For the 11th time in her career, Austria’s Sofia POLCANOCVA returns to Montreux for the CCB Europe Top 16 Cup, a tournament that has shaped her journey and remains one of the most meaningful stops on the European calendar.
Over the years, the Swiss venue has become a stage for some of her most memorable performances, with five medals, two finals and three semifinal appearances. Yet for the experienced star, the importance of this event goes far beyond results.
“The Europe Top 16 is very special because only the very best players are competing here. To be part of this field is already something big,” POLCANOVA said.
“I have both good and not-so-good memories from this event, but overall it has given me so much. I’ve been able to perform at my best here most of the time, and that brought me five medals in total, which I’m very proud of.”
When she made her first appearance at the Top 16, Sofia admits she was still learning how to handle the atmosphere and expectations.
“I was really young and I needed some time to get used to the level and the environment. At the beginning, I didn’t really have specific goals of course, I wanted to play well and maybe one day win a medal, but I was still inexperienced.”
Now, Montreux feels almost like home.
“Especially in the last few years, when the tournament has been held here regularly, it has become a familiar place. The organisation is excellent, the atmosphere is great, and every year we come back with the same motivation to give our best and enjoy this special event.”
Returning as the second seed, POLCANOVA remains realistic about what awaits.
“Everyone here can beat everyone. It’s such a competitive event, your tournament can end in the first match or in the final, you never know,” Sofia explains.
POLCANOVA is second seed this year.
“I’ve also been seeded number one before, and those were not always my best performances. For me, the ranking is not the most important thing.”
Instead of focusing on status, she focuses on preparation.
“I do not feel extra pressure. I am happy to be here again and to challenge myself against the best players in Europe.”
Last year’s quarterfinal exit, following a run of two finals and three semifinals, has only strengthened her motivation.
“I don’t see it as pressure. It’s part of the journey. Every year is different, and you can’t live in the past, whether it was a final or a first-round loss. Of course, you want to do better, but the most important thing is how you approach the tournament now.”
After more than a decade at the top level, she believes her biggest growth has been mental.
“I think the most important improvement is my mindset. I’ve learned how to stay in the moment, how to build self-confidence, and how to trust my preparation.”
Routine, Sofia says, is her greatest ally.
“Our routines make us stronger. I try to stick to them, stay focused, and take one match at a time. I am not thinking about lifting the trophy, I’m thinking about playing my best table tennis.”
With experience, belief, and a deep connection to Montreux, Sofia POLCANOVA once again steps onto one of Europe’s most iconic stages ready to see what this year’s chapter will bring.
Men’s event
In the Men’s event will play Truls MOREGARD of Sweden, Alexis LEBRUN of France, Felix LEBRUN of France, Darko JORGIC of Slovenia, Benedikt DUDA of Germany, Patrick FRANZISKA of Germany, Dang QIU of Germany, Dimitrij OVTCHAROV of Germany, Anton KALLBERG of Sweden, Anders LIND of Denmark, Simon GAUZY of France, Jonathan GROTH of Denmark, Marcos FREITAS of Portugal, Eduard IONESCU of Romania.
Qualification Stage – Men
Alvaro ROBLES of Spain, Andrej GACINA of Croatia, Milosz REDZIMSKI of Poland, Tomislav PUCAR of Croatia, Kristian KARLSSON of Sweden, Daniel HABESOHN of Austria, Joao GERALDO of Portugal and Pedro OSIRO of Switzerland.
Reserve players
Iulian CHIRITA of Romania, Thibault PORET of France, Andre BERTELSMEIER of Germany, Martin ALLEGRO of Belgium, Adrien RASSENFOSSE of Belgium, Luka MLADENOVIC of Luxembourg, and Ovidiu IONESCU of Romania.
Women’s event
In the Women’s event will play Sabine WINTER of Germany, Sofia POLCANOVA of Austria, Bernadette SZOCS of Romania, Ying HAN of Germany, Jia Nan YUAN of France, Elizabeta SAMARA of Romania, Prithika PAVADE of France, Jieni SHAO of Portugal, Nina MITTELHAM of Germany, Linda BERGSTROM of Sweden, Fu YU of Portugal, Maria XIAO of Spain, Natalia BAJOR of Poland, Xiaona SHAN of Germany.
Qualification Stage
Anna HURSEY of Wales, Annett KAUFMANN of Germany, Charlotte
LUTZ of France, Andreea DRAGOMAN of Romania, Izabela LUPULESKU of Serbia, Lea RAKOVAC of Croatia, Georgina POTA of Hungary, Rachel MORET of Switzerland.
Reserve players
Christina KALLBERG of Sweden, Giorgia PICCOLIN of Italy, Britt EERLAND of the Netherlands, Yuan WAN of Germany, Gaia MONFARDINI of Italy, Adina DIACONU of Romania, and Ivana MALOBABIC of Croatia.
