The Europe Trophy Grand Final for Men and Women will be held in Novi Sad from 31st May to 2nd June . The draw for the both events was held today.
Frane KOJIC: No one expected but we dreamed about F4
The biggest upset of the 2023/24 edition of the Champions League Men was created by Austria’s Solex Consult TT Wiener Neustadt. The team had to navigate through both stages to reach the semi-finals. In Saarbrücken they will face Borussia Düsseldorf in the semi-final. “It is a success of enormous scale. No one expected something like that. But we hoped and dreamed about it. That is why we are in the sport to make our dreams come true. I have to give great credit to our coach Martin DOPPLER who was telling us from the first day that we are worthy of the Final Four and that we can reach it. From the first point played in Stage one in Dubrovnik he believed in us ” said Croatia’s player Frane Kojic. KOJIC continued to talk about the club’s journey to the Final 4. “In Stage two we had a little help of luck. French GV Hennebont decided not to go with their top stars Liam PITCHFORD and Kristian KARLSSON so it eased our way.” While they gained some ease on one side challenges arose on the other. “We faced a great obstacle against KS Dekorglass Dzialdowo in the return leg. After the defeat in Austria they strengthened their lineup with Zhou Yu of China. They thought it would help them pass through. Ivor Ban destroyed their plans by beating the Chinese player. Then again Jakub Dyjas was not playing in the return leg… A lot of things came together in that puzzle that led us to the Final tournament ” admitted KOJIC. Croatia’s player added that everyone needs a stroke of luck when facing giants with much bigger budgets. Continuing with the matter of budget he said: “It will be the same story now in the Final Four where we will face clubs with much bigger budgets results and traditions of playing in the biggest competitions. We are very proud that we will represent Wiener Neustadt among all these giants at such an important tournament.” KOJIC expressed his satisfaction with the fact that the match will be played in Germany. “We all know that Germany has a great base of fans and I am happy that we will play in a great atmosphere. I have no doubts the venue in Saarbrücken will be full. We do not have an everyday opportunity to play in front of two or three thousand people.” Speaking of the semi-final adversary Borussia Düsseldorf KOJIC said: “We did not have any preferences before the draw. All three clubs are giants. We have nothing to lose. I only regret that Jin Ueda is not with us anymore. He had a great influence on our success and played an important role in our passage to the Final 4. Due to some procedural errors he was not able to play for his club TSV Bad Königshofen in Germany. He was not registered for the first part of the season and was looking for an alternative club he could play for from September to December. We knew he would leave us after three months ” explained KOJIC. Speaking of his current form KOJIC said: “Currently I am in Croatia and in the recent past I was not very active in the WTT tournaments. I was focused on the club’s duties in leagues and European competitions.” Frane KOJIC was one of the members of the Croatian team which secured a place at the team event at the Olympic Games. They played at the World Championships recently held in Busan before being halted by the team of Portugal. “We made our way to the Last 16 and gained a ticket for the Olympics ” specified Kojic. In the Austrian Bundesliga the competition is much fiercer than in previous years. “This year we clinched the National Cup and in the League we are currently third in the standings before the start of the playoffs. This year the League improved in terms of quality. This is my eighth season in the Austrian League and I can say that I have never faced such fierce competition. In the past no matter which club I was playing for we were not under pressure to lose our spot in the top four and play off. The league is much stronger now. Now we have five or six clubs fighting for the four positions and in the past 10 days we have had four very important rounds in the League. I played well and currently in 2024 I have only one defeat in both the Cup and League. So I am very satisfied with my play. And of course the club always aims for titles in the Cup and League. The hardest competition is coming from Wels.” For all those unable to attend in person the matches will be broadcast live via ettu.tv except in some specific countries due to exclusive broadcasting agreements. Please refer to the list of channels below for viewing options in your country: France (DROM-COM) Monaco Andorra and Mauritius: L’equipe Germany Austria Switzerland: Sportdeutschland.tv Armenia Azerbaijan Belarus Georgia Kazakhstan Kirgizstan Moldova Russia Tajikistan Turkmenistan Ukraine and Uzbekistan: V Broadcasting
International Eurotalents Selection Camp in Havířov
