For the first time in history, the ETTU Champions League Women season will end with a Final 4 and Tarnobrzeg is ready to welcome four clubs dreaming of the biggest trophy in European club table tennis. Hosts and top seeds KTS Enea Siarkopol Tarnobrzeg arrive once again among the favourites after another dominant European campaign. Four-time Champions League winners and leaders of Polish women’s table tennis for decades, Tarnobrzeg bring experience, depth and one of the strongest squads in Europe. At the centre stands Ying HAN, fresh from winning bronze with Germany at the ITTF World Team Championships Finals in London. “Our team is very united, and we all truly love table tennis,” said HAN, who also hopes the home atmosphere can become an important advantage for the Polish club. Waiting for them in the semi-final will be reigning champions ttc berlin eastside, one of the most successful clubs in European women’s table tennis history. Seven Champions League titles, years of consistency and enormous squad depth once again make ttc berlin eastside one of the main contenders for the trophy. Berlin’s club arrive in Tarnobrzeg knowing exactly how to handle the biggest occasions. The second semi-final will feature two clubs chasing history in different ways. UCAM Cartagena TM reached the Champions League Women Final 4 for the first time after one of the most dramatic campaigns of the season, including an incredible comeback and golden match victory in the quarter-finals against Saint-Quentin TT. Led by experienced Spanish international Maria XIAO, Cartagena arrive full of belief. “The quarter-final was really insane,” admitted XIAO. “It was almost impossible for us, but somehow we managed to qualify. I think our team spirit helped us a lot.” Standing on the other side will be Metz TT, a club that has spent the last few years knocking on the door of European glory. Finalists in both 2023 and 2025, Metz now arrive believing this could finally be their moment. Players such as Adina DIACONU, Charlotte LUTZ and Hana GODA give the French side one of the most balanced teams in the competition. “The goal is always to win the trophy,” said LUTZ ahead of the Final 4. “We feel ready for it.” With reigning champions, experienced winners, rising challengers and packed stands expected in Tarnobrzeg, the first-ever ETTU Champions League Women Final 4 promises a spectacular finish to the European club season. ETTU Champions League Women Final 4 Semi-finals – 23 May 2026 Final – 24 May 2026 15:00
Portugal ready to launch another exciting JOOLA Europe Youth Series stop
The 2026 JOOLA Europe Youth Series Portugal Open starts today in Albufeira, bringing together Europe’s promising young talents for five days of competition at the Pavilhão Desportivo de Olhos de Água. See pictures here. The tournament will run from 21 to 25 May and will feature U13 and U15 events in boys’ and girls’ categories, including team competitions, singles, and mixed doubles. This year’s event host 75 playes in Under 15 Boys Event, 40 in Under 15 Girls, and 38 and 23 in each Under 13 Boy’s and Girls events. A total of 15 nations will be represented in Albufeira: Belgium, Croatia, Czechia, Denmark, England, Finland, Germany, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Lithuania, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and Ukraine. Competition begins today with the U15 and U13 Boys’ and Girls’ Team group stages, while the programme throughout the week also includes singles events and mixed doubles competitions. Finals in team events are scheduled for Friday and Saturday, while singles main draw matches will dominate the final two days of the tournament. Among the top seeds in the U15 Boys Singles event are Spain’s Alexander MALOV, Germany’s Lukas WANG and Finland’s Jimi KOIVUMÄKI, while the U15 Girls Singles draw is led by Adela BRHELOVA of Czechia, Laura MARSICKOVA of Czechia and Teresa CARRASCO VIEITO of Spain. The U13 categories also promise strong competition. England’s Dimitar DIMITROV heads the U13 Boys Singles seeding list ahead of Pietro CAMPAGNA of Italy and Luca ROMERO of Spain, while Adela BRHELOVA again appears as the top seed in the U13 Girls Singles event, followed by Carmen GOMEZ of Spain and Julia FERNANDEZ of Spain. In the team competitions, Spain enters as one of the strongest nations across several categories. Spanish teams lead the seeding in both U13 Boys and U13 Girls events, while Germany tops the U15 Boys Teams seeding and Spain again leads the U15 Girls Teams competition.
