The opening leg of the Europe Cup Men final brought fierce fight in Italy. Hosts USD Apuania Carrara Tennistavolo lost after the long distance thriller against Austria’s SolexConsult TTC Wiener Neustadt 2:3. The crowned champion of the WTT Star Contender Doha 2022 held this week Andrej GACINA justified his fantastic shape by beating Felix WETZEL and Frane Tomislav KOJIC but Austrians proved they have stronger team at this moment. Frane beat Lubomir PISTEJ. Mihai Razvan BOBOCICA lost against Tomas KONECNY and in the decisive duel WETZEL beat PISTEJ. “It was a very good match on hight level. Every player made perfect job. But we know that is only first step. Next week will be big fight and we want to use our spectators” said Tomas KONECNY. After 1:1 it was very important for KONECNY to score. “We had to put thye host team to the pressure and we succeeded. I was down 2:4 in the decisive game but I made it ” said KONECNY.
TTC Berlin eastside aiming sixth title
Germany’s TTC Berlin eastside will try to defend the title in the Champions League Women at the forthcoming clash against Poland’s KTS Enea Siarkopol Tarnobrzeg. First leg is scheduled for Sunday 20.15 in Poland. The experience of winning the trophies in Champions Legue is surely on TTC Berlin eastside. They have been at the top of the medal rostrum for five times. I think for this particular match it doesn’t matter how many times we won the Champions League. It is only matter what is now and we will try to win it ” said coach Irina PALINA. Nina MITTELHAM SHAN Xiaona Britt EERLAND and WU Jiaduo had lead the team to the final. On their way they succeeded against French TT Metz Czech Republic’s SKST Plus Hodonin whilst in group stage they remained unbeaten after the clashes against CP Lyssois Lille Métropole SH-ITB Budaörsi Sport Club and Gdcs Juncal. Before the duel against KTS Enea Siarkopol Tarnobrzeg coach PALINA has no doubts. “The players know each other well I think there is no obvious favorite in this match and everything will be decided by who will be better and luckier on this day!” TTC Berlin eastside will start the play-off from the leading position.
HAN Ying and YANG Xiaoxin proved their good shape in Doha
In the first leg of the Europe Champions League Women final Poland’s KTS Enea Siarkopol Tarnobrzeg will host Germany’s TTC Berlin eastside on Sunday at 20.15 CET. Hosts will play in the final for the fourth time and they clinched the title in 2019. On their way to the ultimate stage KTS Enea Siarkopol Tarnobrzeg beat Linz AG Froschberg in the semis and TT Saint Quentinois in the quarterfinal. In Groups stage they recorded 3 straight matches win over Linz AG Froschberg Saint-Denis US 93 Tennis de Table and Ttc Moravsky Krumlov. However there is no doubt they are going to meet toughest adversary now -five time winner of the Champions Legue. “Of course our opponent has much more experience they won title many times and they are favorite. Individual duels is a matter of momently shape mostly everyone can beat everyone. The players knows each other very well ” said coach NECEK Zbigniew. Portugal’s FU Yu Germany’s HAN Ying and Monaco’s YANG Xiaoxin alongside Romania’s Elizabeta SAMARA are the leading stars. “ I am happy that HAN Ying and YANG Xiaoxin play very well in Doha but unfortunately they can come for final tired. Berlin has no such worries. But honestly we are happy we can play in the final this is our success and it is a kind of fest for us.” HAN Ying reached the final of the WTT Star Contender Doha 2022 and she lost in the ultimate stage against Miyuu KIHARA 3:4. YANG Xiaoxin reached the quarterfinals of the tournament . In Polish League is the leader in the regular part before the start of the play-off.