The International Eurotalents Selection Camp for players born in 2012 and younger is currently underway at the National Training Center in Havířov from March 24 to 31. Twenty-eight male and twenty female players from sixteen European countries are participating. Leading the camp is head coach Renáta ŠTRBÍKOVÁ assisted by Marek ČIHÁK with Hungarian coach Zoltán BATORFI joining for the European Table Tennis Union (ETTU). Additionally coaches from individual nations are present totaling almost twenty coaches dedicated to nurturing young talents. Zoltán BATORFI commends the Eurotalents Camp program organized by ETTU emphasizing its excellence but suggesting the need for more frequent camps. He notes the disparity in training facilities across European countries highlighting the importance of such camps particularly for nations lacking adequate training centers. With forty-eight participants in Havířov logistical demands are significant such as the requirement for twenty-four tables for a two-day tournament. Despite the challenges BATORFI praises the organization and training opportunities provided at the Havířov center. He lauds the excellent conditions including the modern hall quality food accommodation and the competent coaching and support staff. Overall he expresses his fondness for Havířov and its status as one of the top training centers in Europе. You can see the pictures here
Borussia Düsseldorf Aims for Seventh Champions League Title in F4
For the first time the Champions League semi-finals and final will adopt a Final Four format taking place in the Saarlandhalle in Saarbrücken. On Easter Sunday March 31st the two semi-final matches will kick off followed by the final on Easter Monday April 1st. Borussia Düsseldorf will commence the first semi-final on Sunday at 1:00 PM while defending champion 1. FC Saarbrücken TT will take the stage at 5:00 PM. Borussia Düsseldorf will go head-to-head against SolexConsult TT Wiener Neustadt in the Champions League semi-final on March 31 marking the only non-German club left in the competition. It seems to be a relatively favorable draw for the team guided by coach Danny HEISTER. The Viennese outfit may not feature star-studded names but possesses players with a strong fighting spirit. They secured their berth in the Final Four with narrow victories in thrilling matches during their group stage. Conversely the state capital’s team has yet to suffer a single defeat in the Champions League. “It will undoubtedly be a highly exciting and compelling event. The teams are evenly matched and I anticipate witnessing top-class table tennis. This compact two-day event promises to be worthwhile for spectators ” remarked European Champion Dang QIU currently on duty in the Incheon WTT Champions of 2024. En route to the Final Four Borussia Düsseldorf overcame Portugal’s Sporting Clube de Portugal and Austria’s SPG Felbermayr Wels both times securing 3-0 victories. Last year the semi-final and final matches involving Borussia were incredibly tense. They narrowly lost the semi-final first leg against TTC Neu Ulm 2-3 but rallied back to win the return leg at the ARAG CenterCourt 3-2. The first Golden Match in the history of the Champions League tipped in favor of Düsseldorf. In the final however the tables turned and the Saarlanders celebrated victory after the Golden Match. Head coach Danny HEISTER emphasized that reaching the final is the minimum goal for 2024. After clinching the German Cup it could be the second title of the season. “It’s a new format and certainly very exciting. I don’t see a clear favorite. Saarbrücken might capitalize on their home advantage. Our initial objective is to secure a spot in the final and then we’ll take it from there ” stated Borussia Düsseldorf Manager Andreas PREUSS. For all those unable to attend in person the matches will be broadcast live via ettu.tv except in some specific countries due to exclusive broadcasting agreements. Please refer to the list of channels below for viewing options in your country: France (DROM-COM) Monaco Andorra and Mauritius: L’equipe Germany Austria Switzerland: Sportdeutschland.tv Armenia Azerbaijan Belarus Georgia Kazakhstan Kirgizstan Moldova Russia Tajikistan Turkmenistan Ukraine and Uzbekistan: V Broadcasting
KS DARTOM BOGORIA Grodzisk Mazowiecki was on speed lane in France
In the initial leg of the Europe Cup Men Polish team KS DARTOM BOGORIA Grodzisk Mazowiecki secured a swift victory over French opponents A.S PONTOISE-CERGY TT. The second team of the hosts couldn’t mount any pressure on the Polish side. “We were aware beforehand that Pontoise would be facing us with their second team. The first team wasn’t available and the younger players didn’t present the same level of challenge. On one hand it made our path to the final easier but on the other hand it’s not ideal for the semi-final for ETTU the spectators or for the sport itself. Everyone deserves a competitive match. In such circumstances with a very weak opponent we simply needed to maintain our focus ” explained GIONIS. Poland’s KS Dekorglass Dzialdowo has already secured their place in the final. A.S PONTOISE-CERGY TT – KS DARTOM BOGORIA Grodzisk Mazowiecki 0-3 Rafael CABRERA – Takuya JIN 1-3 (9-11 6-11 11-8 6-11) Dany LO – Panagiotis GIONIS (7-11 4-11 7-11) Thomas LAROCHE – Michal GAWLAS 0-3 (4-11 9-11 7-11)
ETIVAL ASRTT secured opening leg win in Czechia