ttc berlin eastside target another European crown
Few clubs arrive at the HYLO ETTU Champions League Women Final 4 with a legacy as rich and consistent as ttc berlin eastside. For more than a decade, the German powerhouse has been one of the defining forces in European women’s club table tennis, combining winning tradition, squad depth and remarkable continuity at the highest level. Seven Champions League titles – most recently in 2025, adding to triumphs in 2012, 2014, 2016, 2017 and 2021 – underline Berlin’s status among Europe’s elite. Their domestic dominance has been equally impressive, with twelve German championship titles and fourteen German Cup victories, including another national cup success in 2026. Added to that are three ETTU Cup titles, confirming the club’s long-standing European pedigree. This year, Berlin once again arrive at the decisive stage after a campaign defined by control, resilience and depth. They opened their Champions League journey with a convincing 3-0 victory over Saint-Denis TT 93 before following it with a solid 3-1 win against Linz AG Froschberg. As the group stage progressed, Berlin showed composure in pressure moments as well, edging Saint-Denis 3-2 in a tense return encounter. Their only setback came away against Linz, but by then they had already established themselves as one of the strongest teams in the competition. In the quarter-finals, the German side produced two highly convincing performances against PGE Fibrain AZS Politechnika Rzeszów. After securing a strong 3-1 away victory in Poland, Berlin delivered one of their best displays of the season in front of a nearly sold-out home crowd to complete qualification with a dominant 3-0 success. The return match in Berlin highlighted the strength of the reigning champions, that officially booked Berlin’s place in the Final 4. Now the defending champions face perhaps the toughest possible challenge. In the semi-finals, Berlin will meet hosts and top seeds KTS Enea Siarkopol Tarnobrzeg in what promises to be one of the standout clashes of the Final 4 weekend. Playing in Tarnobrzeg against a side led by Ying HAN, HE Zhuojia, FU Yu and YANG Xiaoxin means Berlin will enter what many describe as “the lion’s den.” Yet few teams in Europe are more accustomed to decisive moments than the German champions. With experience, winning mentality and remarkable squad depth, Berlin once again arrive at the Final 4 believing they can add another major European title to their extraordinary collection.
Enea Siarkopol Tarnobrzeg Ready to Defend Home Ground at ETTU Champions League Women Final 4
As hosts and top seeds of the first-ever ETTU Champions League Women Final 4, KTS Enea Siarkopol Tarnobrzeg arrive in a familiar position – among the favourites for the title. The Polish club will face reigning champions ttc berlin eastside in the semi-final on 23 May at 19:00, and earlier the same day, UCAM Cartagena TM will meet Metz TT in the opening semi-final at 15:00. The Polish powerhouse has dominated women’s table tennis in Poland for decades, winning 32 national titles since the 1990/91 season, while also building one of the strongest European legacies in the modern era. Four Champions League crowns in 2019, 2022, 2023 and 2024 have established Tarnobrzeg as one of the benchmark clubs in Europe. This season, the team once again progressed through the competition with impressive control. Tarnobrzeg opened their campaign with commanding victories over MIRO Ganxets Costa Durada and Saint-Quentin TT before confirming their authority in the quarter-finals against Etival ASRTT with a 3-1 away victory followed by a dominant 3-0 success at home. At the heart of the squad stands Ying HAN, currently ranked No. 5 in Europe and fresh from winning the bronze medal with Germany at the ITTF World Team Championships Finals in London. “ I’m very happy that we were able to win the bronze medal together with the team at the centenary edition of the World Team Championships,” said Han. “This medal is very special and unique.” There is little time to celebrate, however, with the Final 4 arriving quick after the World Championships. “ I needed to rest for one or two days and recharge my body. Then I immediately switched into preparation mode for the club competition,” explained HAN. Tarnobrzeg once again bring together one of the most experienced and balanced squads in Europe. Alongside HAN are world No. 12 Satsuki ODO, European No. 10 Fu YU and No. 29 YANG Xiaoxin, while the team is further strengthened by HE Zhuojia, Ng Wing LAM, Magdalena SIKORSKA and Kinga STEFANSKA. For HAN, the secret behind Tarnobrzeg’s consistency is simple. “Our team is very united, and we all truly love table tennis,” she said. The experienced defender also believes the diversity of playing styles inside the squad gives Tarnobrzeg a major tactical advantage. “The strength of our team is that we have many different playing styles, which allows us to use different tactics against different opponents.” Despite the club’s impressive history, HAN insists every season begins from zero. “Every season is a new beginning for us, and we approach every competition in the best possible condition,” she explained. The German international also welcomed the introduction of the new Final 4 format. “I believe the new league format will attract even more table tennis fans,” said HAN, who also hopes the home atmosphere in Tarnobrzeg can become an important factor during the decisive weekend. “Of course, I hope that more supporters will come and cheer for us.” And after years of success together, her connection with the club remains deeply personal. “Winning any title for my club would mean a lot to me, because the club feels like a big family.” ETTU Champions League Women Final 4 Semi-finals – 23 May 2026 Final – 24 May 2026 15:00
