Major changes to European competitions, new opportunities for young players and important steps towards the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games marked the 2026 ETTU Congress, held at Ljubljana Castle alongside the European Championships. With the attendance of 42 Member Associations, the Congress approved a series of decisions that will shape the future of European table tennis, while ETTU President Pedro MOURA highlighted a year of growth, innovation and investment in the sport. The Congress was chaired by ETTU President Pedro MOURA and attended by ITTF President Petra SÖRLING, while Slovenian Table Tennis Association President Tomaž KRALJ welcomed delegates on behalf of the host Association. Opening the Congress, MOURA reflected on the progress achieved under the ETTU Strategic Plan 2023-2028. “One year ago, in Zadar, we shared our ambitions for the future of European table tennis. Today, I am pleased to say that we have continued turning those ambitions into concrete achievements. The past twelve months have been a year of growth, innovation and important investment in the future of our sport.” “Guided by our Strategic Plan 2023–2028, we have continued to modernise ETTU, strengthen our competitions and create new opportunities for our Member Associations, clubs, athletes and officials.” Among the achievements, MOURA highlighted the continued success of the HYLO Champions League Men Final 4 in Saarbrücken and the introduction of the Champions League Women Final 4 in Tarnobrzeg, followed by a major investment planned for the coming season. “With the purpose of making this competition more attractive, both to clubs and eventual partners, ETTU will invest, next season more than 100,000 Eur in a new Women Champions League model of competition. The new system, a real league system, will guide the teams to the Final 4, this time to be held in Metz.” “With 109 clubs from 27 Member Associations participating in our club competitions, we continue to demonstrate the strength of European club table tennis.” President MOURA also underlined the progress made in broadcasting, marketing and digital communication. “Our social media platforms have generated more than 200 million views, reaching new audiences around the world. Our competitions are attracting greater media attention, and our partnerships continue to strengthen. This growth is not only about visibility. It is about creating value and generating new resources for European table tennis.” Turning to the financial strategy, he explained the decision to reinvest part of the significant surplus achieved in 2024 in the development and modernisation of ETTU. “Our 2025 financial statements reflect this strategy, with a controlled deficit and strong financial reserves. At the same time, we have reinforced financial oversight and internal controls, maintaining our commitment to transparency, accountability and responsible management.” “Looking ahead, the proposed 2027 budget anticipates a return to surplus while continuing to support our development ambitions. Our objective is clear: financial growth must translate into sporting development and better services for our Member Associations.” Development and athlete welfare were also central to President’s address, with particular attention given to EUROSPINS, the Participation Programme, Eurotalents activities, coaching education and the new Competition Management School. “Development remains at the heart of our mission. The EUROSPINS programme, developed with our Asian partners, is opening exciting new opportunities for our most promising young players.” “We have also introduced dedicated scholarships for young Para athletes, reinforcing our commitment to equal opportunities.” MOURA also highlighted the introduction of new safeguarding measures and the importance of listening to Member Associations, pointing to the youth competition consultation involving associations. Looking ahead to 2027, he emphasised the importance of the European Games in Istanbul and the European Para Table Tennis Championships in Geneva, which ETTU will organise for the first time. Concluding his address, MOURA thanked ITTF President Petra SÖRLING, the European representatives