The main decision voted at the ETTU Congress held during the LIEBHERR ITTF European Championships in Luxembourg is that European Teams Championships in odd numbered years will be concluded with the final stage with 24 men’s teams and 24 women’s teams.   In favour of this proposition were 30 delegates and 9 were against. The proposal for 16 teams in the final stages was defeated with 32 votes against.   Previously appointed Honorary Members Stefano BOSI (Italy) Jean Francois KAHN (France) and Camille GONDERINGER (Luxembourg) were present in Luxembourg and the awards were presented.   Badge of Honour were awarded to Victor ANDREEV (Russia) Volodymyr GEVORGIZOV (Ukraine) Taisei IMAMURA (Japan) Matja KRNC (Slovenia) Roman MARKOV (Russia) Alexander PETKEVICH (Belarus) Andreas PREUSS (Germany) Gunter RENNER (Austria) Beatrice ROMANESCU (Romania) Peter SARTZ (Sweden) Milan STENCEL (Croatia) Petra SORLING (Sweden)  

Day 4 at the LIEBHERR 2017 ITTF European Championships produced thrilling action and intriguing results. Three of the four semi-finals today went the distance the other was a clear affair.   Holders Germany moved into the Women’s final with a hard fought 3-2 victory against the Netherlands but did it the hard way trialling 0-1 and 1-2 before getting over the line.   It was Dutch team which was only ranked third in their Group who had the better start. LI Jie (European number 3) needed four games to overcome SHAN Xiaona (European number 2) 3-1 (11:13 11:8 15:13 11:8) but it did not took long before the champions struck back. HAN Ying responded fiercely beating Britt EERLAND (2:11 3:11 5:11).   Kim VERMAAS 21 years old gave Netherlands another chance. She overcame Germany’s youngster 20 years old Nina MITTELHAM (11:7 7:11 6:11 11:7 11:9) to give the Netherlands a 2:1 lead.   The crucial match was the one between LI Jie and HAN Ying. HAN Ying failed to convert opportunities in the two opening games and she was 0:2 down before she rebuilt her challenge to succeed 3-2 (13:11 12:10 7:11 11:6 11:6) to level the match at 2-2.   The decisive fifth match was won by SHAN Xiaona who overcame Britt EERLAND 3-1 (6:11 5:11 11:3 9:11) to seal the match and take Germany into tomorrow’s final.   This is Germany’s chance to win the Women’s Team for a third successive time.   “I did not expect such a close game against Netherlands. I knew we will need a lot of patience but to be honest I thought they would not put us under such pressure. However against Britt I did not have any problems. She is not very comfortable with my defensive style of play ” said HAN Ying.   “I was too passive at the beginning. I made same mistakes in the match against Britt EERLAND in the third game like I did against LI but luckily I recovered fast with aggressive approach ” said match winner SHAN Xiaona.   With some tears in her eyes Britt EERLAND found the strength to look at the defeat from a positive angle “I am sad we were very close. We came a long way by making the upset and beating Czech Republic in our group for the place in the top 8. I also avenged my Olympic Games defeat in the match against Austria and after 2011 we are at the medal rostrum again; it is wonderful result for such young team ” said Britt.   In the other semi-final Romania were in superb form on their quest for gold and like 2015 in Ekaterinburg and in 2013 in Schwechat they will meet Germany. In both previous occasions as well as in 2011 and 2010 against Netherlands the team was halted at the ultimate hurdle.    “We want that gold again. We won so many silver medals now it is time for the title. It is going to be an open match against Germany. It will be all about tactics and the right team draw but I believe we can make it ” said Elizabeta SAMARA.   They reached the final after an impressive straight match victory over Russia although it did not start that well. Elizabeta SAMARA currently ranked no. 7 in Europe was stretched to the limit in the opening match against Yana NOSKOVA Europe’s no. 39 (11:9 6:11 1:11 11:8 11:7).   “We played together for four years in the same club. Russia’s national coach was my coach in the same club. If you look to the picture from that perspective it says much. There was no way I can prepare some special tactics my ultimate advantage was my mental strength.” explained SAMARA.   Daniela MONTEIRO DODEAN concluded her match in furious style. Polina MIKHAILOVA was always behind and MONTEIRO DODEAN came through 3-0 (11:6 11:7 11:9).   “I have to admit I was afraid of this match. Polina played in superb shape here in Luxembourg. On the other side I am not very happy when I have to play against the player with defensive style. She is not entirely defensive player she is also good with attack but nevertheless I study her game very well because I knew it is not going to be easy ” said Daniela.   Bernadette SZOCS overcame Olga VOROBEVA 3:1 (15:17 13:11 11:7 11:5) to secure the semi-final victory comfortably 3-0.   “It is good for the team spirit and self confidence that we all won point each. I am so happy that I contributed ” said SZOCS.   Polina was clearly disappointed “Today was not our day because we played less well than expected and also anticipated a better result than 3-0. We haven’t played the Romanian team for a number of years and we have never beaten them but we are aware that a bronze medal is the lowest objective we wanted to achieve here as a Russian national team. Some matches and games today were really close but I cannot say that I or the others did anything wrong or that we lacked the mental strength to turn around games or matches when we were 2-1 up plus a lead in the 4th game. On some days you win such matches and on others you don’t.”    In the Men’s first semi-final it was Champions from Lisbon 2015 team of Portugal who booked their place in the final in Luxembourg. The drama that preceded this victory delivered the very best of table tennis to the spectators in the d’Coque. France the team with three titles so far has to settle with the bronze medal this time.   It was Tiago APOLONIA who started the ball rolling overcoming Simon GAUZY in a surprisingly 3-0 victory (11:4 11:4 11:8).    “Maybe it looked easy but it was far from that. I played very good and maybe that made an illusion it was an easy match ” said

Germany will meet Portugal tomorrow in the final of the Men’s Teams Event at the LIEBHERR ITTF European Championships. It will be their second encounter in the final of the Continental Championships. Previously in 2014 they lost their title in Lisbon. In the semi final Germany succeeded against the team who cased the bigest upset by reaching the medal rostrum – Slovenia 3:2.   The match commenced with surprising defeat of Dimitrij OVTCHAROV. The player who created the upset was young Darko JORGIC (11:13 6:11 11:6 8:11).   “Dima had some problems with his stomach. He was not feeling well ” explained Timo BOLL.   BOLL on the other side was at the top of his game. He was lethally accurate and he showed no mercy against Bojan TOKIC (11:5 11:7 11:4).   “I am very satisfied with my game. I was confident and I moved very well. I am fit and when I am in shape like this it is really hard for anyone to beat me ” reflected BOLL.   Patrick FRANZISKA was next in line against Jan ZIBRAT. He prevailed instraight matches (11:3 11:6 11:8).   “ZIBRAT and I played at the European Youth Championship few years ago together. He was my doubles partner. I was very focused and prepared for this duel ” said Patrick.   Despite enormous task experienced TOKIC showed great spirit. At 2:1 for Germany he pushed for decider. TOKIC kept his patience to overcame defensive skills of Ruwen FILUS (11:8 13:15 10:12 8:11).   “I was not happy with the prospect of fifth match but I was ready. You cannot deny the great game that Slovenia showed at this Championships. “   In 2014 German team was shattered with injuries when they played final against Portugal.   “Now we are complete. Nevertheless Portugal’s team is very dangerous. It is hard to play against them because they are very motivated. They are in fire. It is the only team beside China who beat us in this system of play ” concluded BOLL.  