The first leg of the Champions League Women’s semi-final ended in favor of French team ETIVAL ASRTT. Despite a valiant effort from SKST Plus Hodonín in Czechia the visitors emerged victorious. Both opening matches featuring Sakura MORI against Marie MIGOT and Natalia PARTYKA versus Jieni SHAO went full distance. The only victory for the Czech team came from Karin GROFOVA in her match against Camelia IACOB. However Jieni SHAO secured the decisive win over Sakura MORI in her second exit to the table. “The 3-1 victory sets us up well for the second leg. We started with great focus because Hodonín boasts a quality team. The first singles match was crucial with Marie MIGOT narrowly clinching victory in the fifth game. I’m particularly pleased that SHAO Jieni secured two points ” stated Etival ASRTT coach Jerome HUMBERT. MIGOT expressed delight with the crowd and atmosphere in Czechia but admitted needing time to adjust to the conditions. “Here in the hall the balls and especially the tables are different from what I’m used to practicing on. In the first game I felt that the ball wasn’t moving as I expected. I had to adjust my tactics to find my rhythm. The atmosphere in the hall was a great boost; I’m not fond of empty stands and small venues. The audience was fantastic. As for the fifth game I thrive in those situations. This year I’ve played three fifth games and won all three. It’s about finding the right mindset and going for the win. A net or two might happen but a player mustn’t lose focus ” explained Marie MIGOT. Reigning champions KTS Enea Siarkopol Tarnobrzeg have already secured their spot in the final. SKST Plus Hodonín – ETIVAL ASRTT 1-3 Sakura MORI – Marie MIGOT 2-3 (11-2 10-12 7-11 11-7 2-6) Natalia PARTYKA – Jieni SHAO 2-3 (8-11 8-11 11-8 11-8 0-6) Karin GROFOVA – Camelia IACOB 3-0 (11-2 11-5 11-7) Sakura MORI – Jieni SHAO 1-3 (7-11 11-3 9-11 9-11)
EOC executive committee awards 2027 European Games to Istanbul
The European Olympic Committees (EOC) Executive Committee (ExCom) at the meeting held on March 20th unanimously awarded the 4th edition of the European Games in 2027 to Istanbul. The carefully-considered decision was taken after EOC Sport Director Peter BRÜLL presented a detailed evaluation report to the ExCom. The report follows an evaluation visit to Istanbul by a delegation of EOC experts in early March. The EOC experts looked at all aspects of the city’s capabilities to host the Games including venues transport security accommodation and athlete facilities. Further building on the success of Kraków-Malopolska 2023 the EOC and the Istanbul team resolved to ensure an even higher proportion of the competitions serve as qualification events for the Olympic Games LA 2028. This would enable future Turkish Olympians to qualify on home soil supported by a home audience that includes friends and family. Istanbul’s venue plan for the European Games 2027 would see no additional construction beyond the venues either already built or already planned for the city. The Executive Committee’s decision will be presented to the EOC General Assembly in Bucharest in June for final approval and signing of the relevant contracts.
Ivor BAN: Our expectations are only to perform at our best
We’re eagerly awaiting the start of the Champions League Men’s Final 4 set to take place in Saarbrücken on March 30th and April 1st. It’s expected to see powerhouses like last year’s champions and two-time runners-up 1 FC Saarbrücken TT along with the perennial champions Borussia Düsseldorf and the formidable TTC Neu Ulm in the semifinals. However the unexpected inclusion of Austria’s SolexConsult TT Wiener Neustadt adds an exciting twist to the mix. SolexConsult TT Wiener Neustadt is coming to the Final 4 after successfully overcoming two stages of the Champions League unlike other highly seeded clubs who reached the F4. In addition they did not lose a match on their way to Saarbrücken. “We are very pleased with our performance in the previous two stages of the Champions League. We all had our moments from Jin UEDA to Frane KOJIC and myself and Aleksandr KHANIN ” said Ivor BAN. In Dubrovnik in the opening phase SolexConsult TT Wiener Neustadt beat Hungary’s PTE PEAC Kalo-Meh Croatia’s STK Libertas Marinkolor and POLSKI CUKIER GWIAZDA. BAN highlighted the crucial match that launched them to the leading position in the Group and thus to stage two. “We beat a dangerous Polish team with very good players like Leonardo MUTTI Vladislav URSU and Taku TAKAKIWA. It lasted a full five matches with me beating TAKAKIWA 3-2 in the decisive game and KOJIC overcoming MUTTI 3-0 in the decisive match ” remembered BAN. BAN continued “That was our first step because we didn’t aim very high. We decided to go step by step and when we saw the draw for the Second Stage we were sure that would be the end. Nevertheless we did not plan to go down easily. We were ready for the big matches and fierce fights. In the end that attitude proved important. We got a little help with the weaker Hennebont but even without big stars the French club had to be beaten.” The club completed both stages unbeaten but their biggest achievement was the win over KS Dekorglass Dzialdowo. “We shone in the duel against the Polish club winning both legs 3-2. In the opening leg UEDA was brilliant in both his encounters against Jakob DYJAS and Jonathan GROTH while Frane beat Konishi KAII. In the return leg they brought Chinese player Yu ZHOU and in the opener I surprised him and beat him. In the five-match encounter I also beat Patryk LEWANDOWSKI in the decisive match ” said BAN. Speaking of reaching the Final 4 BAN said “It was not planned but we managed to reach F4 bringing great joy to Austria. Now it’s the same for the Final 4. Our expectations are only to perform at our best level and to fight. In the semifinal we will meet Borussia Düsseldorf. Since the WTT Champions is right before the Final Four it is questionable which lineup they will play but we are ready. Currently we are in the third position in the Austrian Bundesliga and we secured the playoff place. As always our aim is the Championship trophy after we already lifted it in the Austrian Cup.”