Istanbul 2027 among key topics at meeting between ETTU President MOURA and Prof. Dr. Veli Ozan ÇAKIR
During his visit to WTT Feeder Istanbul, ETTU President Pedro MOURA met with Prof. Dr. Veli Ozan ÇAKIR, President of Türkiye Olympic Committee, also ITTF Executive Vice President and director of the 2027 European Games, alongside Türkiye Table Tennis Association President Mr. Kerim KOÇ. The meeting focused on preparations for the European Games Istanbul 2027, as well as broader discussions about the future development of international table tennis. Speaking after the meeting, Pedro MOURA highlighted the value of open dialogue and cooperation between institutions. “It was a very positive meeting and a good opportunity to exchange ideas about the preparation of the 2027 European Games and the future of table tennis,” said MOURA. “We discussed several important topics connected to the international development of our sport. Meetings like this are very important because strong cooperation between federations and sports institutions helps us continue building and improving table tennis for the future.” “It was a great pleasure to welcome ETTU President Mr. Pedro MOURA to Türkiye. During our meeting, we had comprehensive discussions on the preparations for the 2027 European Games and the special role that table tennis will play within this major event. As President of the Turkish Olympic Committee and Vice President of the ITTF, I have always attached particular importance to table tennis and to its unique position within the international sports movement. At the 2027 European Games, table tennis will be one of the standout sports, and we are committed to delivering the highest possible standards in every aspect of its organization” said Prof. Dr. Veli Ozan ÇAKIR. Türkiye has become an important hub for table tennis through the successful international events it has hosted in recent years. In Istanbul’s bid for the 2036 Olympic and Paralympic Games, table tennis will also hold an important place thanks to our strong infrastructure, extensive organizational experience, and the international expertise we have built over the years. “Mr. Pedro MOURA’S visit was a clear reflection of the strong ties and shared vision between Türkiye and the European table tennis community.” The fourth edition of the European Games will feature 26 sports and disciplines, including 22 Olympic sports connected to the programme of the Olympic Games Los Angeles 2028. The event is expected to play an important role in the Olympic qualification pathway, offering athletes opportunities through direct quota places and ranking systems. Table tennis remains one of the confirmed sports on the programme, continuing its important role within the multi-sport event. The Istanbul edition will also introduce rowing beach sprint, weightlifting and squash to the European Games programme, while gymnastics, volleyball and wrestling return after missing the previous edition in Kraków-Małopolska 2023.
Metz TT carrying confidence and unfinished business into Final 4
Metz TT will arrive in Tarnobrzeg with confidence, experience and perhaps more importantly, the feeling that this group may finally be ready to take the last step in the ETTU Champions League Women. The French club will face UCAM Cartagena TM in the semi-final of the inaugural Women’s Final 4 on 23-24 May, carrying both momentum from this season and memories from the last two years, when they came painfully close to the trophy. Over the past decade Metz have quietly established themselves among Europe’s strongest clubs. Domestic titles in France, the Europe Cup crown in 2018 and regular deep runs in European competitions have built the reputation of a team that consistently belongs at the highest level. Still, one thing is missing – the Champions League title. In 2023 they reached the final before losing to KTS Enea Siarkopol Tarnobrzeg, while last season ended with another final defeat, this time against ttc berlin eastside. Those disappointments now serve as extra motivation. French club once again showed their character throughout this season’s campaign. They had to work hard from the very beginning, coming from behind to defeat PGE Fibrain AZS Politechnika Rzeszów in their opening tie, but from that moment the French side only grew stronger. Victories over ASD Quattro Mori Cagliari confirmed their consistency, while the quarter-final against domestic rivals Saint-Denis TT 93 once again highlighted the resilience within the team. After edging a tense first leg 3-2, Metz produced a far more convincing