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

[Milica Nikolic]

The first edition of the “Eurospins” project is underway on the Korean island of Jeju. From 11 to 22 December, ETTU’s forthcoming stars are taking part in the 2025 Joint Training Camp in Korea, featuring an intensive programme of daily practice sessions, semi-official friendly matches, and a cultural exchange programme. See the pictures here.

Following a selection process and based on the availability of Europe’s top youth players, the European delegation travelled to Korea with four girls and four boys, accompanied by six coaches. The delegation is led by ETTU Vice-President Jarek KOLODZIEJCZYK.

The players participating in the camp are European and World Under-15 Champion Koharu ITAGAKI (Germany), this year’s European silver medallist and former champion Hanka KODET (Czechia), Under-19 European Championships quarterfinalists from Ostrava Julia LEAL (Portugal) and Nina SKERBINZ (France), Ladimir MAYOROV (Spain), Robert ISTRATE (Romania), European Top 10 winner and European bronze medallist Francesco TREVISAN (Italy), and European Top 10 bronze medallist Mark GERGELY (Hungary).

The coaching staff consists of Jie SCHÖPP (Germany/ETTU), Anamaria SEBE (Romania/ETTU), Eduard MAYOROV (Spain), Jaroslav MIKESKA (Czechia), Toni RATO (Portugal), and Natalia GRIGELOVA (Slovakia).

“The main goal is to enable our leading youth players continuous practice at high intensity and quality, as most of the time they can meet Asian players only during official competitions,” explained ETTU Vice-President Jarek KOLODZIEJCZYK. “Our Korean hosts, under the tireless leadership of Mr LEE Jong-San, have prepared a fantastic environment for high-quality training with Asian partners. The Korean Table Tennis Association, the Korea Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, as well as the Korean Sports Promotion Foundation have all been involved in the support and organisation.”

Together with their Korean partners, ETTU firmly believe the project is beneficial for both sides and hope to meet again in spring, this time in Europe.

“The camp is also a unique opportunity for all of us to meet and work with some of table tennis’ greatest figures, as the Korean coaching team is led by Mr Joo Se Hyuk, the legendary defender and multi-medallist at all major world events. We have also been visited by numerous distinguished guests, including the Seoul 1988 Olympic gold medallist Mr Yoo Nam Kyu and the Chairman of the Jeju Sports Council, Mr Shin Jeen Seong,” added Vice-President KOLODZIEJCZYK. “On behalf of ETTU, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to the Korean Table Tennis Association for the fantastic cooperation, and on a personal level I am very much looking forward to the continuation of the ‘Eurospins’ project in the future.”

The post ETTU Launches “Eurospins” Project with Joint Training Camp in Korea first appeared on European table tennis union.

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[Milica Nikolic]

Italian side ASD Quattro Mori Cagliari strengthened their chances of progressing to the quarter-finals of the ETTU Champions League Women after a crucial home victory over Poland’s PGE Fibrain Ku AZS Politechnika Rzeszów.

French club Metz TT remains at the top of the group with two wins over both adversaries, while the Italian team recorded their first victory of the campaign.

Poland’s Zuzanna WIELGOS gave the visitors a perfect start with a straight-games win over Elizabet ABRAAMIAN, but Tania PLAIAN then turned the match in Cagliari’s favour. The Romanian player defeated Fen LI before Hengyu MA and ABRAAMIAN followed suit to seal the victory.

“I’m very happy with this victory because it was extremely important for us. We still have a chance to qualify for the quarter-finals. I’m very happy for my teammates, for my coach, and for the whole club,” said PLAIAN.

“We didn’t start well because Elizabet was not in her best shape today, while Susanna played very good. As for my match, it was unbelievable. I felt like I could do everything. I played the best table tennis I have played in a long time. Since last year, I never played like this.

“About Ma Heng-Yu, our Chinese player, she was unbelievably good. She used very good tactics against Ilona, and her service and forehand were excellent. Elisabeth, in the last match, followed the tactics perfectly. She listened to the bench, and we supported her until the very last point.”

The victory over former European champion from Sweden was an important confidence boost for PLAIAN, who recently returned from injury.

“Regarding the injury, I am still not 100 percent recovered. I’m still in the recovery process, but I try to give my best. Now, during the Christmas break, I want to reset my mind and rest a little, because I played many matches in this period,” she added.

Group leaders Metz TT will host PGE Fibrain Ku AZS Politechnika Rzeszów on Saturday. In January, ASD Quattro Mori Cagliari will face Metz TT on 14 January, before meeting PGE Fibrain Ku AZS Politechnika Rzeszów in Poland on 18 January.

