ETTU - European Table Tennis Union - News

[Milica Nikolic]

Four clubs. Two days. One trophy. And this year’s HYLO® ETTU Champions League Men Final 4 in Saarbrücken has everything needed for a spectacular showdown.

Olympic champions, World Championship medallists, Europe’s biggest stars and some of the most ambitious clubs on the continent will take over Saarlandhalle this weekend, with thousands of fans expected to create another unforgettable atmosphere.

Defending champions 1. FC Saarbrücken TT return to their home arena chasing a third consecutive Final 4 title and a fourth straight Champions League crown overall. But standing in their way are three clubs arriving with their own momentum, belief and major ambitions: Borussia Düsseldorf, Alliance Nîmes/Montpellier TT and KS Orlen Bogoria Grodzisk Mazowiecki.

The spotlight naturally falls first on Saarbrücken. The German club once again arrives with a line-up that almost looks unreal on paper.

At the centre stands FAN Zhendong, reigning Olympic champion, current World No. 1 and owner of nine World Championship gold medals. Alongside him are Truls Moregard, Europe’s current No. 1 and Olympic silver medallist, Darko JORGIC Europe’s No. 5, and Patrick Franziska NO.8, one of Germany’s key players for years on both club and international level.

“Of course we want to win the fourth title in a row,” said FRANZISKA. “We have a really, really strong team with so many good players.”

Still, Saarbrücken know there will be no easy matches at this level, especially against a dangerous KS Orlen Bogoria Grodzisk Mazowiecki side that continues to grow year after year.

Bogoria reached the Final 4 for the second consecutive season after another impressive European campaign. One of the key figures remains veteran Panagiotis GIONIS, whose experience perfectly complements the rise of young Polish star Milosz REDZIMSKI.

“We know it will be extremely difficult against Saarbrücken,” admitted GIONIS. “They are an unbelievable team, especially at home, with fantastic fans and world-class players. But we will try our best.”

REDZIMSKI also believes last season’s Final 4 experience could help the team remain calmer in decisive moments.

“Playing in the Final 4 is always something special, and having players in the team who already experienced these matches helps us stay calm and focused,” he explained.

The second semi-final brings together two clubs with enormous quality and completely different stories.

On one side stands Borussia Düsseldorf, the most successful club in European table tennis history. Six Champions League titles, six Cup of European Champions trophies and four ETTU Cup victories tell only part of the story of a club that has dominated European table tennis for decades.

Now entering a new chapter after the retirement of legendary Timo BOLL, Düsseldorf still arrives with huge ambitions. European champion Qiu DANG Europe’s No. 6, leads the team alongside Swede Anton KALLBERG currently occupying position No. 10, and American star Kanak JHA.

“We really need to come up with something special for our semi-final against Montpellier and play our best table tennis,” admitted coach Danny HEISTER.

Because waiting on the other side is probably the hottest team in European table tennis right now Alliance Nîmes/Montpellier TT.

The French champions started their campaign all the way back in Stage 1 and kept building confidence with every round.

At the heart of the project are brothers Felix LEBRUN and Alexis LEBRUN Europe’s No. 2 and 3, now firmly established among the world’s elite after another outstanding performance with France at the ITTF World Team Championships Finals in London.

Felix arrives in Saarbrücken after one of the best tournaments of his career, including a sensational victory over World No. 1 LIN Shidong.

“It was a great tournament for us that unfortunately ended in the semi-finals,” Felix said after France’s bronze-medal run. “I’m proud of our team and the way we played.”

Alexis also admits the confidence inside the French squad is growing fast.

“We played a great tournament in London and finished with a beautiful medal, so I come to the Final 4 with a lot of confidence,” said Alexis.

And yes, last season’s defeat to Düsseldorf is still somewhere in the back of their minds.

“For sure we want to take our revenge,” Alexis smiled. “But the real goal is to reach the final.”

With packed stands expected, emotions already building and four clubs believing they can lift the trophy, Saarbrücken is once again ready to become the centre of European club table tennis.

The post HYLO® ETTU Men Final 4 fever hits Saarbrücken as Europe’s best chase Champions League glory first appeared on European table tennis union.

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[Milica Nikolic]

The countdown is almost over. On 16 and 17 May, the Saarlandhalle in Saarbrücken will once again host the HYLO ETTU Champions League Men Final 4, where four of Europe’s strongest clubs will battle for the biggest title in European club table tennis. Host club 1. FC Saarbrücken TT will once again enjoy home support in what promises to be another unforgettable weekend of elite table tennis.