performance in the return match to secure their place among Europe’s top four clubs. One of the major strengths of Metz lies in the balance of the squad. French international Charlotte LUTZ brings energy and fearlessness, Egyptian talent Hana GODA adds explosive attacking power, while experienced players such as Adina DIACONU and Sarah De NUTTE provide calmness in the biggest moments. Depth also comes from Mariia TAILAKOVA and Charlene LESTIENNE. LUTZ heads to Tarnobrzeg directly after helping France reach the quarter-finals at the ITTF World Team Championships Finals in London. Even with little time to recover, she believes the experience from London can only help the team. “I think those two events are quite different, because at the World Championships I played against my teammate, and now we will be together trying to win this title,” said Lutz, speaking about DIACONU after Romania’s victory over France in London. “We actually had a very good Champions League season. We managed difficult matches really well and I’m proud of the whole team for that. We want to keep the same fighting spirit and the same goal in mind for the Final 4.” For the young French player, this will also be a completely new experience. “It’s my first Champions League Final 4 and also my first time playing against Cartagena. They are a very strong team and it will definitely be a difficult match. We know they will fight for every point, just like us.” There is also a clear feeling inside the team that the painful defeats of the past two seasons could now become valuable experience. “We lost to Berlin in the final last year and Metz also lost the final in 2023 before I joined the team. Maybe now is the right moment to change things.” And perhaps the clearest message came when she spoke about the team’s ambition. “The goal is always to win the trophy. We feel ready for it.” DIACONU arrives in Tarnobrzeg after helping Romania win the bronze medal at the ITTF World Team Championships Finals in London, another historic achievement for Romanian table tennis. “It was an amazing run for us. We are very happy that we wrote history again for Romania at this special edition of the World Championships,” said DIACONU. However, the Romanian star admits there is little time to celebrate before another crucial part of the season begins. “Of course, after big tournaments it’s not easy to switch immediately to another very important event. I took one or two days off and then was back at the table. Before the Final 4 in the Champions League, we had the Pro A final so I had to switch very fast .” For DIACONU, the semi-final against Cartagena will carry both sporting pressure and emotional significance. “The semi-final against UCAM will be a very difficult match. They are a strong team, with almost the same level of players. They showed during this season that they are a very strong team,” she explained.“There is also a very special person for me there – Maria XIAO. She is one of my best friends, my doubles partner and someone with whom I share many memories and emotions.” DIACONU also believes the team has every reason to dream big after another strong season together. “I know reaching the semi-final is already a very good result for the team. Of course, we are also in the Champions League Final, but we see that as a bonus. I think our main goal this season was to finish among the top four teams once again, so now we just want to enjoy this semi-final – and why not try to go all the way to the final as well?” The Romanian highlighted the atmosphere inside the squad as one of the biggest reasons behind Metz’s success this year. “This year we really have a great team and an amazing atmosphere. Since Hana joined us this season, everything has clicked so naturally. She is not only an incredible player, but also a wonderful person who brings so much positive energy and fun to the group. In recent months she has been playing at an outstanding level, and we can all learn a lot from her and share great moments together. I’m truly happy to be part of this team.” Metz now arrive at the Final 4 carrying confidence, experience and the feeling that perhaps this time the story could end differently. “I believe Hana can continue her excellent form in the upcoming matches in Pro
Tarnobrzeg ready for Final 4 both on and off the table
For Zbigniew NĘCEK, the upcoming ETTU Champions League Women Final 4 is far more than another major European event. It is the result of decades of work, development and belief inside one of Europe’s most successful women’s table tennis clubs. Tarnobrzeg will host the first-ever Women’s Champions League Final 4 on 23-24 May, welcoming Europe’s four best teams in what is expected to become a new flagship event for women’s club table tennis. “I have been working in Tarnobrzeg for 39 seasons,” said NĘCEK. “Our club has come a very long way in the ETTU Cup and Champions League competitions, so hosting this historic first Final Four tournament feels like the crowning achievement of many years of work.” Over those decades, KTS Enea Siarkopol Tarnobrzeg have grown into a true European powerhouse. Alongside 32 Polish championship titles, the club has lifted the Champions