The singles events at the JOOLA Europe Youth Series in Czechia concluded with a show of emerging European talent. Sweden clinched titles in Under 13 Boys’ and Under 15 Girls’ Singles; Czechia clinched gold in Under 15 Boys’ and Switzerland in Under 13 girls. Under-15 Boys’ Singles – MORAVEK Claims Gold for Czechia Czechia’s Ondrej MORAVEK delighted the home supporters by capturing the Under-15 Boys’ Singles title, overcoming Sweden’s Emil ELLERMANN in a high-quality final. In the semi-finals, MORAVEK defeated Austria’s Sung Bing CHEN 3–1 (9–11, 11–7, 11–8, 11–4), while ELLERMANN advanced after a Finland’s Jimi KOIVUMÄKI did not play in the penultimate stage. The final saw MORAVEK start confidently, taking the opening game 12–10. Although ELLERMANN levelled with a narrow second-game win, the Czech player regained control through composed rallies and excellent balance between attack and placement to close the contest 3–1 (12–10, 9–11, 11–8, 11–7). Under-15 Girls’ Singles – BENJEGÅRD Continues Swedish Success Sweden’s Siri BENJEGÅRD captured the Under-15 Girls’ Singles crown after another impressive run through the knockout stage. She overcame Switzerland’s Michelle WU in the semi-finals 3–1 (7–11, 12–10, 11–2, 11–7), while Germany’s Amelie Guzi JIA defeated Czechia’s Adela BRHELOVA 3–0 (11–6, 13–11, 11–9). In the final, BENJEGÅRD remained composed under pressure, to seal victory 3–1 (11–9, 11–5, 6–11, 13–11) and the gold medal for Sweden. JIA took silver, with WU and BRHELOVA collecting bronzes. Under-13 Girls’ Singles – HU Strikes Gold for Switzerland Switzerland’s Enya HU claimed the Under-13 Girls’ Singles title with a string of strong performances. HU defeated Slovakia’s Barbora Melisa GUASSARDO 3–1 (9–11, 11–2, 11–9, 11–9) in the semi-finals, while Czechia’s Adela BRHELOVA produced a comeback to beat Swiss player Michelle WU 3–2 (4–11, 9–11, 11–3, 11–9, 11–7). In the final, HU maintained her composure throughout the tight exchanges to prevail 3–0 (12–10, 11–6, 12–10) and capture gold, with BRHELOVA taking silver. WU and GUASSARDO each earned bronze medals. Under-13 Boys’ Singles – HALLÉN Tops All-Swedish Final An all-Swedish showdown closed the Under-13 Boys’ Singles event, where Zac HALLÉN triumphed over Joel ISAKSSON in a five-game thriller. ISAKSSON had earlier defeated Germany’s Paul FLEMMING 3–1 (11–4, 14–16, 11–6, 12–10), while HALLÉN reached the final after a straight-games win over Austria’s Sung Bing CHEN (11–5, 11–8, 11–3). The final lived up to expectations, going the distance before HALLÉN sealed the win 3–2 (5–11, 11–5, 10–12, 11–9, 12–10). ISAKSSON claimed silver, with FLEMMING and CHEN completing the medal line-up. Sweden’s Emil ELLERMANN and Siri BENJEGÅRD emerged as the Under-15 Mixed Doubles champions. In the semifinals, the Swedish pair overcame Andrej BRECE and Barbora Melisa GUASSARDO of Slovakia. On the other side of the draw, Ondrej MORAVEK and Laura MARSICKOVA of the Czechia prevailed in a duel against Mikolaj PILCH and Lucja KOBOSZ from Poland. In the final ELLERMANN and BENJEGÅRD started strongly, taking the opening two games 11–6 and 11–7 before the Czech duo responded to level the score with 11–9 and 11–8. From there, the Swedes regained full control, winning 11–7 in the decider to seal a 3–2 victory (11–6, 11–7, 9–11, 8–11, 11–7). Germany celebrated a victory in the Under-13 Mixed Doubles as Jonathan KRAFT and Ksenja POZNIC produced a confident performance to overcome their compatriots Benno DETTMER and Kristin TUVE in the final. In an all-German duel KRAFT and POZNIC showed greater stability after a tight opening game, pulling away to secure the title 3–1 (10–12, 11–6, 11–5, 11–6). Filip NAGY and Bianka BACSOVÁ (Slovakia) as well as Kirill MANALAKI and Anna RADENBACH (Germany) clinched bronze.
Gorazd VECKO Dies at the Age of 53
The European Table Tennis Union joins ParalympicsGB and the entire table tennis community in mourning the passing of Gorazd VECKO, British Para Table Tennis Performance Director, who has died at the age of 53. Gorazd VECKO made an immeasurable impact on Para table tennis and the wider European table tennis family. Over nearly two decades, he played a leading role in transforming British Para sport and inspiring countless athletes and coaches with his vision, dedication, and passion for the game. Before joining British Para Table Tennis in 2009, Gorazd had already made history by coaching Mateja PINTAR to Slovenia’s first Paralympic gold medal in table tennis at the Athens 2004 Paralympic Games. His success continued in Great Britain, where he led the team through four Paralympic Games. Under his leadership, the squad achieved outstanding results – winning four medals at London 2012, three at Rio 2016 (including golds for Will BAYLEY and Rob DAVIES), seven at Tokyo 2020, and five more at Paris 2024. VECKO built much more than a medal-winning program; he established a family culture at the Sheffield high-performance base, fostering an environment of mutual respect, teamwork, and emotional support. This legacy continues to define the British Para table tennis setup today. Beyond his national role, Gorazd VECKO was a respected figure in European and global table tennis. He contributed to the sport’s development through his work with the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) and served as Vice-President of Table Tennis England. Within the ETTU community, he was known for his active engagement in Para programs and once led an ETTU Para Development Camp, where his experience and enthusiasm greatly inspired young coaches and athletes across Europe. In recognition of his exceptional service to British Para Table Tennis, Gorazd was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) by His Majesty King Charles III in 2023. The ETTU extends its deepest condolences to Gorazd’s family, friends, colleagues, and the players whose lives he profoundly shaped.