on the ITTF Executive Board, his Executive Board colleagues, ETTU staff and Member Associations for their cooperation and commitment. “Our ambition is not simply to make ETTU bigger. It is to make ETTU better, stronger, more sustainable and closer to its Member Associations. Together, I am confident that we will continue moving European table tennis forward.” ITTF President Petra SÖRLING addressed the Congress during the year in which the International Table Tennis Federation celebrates its centenary. Reflecting on the organisation’s European roots and the first World Championships held in London in 1926, she emphasised the importance of strengthening services and investment for Member Associations. “But a centenary is not only a moment to look back. It is a moment to decide what kind of federation we want to be for the next 100 years. My answer is clear: a federation that serves its members, listens to them and invests in them,” said SÖRLING. ITTF President highlighted the adoption of the new ITTF Constitution, increased allocations to continental federations and the establishment of a dedicated Member Associations Department. SÖRLING also praised ETTU’s work, particularly its safeguarding initiatives. “ETTU is a strong and trusted partner. You lead, you innovate, and you deliver on the highest level,” she added. Welcoming the delegates, Slovenian Table Tennis Association President Tomaž KRALJ expressed his pride in hosting both the European Championships and the Congress. “I strongly believe that table tennis is more than a sport. It connects people, generations and nations, and it creates friendships that go far beyond the table,” said KRALJ, wishing delegates a productive Congress and an enjoyable stay in Slovenia. The Congress approved the 2025 Financial Statements, the independent Audit Report and the report of the ETTU Audit Commission, following their presentation at the Finance and Propositions & Resolutions Webinar on 7 October. The Congress also elected three members of the ETTU Audit Commission: Joshua REYNOLDS of England, Michael GEIGER of Germany and Diogo Rafael SOUSA ROVISCO of Portugal. The Congress featured a presentation by ITTF Chief of Staff Tristan LAVIER, highlighting the cooperation between ITTF and ETTU and opportunities to further strengthen their partnership in the development of table tennis. Photo by Henk HOMMES
ETTU Congress approves new competition formats and opportunities for European players
The ETTU Congress in Ljubljana approved significant changes to the European competition structure, including a new championship event, revised youth formats and additional qualification opportunities for players at senior level. The Congress approved an experimental format for the team events at the 2027 European Youth Championships, covering the Under 15 and Under 19 Boys’ and Girls’ categories. Under the new system, team results will be determined by the number of individual games won rather than individual matches. The existing team composition will remain unchanged, with two players in the Under 15 categories and three in the Under 19 categories. Each individual match will consist of three games, producing a total of 15 games per team match. All 15 games will be played during the group stage, while knockout matches will conclude as soon as one team reaches eight games. The format will be tested in 2027 and evaluated after the Championships. Further changes will bring greater consistency to European youth competitions. All singles matches at the European Youth Championships, including the knockout rounds, will now be played over the best of five games instead of seven. The same change applies to the Europe Youth Top 10 in both the Under 15 and Under 19 categories, reducing the physical demands on young players. The Europe Youth Top 10 will also introduce a revised qualification system, reflecting the decision to move the tournament to the spring. Qualification will be based on the relevant European Under 15 and Under 19 rankings published at least seven weeks before the event, rather than the previously specified August rankings. In addition, the reigning Europe Youth Top 10 Under 15 champion will receive direct entry into the following