League trophy four times and consistently remained among Europe’s elite. For NĘCEK, the decision by the European Table Tennis Union to award Tarnobrzeg the organisation of the Final 4 is recognition not only of sporting success, but also of the club’s long-standing professionalism. “We always tried to organise ETTU Cup and Champions League matches in Tarnobrzeg professionally and in a friendly sporting atmosphere,” he explained. “I believe the positive decision by the ETTU leadership was closely connected to the reputation our club has built.” Preparing an event of this scale has brought enormous organisational demands. “I expected organising the Final Four would be a huge challenge, and reality has confirmed that completely,” admitted Nęcek. “We will do everything possible to ensure all participants leave Tarnobrzeg satisfied with their stay. We will be fully available for our guests, although we also hope for understanding because this is the first time we are organising an event of this size.” The project would not have been possible without strong long-term support from sponsors and public institutions, especially strategic partner Enea. “Without the positive response of our sponsors and partners, we would never have been able to meet the high costs of the event,” said NĘCEK. “The Ministry of Sport and Tourism, Enea S.A., the City of Tarnobrzeg, Totalizator Sportowy, the Podkarpackie Region and ZCH Siarkopol are our trusted long-term friends.” At the same time, Tarnobrzeg remain one of the strongest sporting contenders for the title itself. Combining organisational duties with elite sporting preparation has created an extraordinary challenge for the coaching staff. “HAN Ying and FU Yu competed at the World Team Championships, while YANG Xiaoxin has been playing at the WTT Feeder in Istanbul,” explained NĘCEK. “Fortunately, we have worked together for many years and developed a system that allows us to prepare optimally for the most important matches.” The squad itself perfectly reflects the club’s philosophy – combining world-class experience with carefully selected new talent. “To have a chance of succeeding in the Champions League, the team must include world-class players,” said NĘCEK. “At the same time, we constantly try to bring in new high-level players like Satsuki ODO from Japan or NG Wing Lam from Hong Kong.” Still, for the coach, the most important element behind Tarnobrzeg’s success has never changed. “The key to our long-term success has always been the excellent atmosphere inside the team,” he said. “Because of that atmosphere, we won matches that many people believed we had no right to win, especially in 2019 when we sensationally won the Champions League for the first time.” NĘCEK also hopes the new Final 4 format can become an important step forward for women’s club table tennis in Europe. “We want to be a partner in this new concept, not only an observer or critic. This is our common goal together with the ETTU.” And while he understands the strength of the opposition arriving in Tarnobrzeg, the ambition remains clear. “We must always fight for the maximum result,” said Nęcek. “But we also know all four teams have enormous potential. May the better team win. And of course, if my team wins, I will be a very happy coach.” ETTU Champions League Women Final 4 Semi-finals – 23 May 2026 Final – 24 May 2026 15:00
UCAM Cartagena TM chasing history at first-ever ETTU Champions League Final 4
Among the emerging forces in European women’s club table tennis, UCAM Cartagena TM arrive at the ETTU Champions League Women Final 4 carrying both momentum and belief after one of the most dramatic campaigns of the season. The Spanish club has built one of the strongest legacies in domestic table tennis, collecting more than 20 national league titles and several Europe Cup trophies, including becoming the first Spanish club ever to win a European title back in 2009. Further continental triumphs followed in 2010, 2019 and 2022. Now, Cartagena stand on the verge of another milestone. For the first time in club history, they have reached the Champions League Women Final 4, confirming that the club is no longer only a dominant force in Spain, but also a serious contender on the European stage. Their path to Tarnobrzeg was anything but easy. Cartagena opened the campaign with victories over TTC Novi Sad and Etival ASRTT before surviving one of the most dramatic quarter-finals of the season against Saint-Quentin TT. After facing an almost impossible situation, the Spanish side produced a remarkable comeback and eventually secured qualification through the decisive golden match. One of the key figures throughout the campaign has been Maria XIAO, whose experience and leadership have helped guide the team through difficult moments. “To be among the best clubs in Europe is always a very positive achievement for both the club and for me personally,” said XIAO. “It means we are doing a good job as a club and, as players, we are giving our best to improve and help the team.” Even now, the experienced Spanish international still struggles to fully explain how Cartagena managed to survive the quarter-final drama. “The quarter-final match was