The German Table Tennis Association (DTTB) has announced a new CEO: Starting 1 March 2025, Dr Wolfgang DÖRNER will assume leadership of Germany’s tenth-largest Olympic sports federation. The 50-year-old holds a doctorate in business informatics and has spent over 25 years in management consulting with the renowned Boston Consulting Group (BCG). Currently serving as Managing Director for Germany and Central Europe, he is also a senior partner at the firm. At the 19th Annual General Meeting in Frankfurt am Main on Saturday, Dr DÖRNER introduced himself to the delegates of the DTTB’s member associations and committees. “It is a cause close to my heart to dedicate my energy and experience to the development of table tennis in Germany,” DÖRNER said. “For over two decades, I have given my all to BCG and my clients, and I will continue to do so until my transition. However, the chance to apply the management expertise I’ve gained over 25 years to my lifelong passion for table tennis was an opportunity I simply couldn’t pass up.” A native of Frankfurt and father of four, Dr DÖRNER has been an active table tennis player for more than 40 years. Last season, he competed in Germany’s fifth division and currently plays at the regional level for TTC Langen 1950 in Hesse. A regular at the German Veterans Championships, he claimed bronze in the over-50 singles category this year and won the over-45 mixed doubles title last year. At the World Masters Championships in Rome, he reached the round of 16 in the singles event. He is currently ranked among the top 300 male players in Germany. “We received applications from several highly qualified and impressive candidates,” said DTTB President Konrad GRILLMEYER, whose Supervisory Board oversees the appointment of the Managing Board. “Dr Wolfgang DÖRNER stood out as the best choice due to his professional credentials and deep commitment to the sport.” Dr DÖRNER will succeed Andreas HAIN, who made history as the first CEO in the DTTB’s 99-year existence and has been serving as interim head of the association. Dr Wolfgang DÖRNER will also complete tasks at BCG by the end of June. The DTTB’s three-member Managing Board – comprising the CEO, the Director of Sport (Richard PRAUSE), and the Director of Administration (Matthias VATHEUER) – functions as the executive arm of the organization. Tasked with implementing the association’s strategy, the Managing Board handles all operational decisions. The Supervisory Board, acting as the oversight body, focuses on strategic governance and coordinates overarching policy with the Managing Board, without involvement in day-to-day management. FOTO: DTTB
Borussia Düsseldorf Enter the Title Race with a Victory
Borussia Düsseldorf kicked off their 2024/25 Champions League campaign with a win in the opening leg of the Round of 16, defeating SKST Havirov tonight. The second leg is scheduled for Friday, December 20, at 7 PM in the ARAG CenterCourt. Following their Bundesliga victory against Bergneustadt, last year’s Champions League runners-up set off for Frankfurt, traveling to Havirov yesterday. However, the team arrived in the Czech Republic with a reduced squad. Coach Danny HEISTER had to manage without Dang QIU, who is on a planned break, and Timo BOLL, who reported sick yesterday and stayed home. Last season, Norwegian Borgar HAUG impressed with two Champions League appearances and two wins, but tonight it was Roman POLANSKY who gave the hosts a dream start. SKST Havirov began with strong momentum, but Anton KALLBERG turned the match around. KALLBERG defeated Jan VALENTA and later Tomas POLANSKY, while Kay STUMPER secured a crucial victory over Adam STALZER. Coach Danny HEISTER reflected on the victory: “It was a big match. Borgar didn’t do a bad job in the first two sets. He was leading 8:2 in the first game but lost. It was difficult for him because he was sick a week before the match, but he had to play. Timo BOLL was also sick and couldn’t arrive. It wasn’t easy, and I am really happy with the win. After the break, we did a great job. I think it is deserved that we won 3:1. There was a really good atmosphere—the arena here is beautiful, and the people are nice. I also know the manager very well, and they treated us really well. There are a lot of great teams in the Champions League. We will take it match by match and see how we manage the next one.” SKST Havirov advanced to the knockout stage after finishing second in their group, behind Polish club UKS Dojlidy Białystok. Round of 16: SKST Havirov – Borussia Düsseldorf 1-3 FOTO: J. ODSTRCILIK
Reigning Champions ENEA SIARKOPOL TARNOBRZEG Conclude Group Stage Unbeaten