Under 19 event. The change recognises the achievement of the Under 15 winner and supports the transition to the higher age category. Another important development concerns the pathway from youth to senior competition. The winner of the Under 19 singles event at the Europe Youth Top 10 will receive an automatic place at the following European Championships (Individual Events), in addition to the existing quota allocated to their Member Association. This opportunity complements the automatic places already granted to the winner, runner-up and losing semi-finalists of the European Under 21 Championships singles events. At senior level, the Europe Top 16 Cup will introduce up to two ETTU wild cards in each event, allowing players whose current level may not yet be reflected in the European Rankings to participate. The overall field will remain unchanged at 22 players per event, with the number of ranking-based places adjusted accordingly. The amended regulations also clarify that if the reigning European Champion and the previous Europe Top 16 Cup winner are the same player, the vacant place will be allocated to the next highest-ranked eligible player. Together, these decisions aim to modernise European competitions, establish more consistent youth formats and strengthen the pathway from junior success to senior international competition. Photo: Henk HOMMES
ETTU honours outstanding contributions to European table tennis
The 2026 Congress held today in Ljubljana recognised individuals whose dedication and service have made a lasting contribution to the development of European table tennis. Upon the proposal of the ETTU Executive Board, delegates appointed Raúl CALIN of Spain as an ETTU Honorary Member by acclamation, recognising his outstanding contribution to the sport over more than three decades. In an emotional acceptance speech, CALIN reflected on his journey in table tennis, which began in Panama in 1989, and his 25 years with the International Table Tennis Federation. “My passion for our sport began in 1989, when I discovered table tennis in Panama. I was already 17 years old when I first became involved in the sport. For the first 11 years, I worked entirely as a volunteer. Like many of you here today, I took on different roles within the sport. I was a player, a coach, an umpire, a technical official and eventually a referee.” CALIN, who began his professional career with the ITTF in 2001, emphasised the importance of recognising the people who dedicate their time to the sport. “One of the most important lessons I learned was the need to maintain a balance between the professionalisation of our sport and the essential contribution of volunteers. As federations become increasingly professional in their structures and staffing, we must never forget to recognise and appreciate the extraordinary work carried out by volunteers – whether they serve on boards, within member associations or at club level.” CALIN also praised the unity within ETTU and its efforts to preserve the traditions of European table tennis while continuing to modernise. “Standing here in front of you, I can truly see and feel the unity of the European Table Tennis Union family. I can see the cooperation between the President, the Executive Board and the staff, and I sincerely encourage all of you to continue along this path.” ETTU Badges of Honour were also awarded to Prof. Dr. Veli Ozan ÇAKIR of Türkiye, Esko HEIKKINEN of Finland, Margaryta Anatoliivna PESOTSKA of Ukraine and Darijan VIZJAK of Slovenia, in recognition of their contributions to European table tennis. Photo: Henk HOMMES
Upsets, dramatic comebacks and five-game battles shape Men’s Singles main draw in Ljubljana