Andrej GACINA ready for the Austrians after success in Doha
Italy’s USD Apuania Carrara Tennistavolo will host first leg of the Europe Cup men final on Saturday (17 CET) against Austria’s SolexConsult TTC Wiener Neustadt. In previous round USD Apuania Carrara Tennistavolo overcame Poland’s KS DARTOM BOGORIA Grodzisk Mazowiecki whilst in quarters they beat Top Spin Messina Fontalba from Italy. “Our players are in good shape. They all played in recent international competitions in Doha with acceptable results ” said coach Claudio VOLPI.” We never played against SolexConsult TTC Wiener Neustadt. It will be a very difficult match; we have the maximum respect for their team composed of valid and experienced players capable of any victory. The final result will be surely determined by both legs not by just one. Then we know that the first leg’s result will not be sufficient. Their strongest point is for sure the international experience of both the players and their coach and also their experience at the field. I expect it will be a difficult match and it will be determined by the details. My goal is to make a good impression in a final and that our players can play at 100%.” The team is currently leader in the Italian championships and Andrej GACINA performs at the top level at the WTT Star Contender Doha 2022 where he beat China’s XUE Fei to reach the semi final of the Men’s Singles Event and after Kristian KARLSSON withdrew due the injury GACINA clinched gold by beating Korea’s LIM Jonghoon in the final. “I am very satisfied with my performance and current shape. For the other team members I am not quite sure since we did not meet for a while. Last weekend Mihai Razvan BOBOCICA finished third in Italian Championships and Lubomir PISTEJ had a very good result here in Doha by reaching the quarterfinals in the Mixed Doubles Event. For sure we will be ready for the challenge ” said Andrej GACINA. Straight from Doha GACINA will join the club day before the final. “It will not be the problem. Now it is only one hour difference and it is all right. “ In SolexConsult TTC Wiener Neustadt is Frane KOJIC and there is a big chance those two will meet in the final. “Frane and I train together every day so we know very well each other. If it happens it will be very open match. I have not play against Tomas KONECNY recently and I never met Felix WETZEL so it is hard to speak about odds ” said GACINA.
ETTU Executive Board meeting on 30th March
On Wednesday 30th March a meeting of the ETTU Executive Board was held virtually under the leadership of Acting President Pedro MOURA. Mr Moura reported on the recent meeting of the ITTF Continental Council at Singapore during the first WTT Grand Smash event which he had attended. He thanked ITTF President Petra SÖRLING ITTF Executive Committee members and Continental Presidents for their discussions and exchanges of ideas. Mr MOURA reported to the Executive Board members on the Paris 2024 Olympic Games qualification system proposals and the implications for European players. He also reported on the latest World Table Tennis Championships updates for Chengdu 2022 and Durban 2023. The Executive Board discussed arrangements for the 2022 European Youth Championships to be played at Štark Arena Belgrade SRB from Wednesday 6th to Friday 15th July 2022. Vice President for Finances Sandra DEATON reported on the current 2022 budget and the impact of the conflict in Ukraine on finances and expenditure. The Executive Board approved financial compensation for the Acting President Pedro MOURA while carrying out his duties as ETTU Acting President. The Executive Board clarified that Russian and Belarusian players and coaches registered to clubs outside of Russia and Belarus can continue to compete for their clubs in ETTU competitions. A report was received on the recent meeting of the Women’s Champions League management board and the arrangements for the newly introduced Europe Trophy competition due to start next month. It was agreed to meet at Malmö SWE on 20th and 21st April 2022. Mr MOURA thanked members and staff for their contributions to the meeting.
Historical moment for Grand Quevilly
French Grand Quevilly will host the opening leg of the Europe Cup Women final against Spanish UCAM Cartagena T.M. “We are delighted with the opportunity to play in our first ever final of the Europe Cup. It is historical moment for our Region. Concerning our players Pauline CHASSELIN played a lot at WTT tournaments Anais SALPIN prepared well too whilst LI Samson suffered from the injury but now she is recovered said coach Guillaume LIOT. UCAM Cartagena T.M. LI Fen played for a while in Grand Quevilly so they know her very well. “Our players had different programs last weeks one was in WTT events with the French team and the others were preparing the upcoming matches in League and the final of the Europe Cup. They are in shape we had difficult time in the beginning of the season but since January we lost only one match and the team spirit is really good. We were playing the play off in league places 9-12 and we just won those two matches to stay in 1st league next season. It was the main goal this season. We still have to play the place 9-10 later in April but we know that we stay in Pro A. Now we can really focus on the final ” explained Pauline CHASSELIN. Speaking about the adversaries SHASSELIN said: “We never played against Cartagena before but we know all the girls because they all played in French league during their career. LI Fen was playing in our club few years ago so we know her really good. At the International level we already played against them few times. Cartagene has really strong team they were playing in Champions league all their players are equal. We are prepared for a really hard match a big fight and a great atmosphere fighting. All matches are going to be hard but we are prepared for it.” The French team is ready. “We have our chances our players are in good shape. I think Cartagene is favorite on this final but to play the 1st match at home i think it’s really good we wait a lot of spectators in the hall to support clap and push the girls. We had hard matches since the first stage and we are ready for a new one. The goal of course is to win the title now that we are in final we will give our best we will fight on every points every matches and we will enjoy this game all together. We showed this year that we have a great team with our performances in League and Europe Cup and we believe in our chances to bring back the title and we are ready for this match. We are excited for the upcoming final ” concluded Pauline Chasselin ALCL TT.