Champions from Lisbon 2015 team of Portugal booked their place in the final of the LIEBHERR ITTF European Championships in Luxembourg. The drama that preceded this victory delivered the very best of table tennis to the spectators in beautiful D Coque. France the team with three titles so far has to settle with the bronze medal.   The way the match started it did not promised a long fight. Tiago APOLONIA overcame Simon GAUZY in straight matches (4:11 4:11 8:11).   “Maybe it looked easy but it was far from that. I played very good and maybe that made a illusion it was the easy match ” said APOLONIA. ”There are no easy matches at this Championships. All the adversaries are very dangerous. I guess that every team from the top went through heavy challenges. The team of Germany is the only real favorite here.”   Marcos FREITAS put Portugal in the driving seat with the 3:1 win over European singles champion from Budapest last year Emmanuel LEBESSON (2:11 8:11 11:9 9:11) but the pendulum swung in the next match. Quentin ROBINOT beat Joao MONTEIRO (11:9 11:1 9:11 7:11 11:9). After 2:0 for Robinot MONETEIRO recovered but he could not kept the momentum alive.   “It was very close game. He had 7:2 in the opening game and who knows what could happened if he won…In this kind of matches one or two balls decides everything.”   In the fourth game instead of GAUZY Tristan FLORE entered the arena to play against Marcos FREITAS. Earlier this year at the World Championships in Dusseldorf FLORE played against FREITAS came back from 3:0 to level the match but lost by narrow margin 12:10 in seventh game. This time he prevailed in straight games (12:10 11:8 11:9).   In the last match APOLONIA was in the game again and once again he succeeded. This time against LEBESSON.   “I can only repeat that I played good like in the opening match but it is a great difference when you start at 0:0 and when you return to the game at 2:2 especially after you face the adversary who recovered from two matches to null in reverse. They were on fire and I was under great pressure ” explained APOLONIA.  

Romania is in the final of the LIEBHERR ITTF European Championships in Luxembourg. Like in 2015 in Ekaterinburg and in 2013 in Schwechat they will meet Germany. In both previous occasions as well as in 2011 and 2010 against Netherlands the team was halted at the ultimate hurdle. Romania has three titles so far.   “We want that gold again. We won so many silver medals now it is time for title. It is going to be open match against Germany. It will be all about tactics and the right team draw but I believe we can make it ” said Elizabeta SAMARA.   They reached the ultimate stage after impressive straight match victory over Russia although it did not start that impressive. Elizabeta SAMARA currently ranked at the position no. 7 in Europe was stretched to full distance in the match against Yana NOSKOVA Europe’s no. 39 (11:9 6:11 1:11 11:8 11:7).   “We played together for four years in the same club. Russia’s national coach was my coach in the same club. If you look to the picture from that perspective it says much. There was no way I can prepare some special tactics my ultimate advantage was my mental strength. When it came to the fifth game I was stronger more focused and determined but even in the last game NOSKOVA came close in the middle section. I called for time out and then I concluded the match in my favor” explained SAMARA.   Daniela MONTEIRO DODEAN concluded her match in furious style. Polina MIKHAILOVA was always one step back (11:6 11:7 11:9).   “I have to admit I was afraid of this match. Polina played in superb shape here in Luxembourg. On the other side I am not very happy when I have to play against the player with defensive style. She is not entirely defensive player she is also good with attack but nevertheless I study her game very well because I knew it is not going to be easy ” said Daniela.   Bernadette SZOCS overcame Olga VOROBEVA (15:17 13:11 11:7 11:5).   “It is good for the team spirit and self confidence that we all won point each. I am so happy that I contributed ” said SZOCS.   Polina was disappointed.   ”Today was not our day because we played less well than expected and also anticipated a better result than 3-0. We haven’t played the Romanian team for a number of years and we have never beaten them but we are aware that a bronze medal is the lowest objective we wanted to achieve here as a Russian national team…Some matches and games today were really close but I cannot say that I or the others did anything wrong or that we lacked the mental strength to turn around games or matches when we were 2-1 up plus a lead in the 4th game. On some days you win such matches and on others you don’t….”  