The Men’s Singles group stage at the 2026 European Championships in Ljubljana produced plenty of surprises, with several lower-seeded players overturning expectations and established names forced to fight for their places in the main draw. The Netherlands’ Ivan KAHN, Norway’s Martin FRØSETH and Finland’s Alex NAUMI were among those who upset the form book, while Germany’s Wim VERDONSCHOT survived one of the most dramatic encounters of the opening three days. One of the biggest surprises came in Group 1, where KAHN, seeded 97th, defeated Luxembourg’s Luka MLADENOVIC, the 33rd seed, in a thrilling five-game contest. The Dutch player raced into a two-game lead before MLADENOVIC fought back to level, but KAHN held his nerve in the decider to win 3-2 (11-9, 11-7, 8-11, 6-11, 11-8). KAHN followed that victory with a 3-1 success against Belgium’s Laurens DEVOS, completing an unbeaten campaign and securing an unexpected place in the main draw. Norway’s Martin FRØSETH, seeded 95th, delivered another major upset in Group 3. Facing Spain’s Juan PEREZ, the 35th seed, the Norwegian produced an impressive straight-games victory (11-9, 11-9, 11-5). FRØSETH then defeated Hungary’s David SZANTOSI 3-0 to finish top of the group without dropping a game. Finland’s Alex NAUMI also made his mark, overcoming Romania’s Darius MOVILEANU in a dramatic five-game encounter. Twice behind in games, NAUMI refused to surrender, eventually prevailing 3-2. The Finnish player followed that victory with a straight-games success over Heorhi KUNATS to secure first place in Group 9. Another compelling contest unfolded in Group 6, where Germany’s Wim VERDONSCHOT found himself on the brink of defeat against Denmark’s Martin ANDERSEN. VERDONSCHOT trailed 0-1 and 1-2 in games before falling 4-7 behind in the decider. However, he recovered to snatch a remarkable 3-2 victory (10-12, 11-3, 11-13, 11-9, 12-10). “To be honest, I did not expect such a hard battle. But I knew it was going to be tough because I knew him from the Bundesliga 2, where we had some pretty close matches as well. And the conditions here are completely different from those at China Smash. “It’s really, really tough for me to play here, but he played very well too. So, yeah, I’m happy to have a bit more time now to adapt and get a better feel for the conditions and the competition,” said VERDONSCHOT. The German followed his hard-fought victory with a commanding straight-games win against Lithuania’s Ervinas UZIALO, finishing unbeaten in Group 6. Austria’s Maciej KOLODZIEJCZYK also produced a notable result, defeating Portugal’s experienced Joao MONTEIRO 3-1 (11-3, 11-6, 8-11, 11-9). The Austrian backed up that performance with a convincing 3-0 victory over Cyprus’ Christos THEOFANOUS to secure first place in Group 17. Türkiye’s Görkem ÖÇAL added another surprise by defeating Portugal’s Tiago ABIODUN in straight games (11-5, 11-7, 11-7). However, his toughest challenge came against Iceland’s Ingi RODRIGUEZ, who took the opening two games before ÖÇAL mounted a remarkable recovery to win 3-2 (5-11, 8-11, 11-7, 11-6, 11-6). The two victories sent the Turkish player through as winner of Group 21. Croatia’s Filip ZELJKO also had to fight back from two games down, overcoming Serbia’s Zsolt PETO 3-2 (7-11, 7-11, 11-5, 11-9, 11-7). ZELJKO had already defeated Cyprus’ Sharpel ELIA in straight games and finished unbeaten at the top of Group 16. Another Serbian player, Dimitrije LEVAJAC, enjoyed a successful campaign, winning all three matches in Group 28. His most demanding encounter came against Czechia’s Stepan BRHEL, who recovered from 0-2 to force a deciding game. LEVAJAC eventually prevailed 3-2 (15-13, 11-5, 7-11, 8-11, 11-6), before completing his unbeaten run with victories over Austria’s Zhenlong LIU and San Marino’s Lorenzo RAGNI. In Group 15, Spain’s Diego LILLO secured first place following a 3-1 victory over Serbia’s Uros NINKOVIC. The Serbian had previously recovered from 1-2 down to defeat Austria’s Andreas LEVENKO 3-2 (11-7, 9-11, 9-11, 11-9, 11-9), but LILLO proved too strong in their direct encounter. Italy’s John OYEBODE also survived a five-game battle, defeating Greece’s Ioannis SGOUROPOULOS 3-2 (11-5, 11-4, 9-11, 11-13, 11-7). OYEBODE had established a two-game advantage before being forced into a decider, but regained control to secure the victory. He then overcame Latvia’s Arturs RUDNIKOVS 3-1 to win Group 22. Germany’s Kay STUMPER emerged unbeaten from Group 26 after another dramatic contest. Poland’s Mateusz ZALEWSKI twice took the lead, but STUMPER fought back to win 3-2 (9-11, 11-8, 7-11, 11-8, 11-7). The German also defeated Italy’s Francesco TREVISAN and Kosovo’s Kreshnik MAHMUTI in straight games. Evgeny TIKHONOV produced one of