Lg Martin DOPPLER: Carrara is the favorite in the final
For the first leg of the Europe Cup Women final SolexConsult TTC Wiener Neustadt will travel to Italy to meet USD Apuania Carrara Tennistavolo. In the semi final SolexConsult TTC Wiener Neustadt beat Spain’s ASISA Borges Vall and in quarterfinal they overcame Austria’s SPG FELBERMAYR Wels. For coach Martin DOPPLER there is no big doubt who has better odds. “As the coach of TTC Solex Consult Wiener Neustadt I can say one thing: Carrara is the favorite in the final. I spoke with our players and we think the chance is 35:65.We never met them since we play at the International level.” Despite weak chances players are talking about; some other numbers speaks in favor of the Austrian’s. “We are on the very good run and won every game since December 10th last year. We are first in our national league and won the last four matches 4:0.” Where you see your chance? “Our biggest advantage is our teamwork. Carrara has top players with much better rankings but our target is clear we want to win the final but we will not be sad if we lose. In sport is everything possible. We are highly motivated and no meter how it looks hard from the outside it is not impossible to record the win. Of course it will be very difficult in Italy but at home it is manageable. “ Coach and the players analyzed the adversaries. “In addition Lubomir PISTEJ played for year in Austria so we know him very well. We are ready and we will fight for this title.”
Kreshnik MAHMUTI and Shega HASHANI winners in Kosovo
The Kosovo National championships was held in the city of Ferizaj with participation of 150 players.In the men’s singles Kreshnik MAHMUTI defended the title after triumph in the final over his teammate Fatih KARABAXHAKU 4-3 (11:13 11:8 11:6 4:11 7:11 11:9 11:8). In the women’s singles Shega HASHANI a 16 year old after a dramatic match managed to win against the former champion of Kosovo Linda ZEQIRI 4-3 (8:11 12:10 6:11 11:7 11:5 6:11 11:9) Men’s Singles 1.Kreshnik Mahmuti 2.Fatih Karabaxhaku 3.Milot Makolli 3.Blend Hajdari Women’s Singles 1.Shega Hashani 2.Linda Zeqiri 3.Loresa Imeri 3.Alma Mehmeti Men’s Doubles 1.Blend Hajdari/Dardan Imami 2.Kreshnik Mahmuti/Fatih Karabaxhaku 3.Argjend Ferati/Tomor Gjaka 3.Petrit Drenica/Altin Muli Women’s Doubles 1.Alma Mehmeti/Lenë Osmani 2.Jerina Rexhepi/Shega Hashani 3.Ajola Hajdari/Taibe Ruli 3.Bjondina Hasani/Loresa Imeri Mixed Doubles 1.Fatih Karabaxhaku/Taibe Ruli 2.Kreshnik Mahmuti/Linda Zeqiri 3.Jeton Azizi/Lenë Osmani 3.Blend Hajdari/Alma Mehmeti.