SD Quattro Mori Cagliari (ITA) – PGE Fibrain Ku AZS Politechnika Rzeszów (POL) 3-1

• Elizabet ABRAAMIAN – Zuzanna WIELGOS 0-3 (7-11, 6-11, 9-11)
• Tania PLAIAN – Fen LI 3-0 (11–2, 11–2, 11–7)
• Hengyu MA – Ilona SZTWIERTNIA 3-1 (8–11, 11–3, 11–4, 11–8)
• Elizabet ABRAAMIAN – Fen LI 3:1 (4–11, 12–10, 11–5, 11–6)

The post Quattro Mori Cagliari Boost Quarter-Final Hopes with Home Win (VIDEO) first appeared on European table tennis union.

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[Milica Nikolic]

Last season’s ETTU Champions League quarterfinalists, KS Dekorglass Działdowo, have once again secured their place among the last eight, reaching the quarterfinals for the third consecutive season.

In both legs of the ETTU Champions League Men tie, the Polish side overcame Czech SKST Havířov with straight-match victories. Tomislav PUCAR, Jakub DYJAS and Samuel KULCZYCKI featured in both encounters.

“We won 3–0 and secured a place in the quarter-finals. What makes this victory even more special is that it came in front of our home crowd,” said Tomislav PUCAR. “I opened the match against BLINKA and I think I won the first two game very convincingly. After that, he started to play better and adjusted his tactics, which made the third set very tight. I had a match point that I didn’t convert, so the match went into the fourth game. It was very close again at 5–5, but I managed to pull away and win the match.”

PUCAR continued: “We took a 1–0 lead, and after that we needed just one more win to qualify for the quarter-finals. DYJAS played next against BRHEL and delivered a great performance, securing the second point, which was enough for us. The third match was also open and competitive, but Samuel played very well. In the end, we won 3–0. It was important for us to win in front of our home supporters, and Samuel did a very good job in the last match, bringing the tie to a successful conclusion.”

In the quarter-finals, KS Dekorglass Działdowo will meet the winner of the tie between France’s Alliance Nîmes/Montpellier and Austria’s SolexConsult TTC Wiener Neustadt, with the French club having secured a four-match victory in the opening leg.

Meanwhile, SKST Havířov will continue their European campaign in the ETTU Europe Cup Round of 16.

Round of 16

KS Dekorglass Działdowo (POL) – SKST Havirov (CZE) 3–0

• Tomislav PUCAR– Michal BLINKA 3–1 (11–3, 11–4, 11–13, 11–5)
• Jakub DYJAS –Stepan BRHEL 3–1 (11–8, 11–7, 10–12, 11–7)
• Samuel KULCZYCKI –Jan SKALDA 3–0 (11–6, 11–5, 15–13)

Opening leg

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 Reach Champions League Quarterfinals for Third Straight Season (VIDEO) first appeared on European table tennis union.

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[Milica Nikolic]

French club CP Lyssois Lille Métropole is preparing for a major week of European table tennis as it hosts Stage 2 of the ETTU Europe Cup for both Men and Women. Ten women’s teams, six advancing from Stage 1 and four arriving from the Champions League will gather in Lille, where only four will earn their place in the quarterfinals.

Group A: Hodonín and Budaörsi Headline the Field

Group A is topped by SKST Plus Hodonín (Czechia) and Budaörsi Sport Club (Hungary), both stepping down from the Champions League after finishing third and fourth in their Stage 1 groups. Their presence immediately raises the level of competition, especially as Hodonín enters the event as last season’s Europe Cup runner-up.

They are joined by three clubs carrying strong momentum from Stage 1 in Linares.

ASD Tennistavolo Sassari arrives undefeated, after Tatiana GARNOVA, Irina CIOBANU, and Teodora SIMON produced a flawless performance to top Group A without dropping a match.

Son Cladera TTC – Mallorca also comes in unbeaten, having dominated Group C with key victories over KS Wamet Dąbcze and TTC Meerdaal Leuven.

Completing the group is the host team, CP Lyssois Lille Métropole, who secured their progression as runners-up behind Częstochowa. Led by Shuohan MEN, Lucie MOBAREK, and Margo DEGRAEF, Lille will now look to capitalise on home advantage as they compete against two Champions League squads and two in-form opponents from Stage 1.

With Hodonín and Budaörsi holding the higher European pedigree, and Sassari and Mallorca entering in excellent form, Group A promises tight matches and little margin for error.