KTS ENEA SIARKOPOL TARNOBRZEG completed Stage Two of the Champions League Women with an impeccable record, winning all four matches in Group A. The four-time champions and reigning titleholders from Poland defeated French club Saint-Quentin TT in their final group-stage match. The knockout phase begins in January 2025, with the top two teams from each Group in Stage 2 advancing to the quarterfinals. Today, the Polish team overpowered Saint-Quentin TT in four matches. Japan’s Satsuki ODO made a remarkable debut in the Champions League this season, securing victories against Camille LUTZ and Polina MIKHAILOVA. Linda BERGSTRÖM managed to earn a point for Saint-Quentin with a dramatic win over Elizabeta SAMARA by a death point. “Satsuki ODO played for the first time in Poland and joined us for her debut. She gave us an incredible boost with her performance. Additionally, Fu was outstanding today. Although I lost my match, I’m so happy for the team,” said SAMARA. Previously, KTS ENEA SIARKOPOL TARNOBRZEG defeated Saint-Quentin TT in an away match (3-1) and prevailed against Novi Sad in both encounters, winning 3-0 at home and 3-1 away. One match remains in Group A: on Monday, Novi Sad will host the French club. This clash will decide who finishes second in the group. In Group B, Germany’s ttc berlin eastside secured their place in the knockout phase last month with a victory over Metz TT in November, following identical 3-1 wins against both SKST PLUS HODONIN and Metz TT in earlier matches. Today, French club Metz TT joined them by claiming a second win over Hodonin, which secured their second position in the group regardless of the result of the upcoming match between ttc berlin eastside and SKST PLUS HODONIN. This evening, Adina DIACONU, Mariia TAILAKOVA, and Charlotte LUTZ delivered dominant performances against Sakura MORI, Solomiya BRATEYKO, and Karin GROFOVA, defeating the Czech side in straight matches. “Firstly, I am very happy that we qualified for the quarterfinals. That was the main goal: to advance from the group. Coming here, we knew we only needed one point because we won at home 3-0, but we still wanted to win and remained very focused,” explained DIACONU. “I am very happy with my performance tonight. I felt very strong mentally, and my service game was at a good level against MORI, who is a very dangerous player. Mariia beat BRATEYKO 3-2 at home, so we knew we had to be cautious. She stayed calm, and everything went well. For LUTZ, it wasn’t easy since it was her first time playing against GROFOVA, who is known for her very aggressive style. With a 2-0 lead, we gave her some space to ease the pressure, and she delivered the win.” ttc berlin eastside will meet SKST PLUS HODONIN in the final match of the group on Sunday. In Group D, French club ETIVAL A.S.R.T.T has recorded four consecutive wins. Their latest victory came against Hungary’s Budaörsi Sport Club, though the Hungarian team put up a strong fight. Dora MADARASZ gave the hosts a dream start with a win over Camelia IACOB and later defeated Christina KALLBERG in a thrilling five-game match. However, Helga DARI and Maria FAZEKAS could not maintain the momentum. Jieni SHAO defeated Maria, while Camelia IACOB overcame DARI in the decisive match. Helga also suffered a loss to Christina KALLBERG. The final match in the group will see UCAM Cartagena face Budaörsi Sport Club on Monday. The Spanish team defeated Budaörsi Sport Club in the opening leg in Hungary. Group A: KTS ENEA SIARKOPOL TARNOBRZEG – SAINT-QUENTIN TT 3-1 Group B: SKST Plus Hodonín – METZ TT 0-3 Group D: Budaörsi Sport Club – ETIVAL A.S.R.T.T 2-3
Exciting Week Ahead– watch it live on new ETTU TV platform
What an exciting week lies ahead! Starting tomorrow, matches in all five ETTU club competitions will ignite venues across Europe, and you can catch all the action on the new ETTU OTT platform. This platform will bring live-streamed matches straight to you! All you need to do is sign up at https://ettutv.stupaevents.com/ and create an account. A verification code will be sent to your email, and then you’re ready to enjoy the best European table tennis action. From tomorrow, the Champions League Men will see the big guns enter the fray. The Round of 16 kicks off with a thrilling duel between SKST Havířov and Borussia Düsseldorf. Meanwhile, the titleholders, 1. FC Saarbrücken TT, will face HB Ostrov z.s. on Sunday in Havlíčkův Brod. In the Champions League Women, the competition continues with matches in Group Stage 2. Linz, Roskilde, and Lille will host the four groups in the Europe Cup Men’s Group Stage 2. Similarly, Montpellier and Mirandela will host the four groups in the Europe Cup Women. Additionally, the Men’s and Women’s Europe Trophy Regional Stage also begins tomorrow. Don’t miss out on this incredible week of top-level European table tennis action!