Alongside world-class action on the table, spectators can expect a full entertainment program, fan activities, music, and a vibrant Final 4 atmosphere inside the Saarlandhalle, which will welcome around 3,300 spectators. DJ PIROCCO and event host Alexander MEHL will lead the entertainment program, while fans will also be able to participate in match predictions and quizzes powered by proWIN Winter GmbH.

Venue opening times

For spectators attending the event, access to the venue opens:

• 16 May – from 10:30 AM
• 17 May – from 12:00 PM

VIP access to the venue

• 16 May – from 10:30 AM
• 17 May – from 12:00 PM

Visitors are advised to have either printed tickets or QR codes ready upon arrival in order to speed up entry procedures.

Important travel and parking information for Saturday

Due to the football match taking place at the same time, parking directly at the Saarlandhalle will unfortunately not be possible on Saturday.

We therefore kindly ask all VIP guests to travel by public transport wherever possible and to allow sufficient extra time for their journey. We recommend that all guests arrive at the Saarlandhalle by 10:30 a.m. at the latest in order to avoid waiting times at the entrance.

Please note that Camphauser Straße is expected to be fully closed in both directions from approximately 10:30 a.m., and no later than 11:00 a.m. This closure will also affect arrival and departure traffic on Camphauser Straße above the road “An der Saarlandhalle”. Parking in the upper section of Camphauser Straße will not be possible.

According to the latest information available, pedestrian access will also be affected. Access to the Saarlandhalle will therefore only be possible via the residential area at Rodenhof. From “An der Saarlandhalle”, visitors will continue on foot to the Saarlandhalle.

A section of Ziegelstraße is accessible by car; the remaining route must be continued on foot. Ottweilerstraße is accessible by car up to the transition at “An der Saarlandhalle”. Street parking is available along Ottweilerstraße, Ziegelstraße, and Jägersfreuder Straße, subject to availability.

When parking in the Rodenhof area, however, please proceed with caution, as the residents’ parking protection concept (“Anwohnerschutzkonzept”) applies there. In certain areas, parking is only permitted with a residents’ parking permit. These areas are clearly indicated by traffic signs.

In addition, short-term road closures in the area of Ludwigskreisel cannot be ruled out. This may lead to delays, so please take this into account when planning your arrival.

Furthermore, we strongly recommend putting on any fan merchandise or FCS fan clothing only after entering the venue, as encounters with away fans in the vicinity of the football match could potentially lead to unpleasant situations.

These police measures are necessary to ensure the safest and smoothest possible running of the events. We sincerely regret any inconvenience caused and thank you for your understanding.

Directions & parking 17.05.2026

Shuttle service organised for spectators

In cooperation with 1. FC Saarbrücken TT and Saarbahn GmbH, a shuttle service has been arranged for spectators travelling to the HYLO ETTU Champions League Men Final 4 in Saarbrücken. The shuttle buses will start operating from approximately 10:25, running every 20–30 minutes from the long-distance bus station in Saarbrücken (Dudweilerstrasse 96), with an additional stop at Saarbrücken Central Station. The final stop will be Camphauser Str./Ludwigspark, close to the Saarlandhalle. Please note that the shuttle service is organised only for arrivals to the venue. Return journeys must be made using public transport.

Food, entertainment and Final 4 experience

Fans attending the Final 4 will not only enjoy top-level table tennis, but also a variety of food and catering options throughout the weekend. Food trucks and snack stations will be available at the venue, while VIP guests will have access to dedicated catering menus during both semifinal and final days.

The ETTU and 1. FC Saarbrücken Tischtennis e.V. welcomed all spectators ahead of the event and expressed confidence that Saarbrücken will once again deliver a spectacular celebration of European club table tennis.

The post HYLO® ETTU Champions League Men Final 4: Everything spectators need to know in Saarbrücken first appeared on European table tennis union.

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[Milica Nikolic]

ASD Quattro Mori Cagliari moved one step closer to the ETTU Europe Cup Women title after edging Linz AG Froschberg 3-1 in a tense and emotional opening leg of the final in Cagliari. Despite the overall scoreline, the encounter was far closer than it appears, with three of the four matches decided in dramatic five-game battles.