Group B: Champions League Experience Meets Stage 1 Powerhouses

Group B brings a compelling mix of Champions League-tested clubs and Stage 1 standouts.

Portuguese side CTM Mirandela and Croatian contenders STK Dr. CASL both step into Stage 2 after competing at Europe’s highest club level earlier this season. Mirandela will be particularly motivated, having reached the quarterfinals last year before being stopped by champions Saint-Denis TT 93.

Waiting for them are three teams that shined in Linares. Bebetto AZS UJD Częstochowa emerged as one of the most impressive sides of Stage 1, staying undefeated behind the stability of Emiko TAGUCHI, defensive specialist Tetyana BILENKO, and Paulina KRZYSIEK. TalTech Sport Club finished second in Group A, showing resilience.

Fenerbahçe Sports Club pushed Mallorca to the full distance in their Group C showdown and claimed the runners-up position, further demonstrating their strength.

Group B offers a different dynamic from Group A: Mirandela and Dr. CASL bring the experience, while Częstochowa, TalTech, and Fenerbahçe bring momentum and confidence from their recent success.

The stakes in Lille are clear: only the top two teams from each group will reach the quarterfinals, where they will be met by the clubs finishing third in their respective Groups in Champions League Stage 2.

Last year’s Europe Cup champions is Saint-Denis TT 93.

The post ETTU Europe Cup Stage 2 Heads to Lille: Ten Teams Chase Quarterfinal Spots first appeared on European table tennis union.

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[Milica Nikolic]

The ETTU Europe Cup Men returns to action this weekend in Lille Métropole, where sixteen ambitious clubs will fight for the eight available places in the Round of 16. The stakes are high: the group winners and runners-up will move forward to the knockout phase, where they will meet the teams dropping down from the ETTU Champions League Round of 16.

Group A: Toruń Look to Build on Stage 1 Dominance

Energa Manekin Toruń (POL) arrive as one of the most convincing teams from the previous stage. Led by Dimitrije LEVAJAC, Asuka SAKAI, and Konrad KULPA, the Polish side swept every match in Stage 1 without dropping a single individual encounter, emerging as perhaps the most dominant squad of the opening phase.

Joining them are the Stage 1 runners-up Alicante TM (ESP), who battled past KTS Gliwice and pushed Marcozzi hard in a dramatic five-match duel. Alicante’s squad Alberto LILLO, Diego LILLO, and Jose GUILLOT, will aim to carry that resilience into Lille.

From the Champions League come two dangerous opponents: SPG Felbemayr Wels (AUT) and Roskilde Bordtennis BTK 61 (DEN).

Both clubs bring significant international experience and the pedigree of competing against Europe’s strongest teams in the opening phase of the Champions League.

Group B: Stockerau and Odorheiu Secuiesc Face Champions League Pressure

UTTC Paneceo Stockerau (AUT) topped their Stage 1 group thanks to consistent performances from Mykhailo LOVHA, Khalid ASSAR, and Tarek AL-SAMHOURY. Their decisive victory over KS Olesno in a dramatic five-match encounter secured their place in Stage 2.

CSS-SZAK Odorheiu Secuiesc (ROU) also impressed in Romania, finishing second in Group B after pushing Enoli Borges Vall to a full-distance thriller. The home team showed quality through Sebastian LOSO, Szilard GYÖRGY, and Szabolcs TAMAS.

They now face two Champions League representatives: ASD TT Santa Tecla Nulvi (ITA) and Lille Metropole TT (FRA), the tournament hosts.

Group C: A Balanced Group with Champions League Heavyweights

Group C offers perhaps the most balanced mix of styles and strengths. Spain’s Enoli Borges Vall, winners of Group B in Stage 1, arrive after a gritty performance in Romania. Led by Francesc CARRERA, Marc DURAN, and José Luis ANDRADE, the Spanish team showed impressive composure under pressure.

They are joined by KS Olesno (POL), who advanced from a difficult Stage 1 group after consistent efforts from Alan KULCZYCKI, Daniel LIS, and Radek MRKVIČKA.

However, Group C becomes even more formidable with the arrival of STK Vyhne (SVK) and TTC Ostrava 2016 (CZE) from the Champions League. Ostrava bring particular weight to the field, they reached the Round of 16 of the Champions League last season, demonstrating they are capable of competing with Europe’s elite.

Group D: Marcozzi and Linz Meet Pontoise and Starr in a Group Full of Contenders

ASD Marcozzi Cagliari (ITA) impressed in Romania by winning Group A behind the strong trio of Federico VALLINO, Rares SIPOS, and Massimo FERRERO.