ETTU and ITTF Signs Strategic Quadrennial Agreements
The International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) has formalized the Strategic Quadrennial Agreements (SQA) with the European Table Tennis Union (ETTU), as well as with the Continental Federations of Africa, Americas, and Oceania. This agreement represents a shared commitment to promoting and developing table tennis across these regions from 2025 to 2028. The signing ceremony was held on 7 December 2024 in Chengdu, China, with ITTF President Petra SÖRLING, European Table Tennis Union (ETTU) President Pedro MOURA, African Table Tennis Federation President Wahid OSHODI, ITTF-Americas President Juan VILA, and ITTF-Oceania President Anthony MOORE in attendance. “This marks a significant milestone in the ongoing collaboration between ITTF and ETTU, aimed at the growth and development of our sport and the implementation of the ETTU Strategic Plan. We are delighted to have finalized this agreement before year-end, enabling immediate alignment of our 2025 objectives with ITTF. I extend my gratitude to the ITTF General Secretary and President for their extensive efforts to ensure the timely conclusion of the SQA,” said ETTU President Pedro MOURA. “The Strategic Quadrennial Agreements mark a pivotal moment for our global table tennis family,” said ITTF President Petra SÖRLING. “By aligning our efforts and resources with the unique needs and aspirations of each continent and member associations, we can elevate the sport to new heights. These agreements reflect our shared vision for excellence, development and inclusivity in every corner of the world.” The SQAs are designed to streamline cooperation between the ITTF and the Continental Federations, focusing on key areas including: This collaborative framework underscores the ITTF’s commitment to fostering sustainable growth and ensuring that table tennis continues to thrive globally while meeting the unique challenges and opportunities in each region.
German Championships: Multi-Event Spectacle
From June 6 to 9, 2025, the Erfurt Trade Fair will become the heart of German table tennis. Over 1,000 participants will compete in three event halls for prestigious national titles. For the first time, 500 senior players will contest their German Championships as part of the Multi-Event format, which debuted last year. Junior World Champion (U19) and two-time national champion Annett KAUFMANN is already looking forward to the next edition, stating: “The new format with U15, U19, and amateur performance classes alongside the women’s and men’s competitions was already super cool this year.” During the long Pentecost weekend, spectators can stroll through three event halls, enjoy the festival atmosphere with interactive activities, music, and shows, and witness over 1,000 participants competing for coveted national titles. Annett KAUFMANN and men’s singles champion Benedikt DUDA emerged as international rising stars in 2024. Koharu ITAGAKI made history in Erfurt by becoming the youngest-ever winner of an adult competition at just 14 years old, clinching the mixed doubles title alongside Daniel Rinderer. Josephina NEUMANN won the highly anticipated U15 singles title, while U19 champions Mia GRIESEL and Andre BERTELSMEIER continued to make waves post-tournament. “The TT Finals are a unique event. Playing in front of German fans is always special,” said Benedikt DUDA. “The atmosphere during the debut was already fantastic.” The main event—the women’s and men’s championships—will again take center stage in Hall 1, with youth and amateur performance classes held in Hall 2. For the 500 senior players across U40 to U85 categories, Hall 3 will be exclusively opened. Tickets: https://www.tt-finals.de/tickets/
ETTU opened the application process for the 2025 NAAP
ETTU is pleased to open the application process for the 2025 National Association Assistance Program (NAAP). This program provides financial support of €2,000 to 15 selected Associations. To apply, please submit: Please, send your proposals to projects@ettu.org and ana.ivosevic@ettu.org by Friday, 10th January 2025.