The Italian side opened strongly as Elizabet ABRAAMIAN overcame Suthasini SAWETTABUT in a thrilling five-game duel to give Cagliari an early lead. Linz AG Froschberg responded through Britt EERLAND, who defeated Hengyu MA to level the tie at 1-1.

Tania PLAIAN then delivered one of the key moments of the evening. Facing Ivana MALOBABIC, a player she had never previously beaten, PLAIAN fought back from two games down to secure a crucial victory for the hosts. ABRAAMIAN then sealed the overall success in another dramatic encounter, defeating Britt EERLAND in five games after recovering from a difficult start.

“We never stopped believing,” said Tania PLAIAN. “Again the team spirit helped us and also the crowd was so loud today. We knew it would be a very tough fight because all three victories came 3-2. The first match gave us confidence that we could win this match.”

PLAIAN also praised her teammate Elizabet ABRAAMIAN’s decisive contribution.

“Elizabet was really strong mentally against Britt. She showed very good nerves and played very smart in the important moments. She is an unbelievable player and it is really nice to see how she plays.”

Reflecting on her own victory against MALOBABIC, PLAIAN admitted the match carried extra significance.

“I never won against Ivana before and I always felt uncomfortable against her. Today was different because physically I felt much better and for the first time I didn’t feel pain during the match. I stayed patient, played good tactics and in the important moments I had the courage to do what was necessary to win.”

ABRAAMIAN stressed that the tie is still far from decided despite Cagliari’s advantage after the opening leg.

“I’m very happy with this win, but we have to remember that this is just the first leg and we have to focus on the next match,” ABRAAMIAN said. “I hope we will do our best in Linz.”

The Armenian star also highlighted the atmosphere in Cagliari and the emotional support she felt throughout the evening.

“It was an unbelievable atmosphere. I felt that all I had to do was give everything I had and play with my heart. I tried to focus on every ball, ball after ball. I also felt the support from the team and all the people who came to support us. I felt that I was playing for Quattro Mori, for Cagliari, for all the fans and for the team.”

ABRAAMIAN additionally praised Linz AG Froschberg for the level of the final.

“I would also like to thank the opponent team for this unbelievable match, for the fight and the crazy rallies. This is the table tennis that we all love.”

ASD Quattro Mori Cagliari now travel to Austria carrying a valuable advantage into the return leg, while Linz AG Froschberg will look to overturn the deficit on home soil in the decisive match for the trophy.

ASD Quattro Mori Cagliari (ITA) – Linz AG Froschberg (AUT) 3-1

• Elizabet ABRAAMIAN – Suthasini SAWETTABUT 3-2 (11-9, 9-11, 9-11, 11-5, 11-7)
• Hengyu MA – Britt EERLAND 0-3 (9-11, 8-11, 11-7, 6-11)
• Tania PLAIAN – Ivana MALOBABIC 3-2 (9-11, 10-12, 11-5, 11-6, 11-6)
• Elizabet ABRAAMIAN – Britt EERLAND 3-2 (7-11, 9-11, 7-11, 11-6, 6-2)

The post ASD Quattro Mori Cagliari take narrow advantage after dramatic opening leg first appeared on European table tennis union.

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[Milica Nikolic]

Real Club Cajasur Priego TM secured a narrow 3-2 victory over SF SKK El Niño Praha in the opening leg of the ETTU Europe Cup Men final, taking a valuable advantage ahead of the decisive return match in Prague.

“We are very happy with tonight’s victory. It was an important first step towards winning the title, but we know there is still another tough match waiting for us in Prague,” said Carlos MACHADO.

The Spanish side recovered after an early setback, as Yevhen PRYSHCHEPA defeated Robert GARDOS in four games to give El Niño Praha the lead. Hampus SODERLUND quickly restored parity with a strong win over David REITSPIES before Carlos MACHADO put Priego ahead by overcoming Tomas KONECNY in straight games.

The Czech club responded once more when REITSPIES edged GARDOS in a dramatic five-game encounter to level the overall score at 2-2. However, SODERLUND delivered again for the hosts, defeating PRYSHCHEPA in four games to secure the overall victory for Real Club Cajasur Priego TM.

“Tonight was a historic night for the club. The atmosphere is something I will carry with me for the rest of my life. But now we have to recover and reload for next week. Either way, it will be a great experience in Prague” siad SODERLUND.