SPG Linz (AUT) also advanced convincingly, finishing second in Group C with solid performances throughout the weekend.

Their opponents come from the Champions League: AS Pontoise Cergy TT (FRA), historically one of Europe’s most respected clubs and a Champions League Round of 16 team last season and STK Starr (CRO), who add firepower and unpredictability.

The post Lille Hosts High-Stakes Stage 2 as Europe’s Men’s Clubs Battle for Round of 16 Places first appeared on European table tennis union.

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[Milica Nikolic]

Reigning champions and winners of the last three titles, 1. FC Saarbrücken TT secured their place in the quarterfinals of the ETTU Champions League Men. After a narrow victory in the opening leg, the German side struck in full force at home, overcoming Poland’s Dojlidy Białystok in the second leg.

Olympic and World Champion FAN Zhendong gave 1. FC Saarbrücken TT a perfect start, dominating the encounter from the opening point. The Chinese star controlled the rallies with power and precision, allowing Piotr CHODORSKI very few opportunities to enter the match.

“Today was my first time playing in the Champions League, so I was naturally quite excited and really looking forward to it. Now I’m simply happy that we’ve reached the next round together as a team, and I’m looking forward to some exciting quarterfinal matches,” said FAN.

Darko JORGIC further strengthened Saarbrücken’s lead with a solid and controlled performance against Patryk CHOJNOWSKI. The Slovenian dictated the tempo throughout the match to secure another clear 3–0 victory for the German side.

In the final match of the tie, Patrick FRANZISKA faced stronger resistance from Kakeru SONE, but remained composed in the decisive moments to close the contest in straight games.

“We are very happy to go through here at our home venue, where we have so many good memories,” said FRANZISKA. “The first match was very close and ended 3–2, so we were warned. However, today we showed our ambitions. We are very happy and delighted with this victory.”

In the quarterfinals, 1. FC Saarbrücken TT will meet the winner of the duel between ASC Grünwettersbach and GV Hennebont TT.

1. FC Saarbrücken TT (GER) – Dojlidy Białystok (POL) 3–0

• Zhendong FAN– Piotr CHODORSKI 3–0 (11–1, 11–5, 11–5)
• Darko JORGIC– Patryk CHOJNOWSKI 3–0 (11–3, 11–5, 11–4)
• Patrick FRANZISKA– Kakeru SONE 3–0 (11–9, 11–8, 11–7)

Dojlidy Białystok – 1. FC Saarbrücken TT 2–3

• Patryk CHOJNOWSKI – Darko JORGIC 3–2 (11–7, 5–11, 11–6, 5–11, 6–4)
• Piotr CHODORSKI – Patrick FRANZISKA 0–3 (7–11, 7–11, 8–11)
• Piotr MICHALSKI – Yuto MURAMATSU 0–3 (6–11, 5–11, 5–11)
• Patryk CHOJNOWSKI – Patrick FRANZISKA 3–2 (5–11, 4–11, 13–11, 11–9, 6–3)
• Piotr CHODORSKI – Darko JORGIC 1–3 (5–11, 11–9, 5–11, 7–11)

Mühlhausen Clinch Quarterfinals with Gritty Away Victory

Germany’s Post SV Mühlhausen 1951 e.V. progressed to the quarterfinals after a thrilling and closely contested encounter against Czechia’s HB Ostrov z.s. Despite a brave effort from Vladislav URSU, who recorded two impressive victories against Ovidiu IONESCU and Marcos FREITAS, the German side emerged victorious in the Round of 16.

URSU opened the tie with a hard-fought five-game victory over IONESCU. After a tight exchange in the opening games, the Moldovan international showed great composure in the deciding set, taking early control and securing an important opening point for HB Ostrov z.s.

Marcos FREITAS quickly brought Post SV Mühlhausen back level with a dominant performance against Pavel SIRUCEK. The Portuguese international dictated the rallies leaving his adversary with few chances to challenge.

Steffen MENGEL then gave the German side the lead after a composed straight-games victory over Jiri VRABLIK. Although the Czech player stayed close in the second game, MENGEL remained solid in the decisive moments to secure the win.

URSU once again delivered for the hosts, defeating FREITAS in straight games. Playing with confidence and authority, he dictated the pace throughout the match to level the tie at 2–2 and force a decisive encounter.

In the final match, Ovidiu IONESCU demonstrated his class and experience to clinch the tie for Post SV Mühlhausen. After dropping the third game, the Romanian regrouped quickly and closed the match in four games, sealing a 3–2 away victory for the German club.