Gold for Rebekka CARLSEN and Borgar HAUG in Norway
Newly crowned champion in Norway are Rebekka CARLSEN and Borgar HAUG. Rebekka Carlsen from B-72 won gold in Women’s singles during the Norway National Championships. It was a final victory 4-1 against club friend Rikke Skåttet in a well-played final 11-9 11-4 11-7 4-11 and 12-10. The bronze medals were won by Aida DAHLEN Randesund IL – BTG and Martine TOFTAKER B-72. Borgar HAUG from Fornebu BTK clinched gold medal in Men’s singles. Borgar won the final against Jimmy Ojakangas from Laksevåg BTK with 4-1 (11-4 7-11 11-9 11-5 11-7). The bronze medals were awarded to Finn VETVIK Fornebu BTK and Alexander KLERCK FRANSSON Fokus BTK. In Para Event for Women standing single the winner is Aida DAHLEN from Randesund IL – BTG. There were four participants in this class and Aida won three straight 3-0 victories. The silver medal was won by Nora KORNELIUSSEN Fokus BTK while Jenny HELENE SLETTEN from Notodden BTK secured the bronze medal. In Para men standing single Pablo JACOBSEN from Fornebu BTK went to the top in the men’s doubles standing after the final victory 3-2 against Steffen Salomonsen from Fokus BTK 11-6 3-11 11-13 11-7 and 11-4. It was Pablo’s first gold in this class and a clear proof that the 22-year-old has taken new steps. The bronze medals went to Zsolt BERECKI Trondheim BTK and Fredrik N. JOHANSEN from Fokus BTK. In Para men’s sitting single Tommy URHAUG from Stord BTK clinched gold. Tommy has won countless golds and in the group against silver winner Sebastian VEGSUND Fokus BTK and bronze winner Atle Kristian KOLBEINSEN Bergen PIL he secured two easy 3-0 victories.
Giorgia PICCOLIN wins her fourth gold medal in a row third title for Niagol STOYANOV
Giorgia PICCOLIN (Centro Sportivo Esercito) and Niagol STOYANOV (Gruppo Sportivo Fiamme Azzurre) clinched the singles titles at the Italian Championships which were played in Biella In the PalaPajetta PICCOLIN won for the fourth time in a row. She beat 4-1 in the finals Nikoleta STEFANOVA (Tennistavolo Norbello) who returned to the field after six years. Bronze medalists were Debora VIVARELLI (Centro Sportivo Esercito) and Gaia MONFARDINI (Tennistavolo Castel Goffredo). “I had already played against Nikoleta ” recalled PICCOLIN “my first finals in 2014 and to face her again after eight years was a great emotion. At that time I was 18 while now I am a older and my game improved very much. The day before the decisive rounds of the tournament I felt a bit of pressure but then I told myself that I should not have proved anything to anyone and I should just have fun. In the quarters I met Nicole ARLIA for the first time and it was tough. I knew that she is a very difficult player and in fact she caused problems for me. In the finals Nikoleta started well winning the first game then however point by point I managed to raise my level and I did it”. It was the third gold medal for STOYANOV again after four years (the first two wins were in 2014 and 2018). He defeated 4-1 Jordy PICCOLIN (Gruppo Sportivo Fiamme Azzurre) Giorgia’s brother who was in his first final match of his career. Mihai BOBOCICA (Aeronautica Militare) anche Andrea PUPPO (Tennistavolo Reggio Emilia) climbed to the third step of the podium. “Before the championships ” declared STOYANOV ” I thought that there would be this four-year anniversary but every year it is very difficult to win. I’m very happy. The last few months have been complicated for me from different point of views and coming home