Real Club Cajasur Priego TM – SF SKK El Niño Praha 3-2

• Robert GARDOS – Yevhen PRYSHCHEPA 1-3 (6-11, 12-10, 5-11, 6-11)
• Hampus SODERLUND – David REITSPIES 3-1 (11-8, 11-7, 9-11, 11-4)
• Carlos MACHADO – Tomas KONECNY 3-0 (11-9, 11-8, 11-7)
• Robert GARDOS – David REITSPIES 2-3 (11-8, 8-11, 11-9, 6-11, 3-6)
• Hampus SODERLUND – Yevhen PRYSHCHEPA 3-1 (12-10, 5-11, 11-8, 11-6)

The post Real Club Cajasur Priego TM take slim advantage in opening leg of Europe Cup Men final first appeared on European table tennis union.

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[Milica Nikolic]

Today, the wait will finally end.

After months of spectacular battles across Europe, the HYLO® Champions League Men Final 4 began in Saarbrücken, where four ambitious clubs will fight for the most prestigious trophy in European club table tennis.

Olympic and World Championship medalists, rising stars and legendary clubs are all set to take centre stage at Saarlandhalle for a weekend that promises world-class table tennis, unforgettable atmosphere and dramatic battles for every point.

Defending champions 1. FC Saarbrücken TT begin their quest for another European crown against KS Orlen Bogoria Grodzisk Mazowiecki, while the second semi-final will bring together French sensation Alliance Nîmes/Montpellier TT and European giants Borussia Düsseldorf in another blockbuster clash.

Saarbrücken is ready. Europe’s best are here. Let the Final 4 begin.

Semi-finals – Saturday

• 12:30 1. FC Saarbrücken TT vs KS Orlen Bogoria Grodzisk Mazowiecki
• 16:00 Alliance Nîmes/Montpellier TT vs Borussia Düsseldorf

Final – Sunday at 14:00

The post The wait is over: Europe’s biggest stars ignite Saarbrücken at the HYLO® Champions League Men Final 4 first appeared on European table tennis union.

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[Milica Nikolic]

Alliance Nîmes/Montpellier will face reigning champions 1. FC Saarbrücken TT in the final of the HYLO ETTU Champions League Final 4 Men after a fantastic performance in the semi-final against Europe’s most decorated club, Borussia Düsseldorf. The French side produced one of the biggest victories in club history to eliminate the German giants, winners of six Champions League titles and six Cup of European Champions trophies, and secure their first ever place in the Final 4 title match — one year after Düsseldorf ended their European campaign in the quarterfinals.

Europe’s no. 3 Alexis LEBRUN opened the second semi-final in impressive fashion, leading Alliance Nîmes/Montpellier to an early advantage against Germany’s club.

Facing Europe’s no. 6 Dang QIU, the French star immediately found his rhythm and controlled the opening game with aggressive play and high intensity. The second game brought more suspense, but LEBRUN successfully adapted to the changes in rhythm and once again managed to take control at the key moments.

QIU increased the pressure in the third game and moved ahead 5-1, but Alexis quickly erased the deficit to level at 6-6. The two players stayed close until 8-8 before LEBRUN produced a furious finish to close the match in straight games.

“I played a great match. I am satisfied with the start and I managed to put a lot of balls on the table,” said LEBRUN afterwards. “I really enjoyed the moment here.”

Europe’s no. 2 Felix LEBRUN fully justified his status in the second match of the semi-final, overcoming Europe’s no. 10 Anton KALLBERG to extend Alliance Nîmes/Montpellier’s lead.

Despite the straight-games result, the encounter was far tighter than the scoreline suggests. KALLBERG managed to apply strong pressure, especially in the second game where the Swedish player moved ahead 6-3 and later held game points at 12-11 and 13-12. However, Felix LEBRUN once again demonstrated his composure in the crucial moments, eventually taking the game 16-14 to move within one game of victory.

The third game confirmed the French star’s dominance as he maintained control to close the match and give the French side a commanding 2-0 advantage.

“Against Anton it is always close,” said Felix LEBRUN afterwards. “Today it was 3-0, but it could easily have been 2-0 for him at the beginning. I was fighting for every single point. The crucial moment was at the end of the second game, when I took the timeout to refocus and win that game.”

World no. 27 Kanak JHA kept Borussia Düsseldorf alive, reducing the deficit against Alliance Nîmes/Montpellier after overcoming world no. 37 Manav THAKAR.

The match largely followed the rankings in the opening two games, with JHA controlling the crucial moments and building a solid advantage. However, the third game brought fresh drama as THAKAR refused to surrender. The Indian player raced into a 10-4 lead before JHA mounted a late comeback to 10-8, but THAKAR stayed composed to extend the match into a fourth game.