In the quarterfinals, Post SV Mühlhausen 1951 e.V. will face Borussia Düsseldorf in the battle for a place at the Final Four.

HB Ostrov z.s. – Post SV Mühlhausen 1951 e.V. 2-3

• Vladislav URSU– Ovidiu IONESCU 3–2 (12–10, 5–11, 11–13, 11–8, 6–2)
• Pavel SIRUCEK– Marcos FREITAS 0–3 (3–11, 7–11, 7–11)
• Jiri VRABLIK– Steffen MENGEL 0–3 (7–11, 9–11, 6–11)
• Vladislav URSU– Marcos FREITAS 3–0 (11–7, 11–8, 11–7)
• Martin KOBLIZEK– Ovidiu IONESCU 1–3 (7–11, 7–11, 11–9, 7–11)

Post SV Mühlhausen 1951 e.V. – HB Ostrov z.s. 3–1

• Marcos FREITAS – Pavel ŠIRUČEK 3–0 (11–7, 11–9, 11–5)
• Steffen MENGEL – Vladislav URSU 3–1 (11–7, 11–8, 6–11, 11–5)
• Ovidiu IONESCU – Jiří VRÁBLÍK 1–3 (10–12, 11–7, 7–11, 8–11)
• Marcos FREITAS – Vladislav URSU 3–0 (14–12, 11–8, 13–11)

The post German clubs in the Quarterfinals: Saarbrücken Cruise, Mühlhausen Edge Thriller first appeared on European table tennis union.

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[Milica Nikolic]

ETTU Champions League Women top seeds KTS Enea Siarkopol Tarnobrzeg recorded their third victory in Group A, once again justifying their status with a dominant 3–0 win over MIRÓ Ganxets Costa Durada. As was the case in November in Spain, the Polish champions proved too strong, handing the Spanish side a straight-matches defeat.

Tarnobrzeg sealed the tie through three convincing singles performances. HE Zhuojia set the tone with a composed and controlled display against Natalya PROSVIRNINA, before Xiaoxin YANG and Ying HAN confirmed the hosts’ clear superiority, neither dropping a single game. With a clean sweep and authoritative performances across the board, the Polish club underlined their ambitions in the competition.

“We won this easily, because we have a very good team. I hope we will continue this way,” said Ying HAN after the match.

In January, KTS Enea Siarkopol Tarnobrzeg will travel to France to face Saint-Quentin TT, after already beating the French side 3–0 at home. The two teams will meet on the 13th, while three days later MIRÓ Ganxets Costa Durada will conclude their Group A campaign against the French club.

KTS Enea Siarkopol Tarnobrzeg (POL) – MIRÓ Ganxets Costa Durada (ESP) 3–0

• Zhuojia HE– Natalya PROSVIRNINA 3–0 (12–10, 11–2, 11–4)
• Xiaoxin YANG– Anastasia KOLISH 3–0 (11–5, 11–6, 11–5)
• Ying HAN– Elvira Fiona RAD 3–0 (11–2, 11–2, 11–5)

Etival seal home win against Novi Sad to stay on course

In Group D, Etival ASRTT claimed a 3–0 home victory over TTC Novi Sad, though the scoreline did not fully reflect the competitiveness of the matches. The French side was tested in all three singles encounters before eventually completing a clean sweep.

Liu YANGZI gave Etival an early advantage with a solid 3–1 win over Valeria SHCHERBATYKH, before Christina KALLBERG doubled the lead following another four-game battle against Valeria KOTCYUR. The closest contest came in the third singles, where SHAO Jieni needed five games to overcome Aneta MAKSUTI, sealing the tie after a tense decider.

Despite a brave effort, TTC Novi Sad remain without a victory after three matches in Stage 2. Etival ASRTT, meanwhile, have recorded two wins, both against the Serbian side and one defeat, suffered against UCAM Cartagena. The Spanish club is unbeaten with two victories so far.

In the final round, UCAM Cartagena will host Etival ASRTT on January 13, before travelling to Novi Sad on January 17.

Etival ASRTT (FRA) – TTC Novi Sad (SRB) 3–0

• LiuYANGZI – ValeriaSHCHERBATYKH 3–1 (11–7, 8–11, 11–4, 11–7)
• ChristinaKALLBERG – ValeriaKOTCYUR 3–1 (11–6, 6–11, 11–8, 11–7)
• JieniSHAO – AnetaMAKSUTI 3–2 (11–6, 11–13, 7–11, 11–4, 6–5)

The post Tarnobrzeg maintain perfect record, another win for Etival ASRTT first appeared on European table tennis union.

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