with this title is very important. I am also satisfied with my game without that I would not have been able to achieve this result. I am happy with what I have managed to do. The match against Mihai BOBOCICA in the semifinals was challenging and also against Leonardo MUTTI in the quarters I had to fight hard. In the finals against Jordy I knew it was his first match for the title and I remembered how it was for me. I congratulate him because I think he had a great performance and his first title will come shortly. I feared he might come back because anything can happen when you do not convert match-points. I was aware that it would not be over until I won the last rally”. STOYANOV and PICCOLIN also defended 2021 title in mixed doubles. They accounted for Carlo ROSSI (Marcozzi Cagliari) and Nicole ARLIA (Tennistavolo Castel Goffredo) 3-0. Marco RECH DALDOSSO (Aeronautica Militare) and VIVARELLI and Leonardo MUTTI (Aeronautica Militare) and MONFARDINI were classified third. In the men’s and women’s doubles John Michael OYEBODE (Il Circolo Prato 2010) and PICCOLIN and MONFARDINI and her mother Tan WENLING (Tennistavolo Castel Goffredo) won their first gold medals. Silver medalists were the defending champions STOYANOV and BOBOCICA and VIVARELLI and PICCOLIN and bronze medalists were respectively Antonino AMATO (Marcozzi Cagliari) and RECH DALDOSSO and Daniele PINTO (Gruppo Sportivo Fiamme Azzurre) and ROSSI and among the women Veronica MOSCONI (Centro Sportivo Esercito) and Chiara COLANTONI (CIATT Prato) and Le Thi Hong LOAN (Tennistavolo Castel Goffredo) and ARLIA. Men’s singles: Quarters finals: Mihai BOBOCICA – Carlo ROSSI 3-0 (11-5 11-7 11-4) Niagol STOYANOV – Leonardo MUTTI 3-2 (11-9 10-12 11-9 9-11 11-7) Jordy PICCOLIN – Daniele PINTO 3-1 (11-9 11-5 8-11 11-4) Andrea PUPPO – Marco RECH DALDOSSO 3-2 (8-11 8-11 11-5 11-8 11-3) Semifinals: Niagol STOYANOV – Mihai BOBOCICA 4-1 (11-6 7-11 11-4 14-12 11-9) Jordy PICCOLIN – Andrea PUPPO 4-1 (8-11 11-9 11-6 11-8 14-12) Finals: Niagol STOYANOV – Jordy PICCOLIN 4-1 (11-4 11-4 15-13 11-13 14-12) Women’s singles: Quarters finals: Debora VIVARELLI – Miriam CARNOVALE 3-0 (11-6 11-8 11-7) Giorgia PICCOLIN – Nicole ARLIA 3-2 (11-7 8-11 12-14 11-5 11-7) Nikoleta STEFANOVA – Chiara COLANTONI 3-1 (4-11 11-7 11-8 16-14) Gaia MONFARDINI – Le Thi Hong LOAN 3-1 (11-5 5-11 11-8 11-6) Semifinals: Giorgia PICCOLIN – Debora VIVARELLI 4-1 (6-11 11-5 11-4 11-8 11-3) Nikoleta STEFANOVA – Gaia MONFARDINI 4-0 (11-8 11-3 15-13 11-6) Finals: Giorgia PICCOLIN – Nikoleta STEFANOVA 4-1 (11-13 11-9 11-4 11-9 11-7) Men’s doubles: Semifinals: Niagol STOYANOV/Mihai BOBOBICA – Daniele PINTO/Carlo ROSSI 3-1 (11-7 11-7 7-11 12-10) John Michael OYEDODE/Jordy PICCOLIN – Antonino AMATO/Marco RECH DALDOSSO 3-2 (11-13 2-11 11-6 11-6 11-7) Finals: John Michael OYEDODE/Jordy PICCOLIN – Niagol STOYANOV/Mihai BOBOBICA 3-2 (8-11 12-10 12-10 4-11 11-9) Women’s doubles: Semifinals: Debora VIVARELLI/Giorgia PICCOLIN – Le Thi Hong LOAN/Nicole ARLIA 3-0 (11-2 11-9 11-7) Gaia MONFARDINI/Tan WENLING – Veronica MOSCONI/Chiara COLANTONI 3-2 (8-11 10-12 11-6 11-8 11-1) Finals: Gaia MONFARDINI/Tan WENLING – Debora VIVARELLI/Giorgia PICCOLIN 3-2 (18-16 9-11 11-7 8-11 15-13) Mixed doubles: Semifinals: Niagol STOYANOV/Giorgia PICCOLIN – Marco RECH DALDOSSO/Debora VIVARELLI 3-0 (11-8 11-8 11-7) Carlo ROSSI/Nicole ARLIA – Leonardo MUTTI/Gaia MONFARDINI 3-2 (11-9 9-11 11-8 7-11 12-10) Finals: Niagol STOYANOV/Giorgia PICCOLIN – Carlo ROSSI/Nicole ARLIA 3-0 (11-5 11-1 11-7)