JHA eventually recovered his rhythm and held his nerve in another close finish to secure Borussia Düsseldorf’s first point of the evening.

“It was shaky, but I managed pretty well in the first two games,” said JHA afterwards. “I played quite decisively. Manav is a very tricky player to face and during the last year and a half he has been playing really well. I am very happy that I managed to stay calm and win this match.”

Felix LEBRUN concluded the semi-final in style, defeating Dang QIU in a fantastic duel to send Alliance Nîmes/Montpellier into the final of the HYLO ETTU Champions League Men Final 4.

After already giving the French side a strong advantage with his victory over Anton KALLBERG, Europe’s no. 2 once again stepped up under pressure. The opening game turned into a spectacular battle, with Felix eventually edging it 16-14 before maintaining control through the remainder of the match despite QIU’s resistance in the second game.

With the victory, Alliance Nîmes/Montpellier secured a 3-1 overall success over Borussia Düsseldorf and booked their place in Sunday’s final.

Felix LEBRUN was voted Player of the Match, with the award presented by ETTU Vice President Zoran PRIMORAC

“We are very proud of the players because they gave everything, exactly as I asked from the beginning,” said the Alliance Nîmes/Montpellier coachVincent AVRIL after reaching the final. “I am proud of the whole team, including the guys on the bench. It is not easy to stay on the bench in such an atmosphere during a match like this, so I want to thank everyone for their attitude and commitment.”

He also praised Alexis and Felix LEBRUN after their decisive contributions in the semi-final victory.

“Congratulations to Alexis and Felix for bringing the three points. It was a very close match and they played amazingly well. After the World Championships, it is very difficult to come back immediately and play another stressful match like this one.”

Looking ahead to the final, the French side remains ambitious despite the challenge waiting against reigning champions 1. FC Saarbrücken TT.

“We will keep the same spirit as always. For more than a year we have been playing together with a fantastic team spirit and we know each other very well. Now we are ready to fight against maybe the best team in the world. It will be very exciting. We need to recover and then play our best table tennis to try to win this wonderful competition. We are very proud to have reached the final.”.

Borussia Düsseldorf (GER) – Alliance Nîmes/Montpellier (FRA) 1-3

• Dang QIU – Alexis LEBRUN 0-3 (5-11, 8-11, 8-11)
• Anton KALLBERG – Felix LEBRUN 0-3 (9-11, 14-16, 8-11)
• Kanak JHA – Manav THAKAR 3-1 (11-9, 12-10, 8-11, 11-9)
• Dang QIU – Felix LEBRUN 1-3 (14-16, 11-9, 5-11, 8-11)

The post LEBRUN brothers lead Alliance Nîmes/Montpellier into historic final first appeared on European table tennis union.

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[Milica Nikolic]

For the fourth consecutive season – and the third since the introduction of the Final 4 format – 1. FC Saarbrücken TT once again stood at the top of European club table tennis. In front of a packed Saarlandhalle, the German side defeated Alliance Nîmes/Montpellier 3-2 in a breathtaking HYLO ETTU Champions League Men Final 4 showdown, with the title decided only after five spectacular matches filled with dramatic momentum swings and world-class performances.

Day earlier in the semi final 1. FC Saarbrücken TT beat KS Orlen Bogoria Grodzisk Mazowiecki, whilst Alliance Nîmes/Montpellier prevailed against Europe’s most decorated club, Borussia Düsseldorf.

The opening duel between reigning Olympic champion FAN Zhendong and Europe’s No. 3 Alexis LEBRUN ended in favor of the French star. In a fantastic display of power and precision, Alexis LEBRUN took early control of the match by claiming the opening game in dominant fashion. FAN responded strongly in the second game, creating an advantage and maintaining the lead for much of the set, but Alexis rose to the occasion at the crucial moments to close it out.

FAN’s spectacular rallies ignited the fully packed Saarlandhalle, where 3,459 spectators created an electric atmosphere throughout the opening encounter. However Alexis maintained his focus to close the match

Alexis LEBRUN: “I had a great start in the first game and played really well. After that, I felt he adapted a little, so the match became tougher and tougher. I managed to win 3-0, which was very important because if the match had continued longer, it could have become even more difficult. I tried to change a few things during the match to keep him uncomfortable, and fortunately it worked.”