the strongest comebacks in Group 27, recovering from two games down against Spain’s Daniel BERZOSA. After losing the opening games 9-11, 9-11, TIKHONOV responded with three convincing games, winning 3-2 (9-11, 9-11, 11-5, 11-4, 11-6). Further victories over San Marino’s Federico GIARDI and North Macedonia’s Kristijan STANOJKOVSKI completed his unbeaten campaign. Hungary’s Adam SZUDI also survived a five-game test, defeating Czechia’s Ondrej KVETON 3-2 (11-8, 5-11, 10-12, 12-10, 11-7) to finish top of Group 20. Among the more established names, England’s Liam PITCHFORD advanced without dropping a game, defeating Italy’s Danilo FASO and Finland’s Aleksi RASANEN in straight games to win Group 19. Greece’s Panagiotis GIONIS was equally convincing, recording 3-0 victories over Luxembourg’s Mael VAN DESSEL and Israel’s Itay AVIVI to finish unbeaten in Group 14. Austria’s Robert GARDOS also completed a flawless group campaign, defeating Finland’s Lassi LEHTOLA and Estonia’s Madis MOOS in straight games. Portugal’s Tiago APOLONIA faced a more difficult path, needing five games to overcome Slovenia’s Peter HRIBAR. The experienced Portuguese player prevailed 3-2 (11-8, 8-11, 11-9, 7-11, 11-4) to secure first place in Group 5. Romania’s Ovidiu IONESCU, Slovakia’s Yang WANG and Sweden’s Elias RANEFUR all progressed unbeaten, while Norway’s Borgar HAUG completed Group 8 without conceding a game. Hungary’s Csaba ANDRAS and England’s Connor GREEN also finished their respective groups with two victories, as did Finland’s Benedek OLAH. Poland’s Maciej KUBIK secured three victories in Group 23, including a five-game success over Spain’s Miguel PANTOJA, while Romania’s Andrei ISTRATE completed an unbeaten campaign in Group 25. France’s
Reka BEZEG completes remarkable turnaround as lower seeds shine in Ljubljana
Serbia’s Reka BEZEG completed one of the most remarkable turnarounds of the Women’s Singles group stage at the 2026 European Championships in Ljubljana, securing her place in the main draw despite losing her opening match. Tuesday’s decisive round also saw several lower-seeded players overturn expectations, with Norway’s Martine TOFTAKER, Lithuania’s Kornelija RILISKYTE, Czechia’s Karin GROFOVA and Russia’s Mariia TAILAKOVA all overcoming higher-seeded opponents. Meanwhile, home favourites Sara TOKIC and Ana TOFANT gave the Slovenian supporters plenty to celebrate. BEZEG, seeded 114th, faced an uphill battle after losing her opening match 3-1 to Bulgaria’s Tsvetelina GEORGIEVA, the 73rd seed. However, she responded with a stunning straight-games victory over Wales’ Charlotte CAREY, seeded 55th, to keep her qualification hopes alive. Her fate rested on Tuesday’s final group encounter, when CAREY recovered from two games down to defeat GEORGIEVA 3-2 (9-11, 6-11, 11-8, 11-5, 11-5). With all three players finishing on one victory and one defeat, BEZEG emerged on top of Group 23 on the game-ratio tie-break, ahead of GEORGIEVA and CAREY. Another significant upset came in Group 5, where Norway’s Martine TOFTAKER, seeded 89th, defeated Poland’s 37th seed Zuzanna WIELGOS 3-1 (11-7, 7-11, 11-7, 11-6). TOFTAKER had already beaten Sweden’s Nomin BAASAN in straight games, and her victory over the higher-ranked Polish player completed an unbeaten group campaign. Another surprise came in Group 15, where Ukraine’s Anastasiya DYMYTRENKO, seeded 80th, overturned expectations to finish ahead of Romania’s Bianca MEI-ROSU, the 47th seed. DYMYTRENKO had already defeated Sweden’s Siri BENJEGÅRD 3-1 before taking the opening game 11-9 against the Romanian favourite. The encounter ended prematurely, but the result was enough to send the Ukrainian into the main draw as group winner, adding another unexpected name to the list of qualifiers in Ljubljana. Lithuania’s Kornelija RILISKYTE, seeded 82nd, also produced an impressive result against Belgium’s Lilou MASSART, the 45th seed. RILISKYTE recovered from 1-2 down to win a dramatic five-game contest 3-2 (11-8, 12-14, 9-11, 11-9, 11-9). The Lithuanian had previously defeated Israel’s Elinor DAVIDOV 3-1 and finished top of Group 13 with two victories. Czechia’s Karin GROFOVA, seeded 74th, joined the list of unexpected group winners after defeating