Mirandela won the second leg but SH-ITB Budaörsi St Club progressed to the final
In the second leg of the Europe Cup semi-final Clube Ténis de Mesa de Mirandela emerged victorious but SH-ITB Budaörsi St Club advanced to the final. In the opening leg the Hungarian team recorded a 3-1 win so a 2-3 result in Budapest was sufficient to propel them to the ultimate stage. The duel in Hungary concluded in five matches. The guests were down two matches after Ines MATOS and Annamaria ERDELYI defeated Dora MADARASZ and Helga DARI but Georgina POTA’s victory over Matilde PINTO brought the girls back into the game. Dora MADARASZ overcame Annamaria ERDELYI to level the score but Mirandela withstood Budaörsi’s recovery with MATOS defeating DARI. However the gap from the opening leg was too wide and the 1-3 deficit from Portugal remained insurmountable. “In the opening match MATOS surprised me and I still felt the fatigue from last weekend’s competition in my legs. Nevertheless I had plenty of game points but it was clear that my rival played very well. I hoped to win the second match but not under these circumstances where I suffered a knee injury in the process which I hope is not serious. I love playing against defenders and I think that was evident ” said MADARASZ. In the final the Hungarian team will face MUSEO DE LA ALMENDRA FRANCISCO MORALES. MADARÁSZ previously played professionally in Spain for two years so the finalist won’t be unfamiliar to her. “Back then they didn’t have the same lineup as they do now; their current team is stronger. Of course we are also stronger than last year and the goal is to arrive slightly fresher for the final matches than we are now.” SH-ITB Budaörsi St Club – Clube Ténis de Mesa de Mirandela 2-3 Dora MADARASZ- Ines MATOS 1-3 (11-13 11-9 12-14 6-11) Helga DARI – Annamaria ERDELYI 2-3 (8-11 11-6 11-9 5-11) Georgina POTA – Matilde PINTO 3-0 (11-4 11-6 11-6) Dora MADARASZ- Annamaria ERDELYI 3-1 (11-7 11-13 11-4 11-6) Helga DARI – Ines MATOS 1-3 (7-11 3-11 11-8 12-14) Opening leg Clube Ténis de Mesa de Mirandela– SH-ITB Budaörsi St Club 1-3 Annamaria ERDELYI – Georgina POTA 2-3 (9-11 15-13 11-4 6-11 1-6) Jingyi ZHOU – Dora MADARASZ 2-3 (11-4 5-11 5-11 11-9 1-6) Ines MATOS – Maria FAZEKAS 3-0 (11-6 11-7 11-9) Annamaria ERDELYI – Dora MADARASZ 1-3 (7-11 8-11 11-4 8-11)
Luxembourg Nationals: Gold for Tessy GONDERINGER and Maël Van DESSEL
Tessy GONDERINGER and Maël Van DESSEL emerge as Luxembourg’s new national champions. GONDERINGER secured her second national singles title adding to her previous victory in 2023 while Van Dessel clinched his maiden singles title with a remarkable performance defeating last year’s champion Eric GLOD in a thrilling final showdown. Men singles: Maël Van DESSEL Eric GLOD Gilles MICHELY / Kevin KUBICA Women singles: Tessy GONDERINGER NI Xiao Jing Ariel BARBOSA / Tessy DUMONT Mixed doubles: Eric GLOD and Tessy GONDERINGER Maël Van DESSEL and Ariel BARBOSA Arlindo De SOUSA and Julie PONCIN / Loris STEPHANY and Enisa SADIKOVIC Men’s Doubles: Maël Van DESSEL and Gene WANTZ Eric GLOD and Louis Van WAMBEKE Gilles MICHELY and Jim CLOOS / Loris STEPHANY and Luca ELSEN Women’s Doubles Tessy GONDERINGER and Ariel BARBOSA Enisa SADIKOVIC and Melisa SADIKOVIC Julie PONCIN and Tessy DUMONT / Carole HARTMANN and NI Xiao Jing
