The LOTTO Thüringen TT-Finals 2026 concluded in Erfurt with Annett KAUFMANN and Dang QIU claiming the national singles titles and bringing the curtain down on four days of top-class table tennis. The event once again confirmed its status as Europe’s largest table tennis festival, with around 1,100 participants competing across six German national championships under one roof.
In the women’s singles final, KAUFMANN successfully defended her title, defeating World No. 9 Sabine WINTER in a dramatic seven-game encounter. The 19-year-old secured her third consecutive German singles crown after a high-quality battle that kept the sold-out crowd of approximately 3,000 spectators on the edge of their seats.
“I tried to stay calm, which is never easy against Sabine. She is a very tough opponent,” said KAUFMANN, who admitted becoming emotional after lifting the trophy for a third consecutive year.
In the men’s singles event, European champion Dang QIU captured his third national title after victories in 2022 and 2023. The Düsseldorf player defeated Patrick FRANZISKA in the final, continuing his impressive form throughout the tournament. QIU dropped only one game on his way to the title and once again demonstrated why he remains one of Germany’s leading players.
“It is always something special to win the German Championships,” said QIU after the victory.
KAUFMANN completed a remarkable double in Erfurt by also winning the women’s doubles title alongside Xiaona SHAN. The pair defeated Sabine WINTER and Yuan WAN in the final, giving KAUFMANN her second gold medal of the day and SHAN the third national women’s doubles title of her career.
The men’s doubles final produced one of the most dramatic moments of the championships. Defending champions Andre BERTELSMEIER and Wim VERDONSCHOT recovered from a two-game deficit against Patrick FRANZISKA and Ricardo WALTHER, saving multiple match points before completing a thrilling comeback to successfully retain their title.
Organisers hailed the third edition of the TT-Finals as another major success. Despite the absence of a public holiday weekend compared with previous years, approximately 8,000 tickets were sold across the four days, while both final days were completely sold out with around 3,000 spectators each day.
Women’s Singles
Annett KAUFMANN – Sabine WINTER 4-3
Men’s Singles
Dang QIU – Patrick FRANZISKA 4-1
Women’s Doubles
Annett KAUFMANN / Xiaona SHAN – Sabine WINTER / Yuan WAN 3-1
Men’s Doubles
Andre BERTELSMEIER / Wim VERDONSCHOT – Patrick FRANZISKA / Ricardo WALTHER 3-2