really insane. It was almost an impossible task for us, but in the end we managed to qualify and honestly I still don’t know how,” XIAO admitted with a smile. “I think our team spirit helped us a lot.” That fighting mentality has become one of Cartagena’s trademarks throughout the season and perhaps their biggest weapon heading into the Final 4. “Yes, definitely. I think we have a very good team spirit and fighting spirit. That will give us something extra in difficult moments,” she explained. Cartagena’s squad combines experience, stability and attacking quality. Alongside XIAO, players such as Tin-Tin HO, Daniela ORTEGA, Fei QI, Silvija ERDELJI and LI Yao bring international experience, while younger talents continue to add energy and depth to the team. Now another major challenge awaits in the semi-final, where Cartagena will face Metz TT for a place in the Champions League final. “I’m expecting a very interesting and good match from both teams,” said XIAO. “For me, Metz are the favourites, but we will try our best to surprise them.” The Spanish international knows exactly how difficult the French side will be tactically. “They are a very strong and complete team,” she explained. “Honestly, we have nothing to lose. I’ve already played against all of them over the past years and lost against two of them.” For XIAO, reaching the Final 4 already feels special, especially with the introduction of the new format. “It feels special to be among the best four clubs in Europe. Whenever you play against the best teams and fight for a title, the emotions and pressure are always high,” she said. “I think this format makes it even more exciting for both players and fans, and it’s a great opportunity to be part of something new from the beginning.” And while Cartagena already made history by reaching the Final 4 for the first time, the ambition inside the club continues to grow. “It would be my first Champions League title and honestly that’s something I never imagined achieving because there are so many strong teams in this competition,” admitted XIAO. “But it’s definitely one of my goals with UCAM.” Reaching the final itself would already mean a lot personally for the experienced Spanish player. “It would give me a lot of confidence and also show me that I’m doing a good job and should continue working the way I am now,” she said. “It would give me even more motivation.” ETTU Champions League Women Final 4 Semi-finals – 23 May 2026 Final – 24 May 2026 15:00
Linz AG Froschberg Lift 25th National Crown Before Europe Cup Final Return Leg
In the middle of their ETTU Europe Cup Women final campaign, Linz AG Froschberg added another major success to an already impressive season. Just days after the opening leg against ASD Quattro Mori Cagliari in Sardinia, the Austrian side secured its 25th national championship title, using the Bundesliga final as the perfect boost ahead of Friday’s decisive second leg of the Europe Cup final in Linz. A dominant 4-0 victory over Gartenstadt Tulln secured the 25th national championship title for the women of Linz AG Froschberg. The breakthrough came right at the start of the final when Ivana MALOBABIC handed previously unbeaten Taiwanese player CHEN Chia-I a convincing 3-0 defeat. Now the focus quickly turns to Friday’s ETTU Europe Cup Women final second leg in Linz, where the Austrian side will try to overturn the 1-3 defeat suffered against ASD Quattro Mori Cagliari in Sardinia. “Our goal is the treble,” said club chairman Günther RENNER. After already lifting the Austria Cup earlier this season, Linz AG completed the domestic double in impressive style against the injury-hit side from Gartenstadt Tulln. Coach Josef PLACHY made a decisive tactical move by placing Ivana MALOBABIC in the second position of the lineup, and the Croatian defender delivered immediately. With a patient and intelligent performance, she broke the rhythm of 19-year-old CHEN Chia-I and gave Linz AG the perfect start. “PLACHY informed me in the morning that I would start, and I studied CHEN Chia-I carefully. It wasn’t easy, but I found the right solution,” said a smiling MALOBABIC after the match. Suthasini SAWETTABUT followed with another straight-games victory against Ana CHERVIK, before Britt EERLAND extended the lead to 3-0 with a comfortable win over Nikoleta PUCHOVANOVA. EERLAND and SAWETTABUT then completed the flawless evening in doubles, defeating PUCHOVANOVA and CHERVIK without dropping a game. “With the third consecutive 4-0 result in the final, we completed the hat-trick. After LASK, it was Linz’s second double within 24 hours. Now we are fully focused on the season highlight – the Europe Cup final second leg on Friday evening in Linz,” said Robert RENNER. Despite the setback in the opening leg in Sardinia, Linz AG Froschberg still believes the treble is within reach. To keep their hopes alive and force the Golden Match, the Austrian club will need at least a 3-1 victory on home soil on Friday evening. Women’s Bundesliga Final Linz AG Froschberg – Gartenstadt Tulln 4–0 Fotos by Plohe
“We will come back stronger” – Alliance Nîmes/Montpellier proud despite final heartbreak
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.”