DRAGOMAN of Romania, Izabela LUPULESKU of Serbia, Lea RAKOVAC of Croatia, Georgina POTA of Hungary, and Rachel MORET of Switzerland.

Preliminary Stage

Christina KALLBERG of Sweden, Giorgia PICCOLIN of Italy, Britt EERLAND of the Netherlands, Yuan WAN of Germany, Gaia MONFARDINI of Italy, Adina DIACONU of Romania, and Ivana MALOBABIC of Croatia.

The post Darko JORGIC: Maybe it’s a little easier for the head, but Montreux is still special first appeared on European table tennis union.

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[Milica Nikolic]

For the 11th time in her career, Austria’s Sofia POLCANOCVA returns to Montreux for the CCB Europe Top 16 Cup, a tournament that has shaped her journey and remains one of the most meaningful stops on the European calendar.

Over the years, the Swiss venue has become a stage for some of her most memorable performances, with five medals, two finals and three semifinal appearances. Yet for the experienced star, the importance of this event goes far beyond results.

“The Europe Top 16 is very special because only the very best players are competing here. To be part of this field is already something big,” POLCANOVA said.

“I have both good and not-so-good memories from this event, but overall it has given me so much. I’ve been able to perform at my best here most of the time, and that brought me five medals in total, which I’m very proud of.”

When she made her first appearance at the Top 16, Sofia admits she was still learning how to handle the atmosphere and expectations.

“I was really young and I needed some time to get used to the level and the environment. At the beginning, I didn’t really have specific goals of course, I wanted to play well and maybe one day win a medal, but I was still inexperienced.”

Now, Montreux feels almost like home.

“Especially in the last few years, when the tournament has been held here regularly, it has become a familiar place. The organisation is excellent, the atmosphere is great, and every year we come back with the same motivation to give our best and enjoy this special event.”

Returning as the second seed, POLCANOVA remains realistic about what awaits.

“Everyone here can beat everyone. It’s such a competitive event, your tournament can end in the first match or in the final, you never know,” Sofia explains.

POLCANOVA is second seed this year.

“I’ve also been seeded number one before, and those were not always my best performances. For me, the ranking is not the most important thing.”

Instead of focusing on status, she focuses on preparation.

“I do not feel extra pressure. I am happy to be here again and to challenge myself against the best players in Europe.”

Last year’s quarterfinal exit, following a run of two finals and three semifinals, has only strengthened her motivation.

“I don’t see it as pressure. It’s part of the journey. Every year is different, and you can’t live in the past, whether it was a final or a first-round loss. Of course, you want to do better, but the most important thing is how you approach the tournament now.”

After more than a decade at the top level, she believes her biggest growth has been mental.

“I think the most important improvement is my mindset. I’ve learned how to stay in the moment, how to build self-confidence, and how to trust my preparation.”

Routine, Sofia says, is her greatest ally.

“Our routines make us stronger. I try to stick to them, stay focused, and take one match at a time. I am not thinking about lifting the trophy, I’m thinking about playing my best table tennis.”

With experience, belief, and a deep connection to Montreux, Sofia POLCANOVA once again steps onto one of Europe’s most iconic stages ready to see what this year’s chapter will bring.

Men’s event

In the Men’s event will play Truls MOREGARD of Sweden, Alexis LEBRUN of France, Felix LEBRUN of France, Darko JORGIC of Slovenia, Benedikt DUDA of Germany, Patrick FRANZISKA of Germany, Dang QIU of Germany, Dimitrij OVTCHAROV of Germany, Anton KALLBERG of Sweden, Anders LIND of Denmark, Simon GAUZY of France, Jonathan GROTH of Denmark, Marcos FREITAS of Portugal, Eduard IONESCU of Romania.

Qualification Stage – Men

Alvaro ROBLES of Spain, Andrej GACINA of Croatia, Milosz REDZIMSKI of Poland, Tomislav PUCAR of Croatia, Kristian KARLSSON of Sweden, Daniel HABESOHN of Austria, Joao GERALDO of Portugal and Pedro OSIRO of Switzerland.

Reserve players

Iulian CHIRITA of Romania, Thibault PORET of France, Andre BERTELSMEIER of Germany, Martin ALLEGRO of Belgium, Adrien RASSENFOSSE of Belgium, Luka MLADENOVIC of Luxembourg, and Ovidiu IONESCU of Romania.

Women’s event

In the Women’s event will play Sabine WINTER of Germany, Sofia POLCANOVA of Austria, Bernadette SZOCS of Romania, Ying HAN of Germany, Jia Nan YUAN of France, Elizabeta SAMARA of Romania, Prithika PAVADE of France, Jieni SHAO of Portugal, Nina MITTELHAM of Germany, Linda BERGSTROM of Sweden, Fu YU of Portugal, Maria XIAO of Spain, Natalia BAJOR of Poland, Xiaona SHAN of Germany.

Qualification Stage

Anna HURSEY of Wales, Annett KAUFMANN of Germany, Charlotte
LUTZ of France, Andreea DRAGOMAN of Romania, Izabela LUPULESKU of Serbia, Lea RAKOVAC of Croatia, Georgina POTA of Hungary, Rachel MORET of Switzerland.

Reserve players

Christina KALLBERG of Sweden, Giorgia PICCOLIN of Italy, Britt EERLAND of the Netherlands, Yuan WAN of Germany, Gaia MONFARDINI of Italy, Adina DIACONU of Romania, and Ivana MALOBABIC of Croatia.

The post Experience, Routine and Belief: POLCANOVA’s Familiar Journey Back to Montreux first appeared on European table tennis union.

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