The clash between Europe’s No. 1 Truls MOREGARD and No. 2 Felix LEBRUN brought a fiercely focused Swede to the table, as MOREGARD prevailed in a nerve-wracking encounter to level the overall score for 1. FC Saarbrücken TT.

The duel kept spectators on the edge of their seats throughout the match, with MOREGARD demonstrating remarkable precision in the crucial moments. Each game was decided by the narrowest of margins. In the third game, the Swede appeared to be firmly in control with an 8-4 lead, but Felix LEBRUN fought back to level at 9-9 before MOREGARD once again held his nerve at the decisive stage.

“It was very important to stay calm despite the very tense moments. All games finished with only a two-point difference,” explained Truls MOREGARD.

After eight years in Saarbrücken, Darko JORGIC said goodbye to the club with an emotional victory over Antoine HACHARD.

The opening game was decided by the narrowest of margins before the Slovenian star took firm control of the match and comfortably secured the next two games to give 1. FC Saarbrücken TT the overall lead.

“It was important to stay calm. I watched videos and I was prepared. However, we have played against each other many times. I think the first time was at the European Championships in Ekaterinburg. Also, I have already played this kind of match around 12 times, while for him it was the first,” said Darko JORGIC.

“It was also very emotional. I see this place as my home and I am happy that I could say goodbye with a win.”

On his second exit at the table, Felix LEBRUN delivered a flawless performance. The French star raced through the opening game in commanding fashion and maintained the same intensity to build an 8-4 lead in the second.

FAN Zhendong responded strongly and managed to level the score in a dramatic finish, but he could not stop the younger LEBRUN brother from extending Alliance Nîmes/Montpellier’s hopes.

“I was disappointed after the first defeat against MOREGARD because I felt I played really well. Against FAN, I was just trying to put every ball on the table and keep the team in the match,” said Felix LEBRUN.

Europe’s top-ranked player Truls MOREGARD gave 1. FC Saarbrücken TT the decisive point in a dramatic smatch.

MOREGARD took control early and claimed the opening game before the momentum started to shift from side to side in the second. From the middle of the game onward, the Swedish star regained his grip on the match and closed out the second game with authority.

Alexis LEBRUN responded strongly in the third game to prolong the encounter, but MOREGARD once again stepped up in the fourth to secure a 3-1 victory and send the packed Saarlandhalle into celebration.

After the final point, the Saarlandhalle erupted as Truls MOREGARD received the Man of the Match award presented by Pedro MOURA.

1. FC Saarbrücken TT – Alliance Nîmes/Montpellier 3-2

• Zhendong FAN – Alexis LEBRUN 0-3 (6-11, 8-11, 9-11)
• Truls MOREGARD – Felix LEBRUN 3-0 (15-13, 15-13, 12-10)
• Darko JORGIC – Antoine HACHARD 3-0 (12-10, 11-4, 11-7)
• Zhendong FAN – Felix LEBRUN 0-3 (6-11, 11-13, 8-11)
• Truls MOREGARD – Alexis LEBRUN 3-1 (11-5, 11-7, 5-11, 11-6)

The post 1. FC Saarbrücken TT reign continues with dramatic HYLO Champions League Final 4 triumph first appeared on European table tennis union.

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[Milica Nikolic]

For the fourth consecutive season, 1. FC Saarbrücken TT lifted the trophy in the HYLO ETTU Champions League Men and, for the third time, did so on home soil at the Final 4. In front of 3,459 spectators inside a packed Saarlandhalle, the German club defeated Alliance Nîmes/Montpellier 3-2 in a thrilling final that was decided only in the fifth and decisive match.

After another dramatic European triumph, players and officials of Saarbrücken reflected on an emotional evening that further cemented the club’s place in European table tennis history.

For reigning Olympic champion FAN Zhendong, it was a first experience of the Final 4 atmosphere in Saarbrücken and another memorable milestone in his already extraordinary career.

“This was my first time playing the Final 4, so it is a very special moment for me,” said FAN. “The LEBRUN brothers put me under a lot of pressure today and I didn’t play my best table tennis, but it didn’t matter because our team was very strong. Truls and Darko played amazingly and helped us win the title. I also learned a lot this season from my teammates and from being part of this club.”

The hero of the final proved to be Truls MOREGARD, who delivered two crucial victories, including the deciding point against Alexis LEBRUN in the final match of the evening.