Luxembourg’s 54th seed Enisa SADIKOVIC. GROFOVA trailed 1-2 before taking control of the final two games to win 3-2 (11-6, 12-14, 7-11, 11-6, 11-1). Her dominant performance in the decider, in which she conceded just one point, secured first place in Group 22. Russia’s Mariia TAILAKOVA, the 69th seed, also overcame a higher-seeded opponent, defeating Greece’s Aikaterini TOLIOU, seeded 56th, in straight games (11-2, 11-6, 11-9). Having previously beaten Georgia’s Ana NIKOIANI, TAILAKOVA finished Group 24 unbeaten. One of the most dramatic comebacks of Tuesday’s final round belonged to Sweden’s Filippa BERGAND. The 42nd seed found herself two games down against Hungary’s Nora DOHOCZKI, but refused to surrender. After losing the opening games 9-11, 9-11, BERGAND fought back to take the next two 11-4 and 11-7 before edging a tense decider 12-10. The victory secured first place in Group 10 and completed her unbeaten campaign. For the Slovenian supporters at Arena Stožice, there was plenty to celebrate as Sara TOKIC and Ana TOFANT both progressed to the main draw. TOKIC, seeded 48th, continued her impressive form with a straight-games victory over Czechia’s Hanka KODET (11-4, 11-5, 11-9), following her opening 3-0 win against England’s Ella PASHLEY. The Slovenian completed Group 16 without dropping a game, an achievement made even more satisfying by her recovery from disappointment in Mixed Doubles. Her compatriot TOFANT, seeded 58th, also completed an unbeaten campaign. Following her 3-1 victory over the Netherlands’ Emine ERNST, she defeated Spain’s Elvira RAD 3-0 (11-6, 11-8, 11-4) to secure first place in Group 26. Italy’s Nicole ARLIA, seeded 34th, followed Monday’s dramatic five-game comeback against Russia’s Valeriia KOTSIUR with a more commanding performance against Norway’s Christine KALVATN. ARLIA won 3-0 (11-6, 13-11, 11-3) to finish unbeaten in Group 2 and secure her place in the main draw. Russia’s Elizabet ABRAAMIAN, seeded 35th, also had to work hard to secure her place in the main draw. After taking a two-game lead against Ulyana MIASHCHANSKAYA, ABRAAMIAN was pushed to a decider before prevailing 3-2 (11-8, 11-3, 9-11, 9-11, 11-6) to finish top of Group 3. Romania’s Adina DIACONU and Ioana SINGEORZAN both completed unbeaten campaigns. DIACONU, seeded 38th, defeated Austria’s Elina FUCHS 3-0 to win Group 6 without dropping a game, while SINGEORZAN, the 44th seed, overcame Finland’s Marina DONNER 3-1 (11-5, 11-8, 10-12, 11-4) to claim Group 12. Germany’s Franziska SCHREINER, seeded 39th, was another player to progress without conceding a game. She defeated Finland’s Maria GIRLEA 3-0 (11-9, 11-4, 11-3), following her dominant opening victory against Latvia’s Aleksandra JERSOVA. Luxembourg’s experienced NI Xia Lian, the 40th seed, continued her successful campaign with a 3-0 victory over Jersey’s Hannah SILCOCK (12-10, 11-5, 12-10), securing first place in Group 8. Poland’s Katarzyna WEGRZYN, seeded 36th, defeated England’s Tianer YU 3-1 to win Group 4, while Austria’s Nina SKERBINZ, the 43rd seed, overcame Hungary’s Rebeka NAGY 3-1 to finish unbeaten in Group 11. Spain celebrated victories from Sofia-Xuan ZHANG and Maria BERZOSA. ZHANG, seeded 41st, finished top of Group 9 after defeating Portugal’s Mariana SANTA and Slovakia’s Dominika WILTSCHKOVA, while BERZOSA, the 51st seed, secured Group 19 with a 3-1 victory over Wales’ Danielle KELLY. Portugal’s Matilde PINTO, seeded 46th, was particularly convincing, winning both Group 14 matches in straight games, including a 3-0 victory over Lizaveta TSIMASHKOVA. France’s Nina GUO ZHENG, seeded 71st, also progressed without dropping a game, defeating Czechia’s Veronika POLAKOVA and Greece’s Ioanna GERASIMATOU to win Group 27. Her compatriot Alexia NODIN, the 57th seed, finished first in Group 25, having conceded just two points in her 3-0 victory over Kosovo’s Shega HASHANI. NODIN also received a walkover against Denmark’s Emma VENDELBO. Türkiye’s Ece HARAC, seeded 49th, secured Group 17 with a 3-1 victory over Estonia’s Airi AVAMERI, while Ukraine’s Solomiya YAREMCHUK, the 50th seed, defeated Lithuania’s Lukrecija JUCHNAITE 3-0 to claim Group 18. The Netherlands’ Shuohan MEN, seeded 52nd, completed an unbeaten