Finlandia Open Victories for the Netherlands and France
The international Finlandia Open table tennis tournament concluded over the weekend at the Kisakallio Sports Institute in Lohja, Finland. In the Men’s Singles, Dutch player Milo de BOER emerged victorious, defeating the Czech Republic’s Vlastimil BUBEN in a thrilling seven-game final with a scoreline of 4–3 (8–11, 11–5, 12–10, 11–8, 8–11, 7–11, 11–6). Norway’s Alexander FRANSSON secured the bronze medal. “This was a great tournament. I enjoyed playing a lot and cherished every moment. My matches improved progressively. The beginning was tough, but on the final day, I played at my best level. The season continues in January with the European Championship qualifiers and my national league,” de BOER reflected. In the Women’s Singles, France’s Jeanne ROBBES claimed the title, defeating Luxembourg’s Enisa SADOKOVIC 4–1 (11–7, 11–8, 7–11, 11–5, 11–6) in the final. Norway’s Christine KALVATN took the bronze medal. “It feels amazing to win a tournament like this. I will definitely return next year. The rest of the season will involve France’s Pro B league and perhaps a WTT Feeder tournament,” Robbes shared after her victory. The tournament, sanctioned by the European Table Tennis Union (ETTU), featured 158 players from 27 different associations, showcasing high-level competition across the board. Videos https://www.facebook.com/share/v/17mEcp7Gmr/ Text: Heikki Kiiskinen / FTTA Photos: Hannu Tolvanen
Finlandia Open 2024 – U21 Titles Clinched by VAN DESSEL and Jeanne ROBBES
The first champions of the 2024 Finlandia Open table tennis tournament were crowned on Friday evening. In the U21 Men’s category, Mael VAN DESSEL of Luxembourg triumphed over Norway’s Alexander FRANSSEN in an intense final, securing a 3-1 victory (12-10, 9-11, 11-7, 11-6). The bronze medals were awarded to Matyas LEBEDA from the Czech Republic and Dominykas SAMUOLIS from Denmark. In the U21 Women’s final, France’s Jeanne ROBBES claimed the title, defeating Switzerland’s Fanny DOUTAZ 3-1 (11-6, 11-7, 9-11, 11-4). The third-place honors went to Martine TOFTAKER of Norway and Eugenia SASTRE of Spain. The tournament will continue through the weekend, with the winners of the Men’s and Women’s Singles events set to be decided on Sunday. The ETTU-sanctioned competition, held at the Kisakallio Sports Institute, boasts participation from over 160 players representing 27 countries. Info: Info: https://www.sptl.fi/sptl_uudet/?p=52414 Text: Heikki Kiiskinen / FTTA Photos: Hannu Tolvanen
Moldova Hosts Successful Seminar on Training Young Table Tennis Talents
As part of the European Table Tennis Union’s (ETTU) National Association Assistance Program (NAAP), a practical-methodical seminar titled “The Process of Training Young Players – The Road to the Olympics” took place in November in Chisinau, Republic of Moldova. The seminar, hosted at Chisinau Sports University, witnessed an impressive turnout of 74 participants, underscoring the growing interest in table tennis development in Moldova. The event was further elevated by the attendance of notable figures such as Mr. Viorel DORGAN, Director of the Institute of Physical Education, and Mrs. Maria TIMUS, principal specialist from the Youth, Sport, and Physical Education Policy Division under the Ministry of Education and Research. ETTU Vice President Jaroslaw KOLODZIEJCZYK expressed his delight at the overwhelming participation and the warm reception in Chisinau. Reflecting on the experience, he said: “The National Assistance Program has raised great interest in Moldova. Honestly, I had not expected the participation of no less than 74 people, who gathered for many hours in a very beautiful aula of Chisinau Sports University. The presence of Mr. Viorel DORGAN and Mrs. Maria TIMUS underlined the importance of this program for the country. ETTU Vice President KOLODZIEJCZYK underlined the warm hospitality. “Besides a serious and scientific content of the agenda, I was overwhelmed by the kindness and hospitality provided, particularly by the president of Moldova TTA, Mr. Ion SARANDI, and Mrs. Elena MOCROUSOV, General Secretary of MDA TTA. From my side, I just hope the participants have benefited from our meeting and I wish them all the best for the future.”