“I’m very happy that I could help the team,” MOREGARD said after receiving the Man of the Match award. “Montpellier is a fantastic team and the LEBRUN brothers are incredibly difficult to beat. To win this event in such an atmosphere is an amazing feeling. And of course, thanks to FAN Zhendong for bringing so many fans here. The arena was full and the atmosphere was unbelievable.”

For Darko JORGIC, the title carried even greater emotional weight, as it marked his final Champions League appearance for Saarbrücken after eight memorable years with the club.

“It was really emotional for me. Like you said, it was my last time playing the Champions League for Saarbrücken, and it is a special moment I will never forget,” JORGIC said. “These eight years were amazing. Montpellier fought brilliantly and in the end everything was decided by very small details. We showed a really high level and I’m very happy that I could also bring an important point for the team.”

General Manager of Saarbrücken and Head of Organisation, Nicolas BARROIS, praised both the sporting level and the atmosphere of the event, describing it as one of the strongest editions in recent history.

“We put so much effort into this competition over the past months together with ETTU, sponsors, partners and everyone involved. I think we brought the competition to another level this year,” said BARROIS. “The atmosphere during these two days was something truly special. We had Olympic champions, world top 10 players and so many stars together in one event. This is probably the most prestigious club competition we have had in the last 15 or 20 years.”

BARROIS also admitted that the level of the HYLO ETTU Champions League Men continues to rise every season and that nothing can ever be taken for granted, even for the defending champions.

“Of course we are already looking forward to next season and another Final 4 in Saarbrücken,” he added. “But this competition has proven once again how difficult it is. With clubs of such quality and so many world-class players, nothing is guaranteed. Every year you have to fight again to earn your place.”

BARROIS also highlighted the strong team spirit within Saarbrücken’s star-studded squad.

“When FAN joined the club, we knew that some top players would sometimes have to sit on the bench. But Darko JORGIC and Patrick FRANZISKA accepted that for the good of the team, and that says a lot about the atmosphere we have here,” he added.

MOREGARD also pointed to one of the unique aspects of this year’s Final 4 – the strong support coming from Chinese fans inside Saarlandhalle.

“There was one big difference this time,” MOREGARD smiled. “Usually the Chinese fans cheer for my opponents, but today they were cheering for me as well. When you walk out and hear them shouting your name, it really gives you energy. It was a very special feeling.”

You can see the pictures here

The post 1. FC Saarbrücken TT write another chapter of history in packed Saarlandhalle first appeared on European table tennis union.

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[Milica Nikolic]

Despite the disappointment of narrowly missing the title, Alliance Nîmes/Montpellier left Saarbrücken with plenty of pride after an outstanding HYLO ETTU Champions League Men campaign that ended with a place in the final during the club’s first-ever Final 4 appearance.

Head coach Vincent AVRIL praised his team’s journey throughout the season, despite the painful 3-2 defeat against 1. FC Saarbrücken TT in the final.

“It was an amazing tournament for my team, with so many emotions,” AVRIL said. “Of course we are very sad to lose the final, especially after such a close match, but I am extremely proud of my players and proud to represent this club. Since the first stage, we have had a wonderful Champions League campaign.”

AVRIL also underlined the progress his young team has made throughout the season.

“We are still a young team without a lot of experience, but month after month we are improving and becoming more complete as a team. We played against one of the strongest clubs in the world, so of course it was difficult, but this experience gives us confidence that we can come back even stronger next season.”

For Alexis LEBRUN, the evening brought mixed emotions after his impressive opening victory over reigning Olympic champion FAN Zhendong.

“It is always a pleasure to play against FAN Zhendong because he is such an unbelievable player,” Alexis said. “I am very happy with my performance, but in the end it is difficult because it was not enough to help the team win the title. Losing 3-2 in the final is never easy.”

His younger brother Felix LEBRUN stressed that the team embraced the occasion despite arriving in Saarbrücken as outsiders.

“This was the first Final 4 for our club and we really enjoyed the experience,” Felix said. “Saarbrücken were the favourites, but we gave everything and came very close. We hope we can come back here again one day and maybe go one step further.”

Both LEBRUN brothers also highlighted the strong bond within the team, with several players having grown together through the French system and the clubs from Montpellier and Nîmes.

“We are proud to represent our club colours and to bring the club to the biggest matches possible,” Alexis added. “That is something very special for all of us.”

The post “We will come back stronger” – Alliance Nîmes/Montpellier proud despite final heartbreak first appeared on European table tennis union.

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