Germany booked another final of the European Championships. In Luxembourg in the semi final of the Women’s Teams Event at the LIEBHERR ITTF European Championships reigning champions will fight for the sixth crown third in the row. Much harder then the rankings predicted they overcame Netherlands on their way to the ultimate stage.   It was Dutch team who was only ranked third in their Group who had a better start. LI Jie needed four games to overcame SHAN Xiaona (11:13 11:8 15:13 11:8) but it did not took long before champions stroke back. HAN Ying responded fiercely and beat Britt EERLAND (2:11 3:11 5:11).   “I did not expect such a close game against Netherlands. I knew we will need a lot of patience but to be honest I thought they would not put us under such pressure. However against Britt I did not have any problems. She is not very comfortable with my defensive style of play ” said HAN.   Kim VERMAAS 21 years old gave Netherlands another chance. She overcame Germany’s youngster 20 years old Nina MITTELHAM (11:7 7:11 6:11 11:7 11:9).   The crucial match was the one between LI Jie and HAN. HAN failed to convert few game balls in two opening sets and she was 0:2 down before she rebuilt her game (13:11 12:10 7:11 11:6 11:6).   “I was not confortable against LI. Generally I found it hard to play against defenders but I had my chances. When I saw that something has to be done and that I had to change the tactics I started to play like I did at the trainings. I do not like that kind of play but it was much safer and it proved as right decision ” said HAN.   SHAN Xiaona overcame Britt EERLAND to seal the match (6:11 5:11 11:3 9:11).   “I was too passive at the beginning. I made same mistakes in the match against Britt EERLAND in the third game like I did against LI but luckily I recovered fast with aggressive approach ” said SHAN.   With the tears in her eyes Britt EERLAND found a strength to look at the defeat from the good angle.   “I am sad we were very close. We came a long way by making the upset and beating Czech Republic in our group for the place in the top 8. I also avenged my Olympic Games defeat in the match against Austria and after 2011 we are at the medal rostrum again…It is wonderful result for such young team ” said Britt.    

The LIEBHERR 2017 European Championships continued to entertain on day 3 with a huge surprise an entertaining finish and some intriguing news for our table tennis fans.     The big surprise of the day was in the Men’s Team quarter finals where Slovenia made it through to the semi-final for the first time at the European Championships. In an inspired effort they defeated Sweden in a 3-2 thriller. Leader for the Slovenian team Bojan TOKIC won both matches though was pushed 3-2 by Anton KALLBERG. Darko JORGIC who secured the win for Slovenia with a solid 3-1 victory over Par GERELL summarised the emotions “we tried to fight and we gave our best but nobody was waiting for this result so I think everyone from Slovenia is very happy.” In the semi-final tomorrow at 19:00 they will take on Germany who powered passed Ukraine 3-0 and despite a straight sets win in his singles Timo BOLL wasn’t completely happy “in some parts of the match I didn’t play well I had a good start Kou LEI is a strong player if you let him play he is dangerous. Fortunately I was able to control the match.”   The big finish of the evening was another thriller in the Men’s Team with the togetherness of Portugal seeing off a determined effort by Croatia. Marcos FREITAS secured the overall team match score 3-1 with a hard fought 3-2 win against Andrej GACINA who had earlier defeated Tiago APOLONIA by the same score. Marcus commented “he (GACINA) is my doubles partner through mini and cadet tournaments we practiced together and we are close friends. I know he wants to win a medal for his country. There wasn’t an easy point as we know each other’s serves and top-spins very well.” Portugal will play France who came through very comfortably against Greece without losing a game. Quentin ROBINOT of France appraised his team’s performance “I think that from the beginning we were prepared for this fight. Simon started the match very well 3-0 and then the tough match between LEBESSON and GIONIS which Emmanuel won. So I was very confident that we lead 2-0 so it’s easier for me to play. My opponent played well but today I played better than him. I just focused on his forehand because I don’t like so the pimpled side so much then I fight and I play better and better. We are a strong team because we like each other and train a lot. And then it is easy to play with friends. We are happy with this medal but we will fight for gold.”   In the Women’s Team Quarter Finals there was a superb performance by the young Netherlands team defeating Austria 3-2. In the final match it was Britt EERLAND who pulled out the stops to secure an emphatic 3-0 first time win against the favourite LIU Jia. A delighted LI Jie who won both her singles matches (3-2 against LIU Jia in the opener and 3-0 against Sofia POLCANOVA) put the result into perspective “this victory is a very big thing for us because we are a new team. Li Jiao is now our coach we are a young team and to be in the quarter-finals was our goal so we can be very happy that we won this knockout match.”   The Netherlands will now take on Germany in the semi-final who accounted for Poland 3-0 with relatively easy victories for HAN Ying (3-1 against LI Qian) SHAN Xiaona (3-0 against Katarzyna GRZYBOWSKA-FRANC) and Nina MITTELHAM (3-1 against Natalia PARTYKA).   Russia reached the other semi-final with another 3-1 victory in these Championships this time against Hungary. In the first match Polina MIKHAILOVA of Russia defeated Dora MADARASZ 11-9 in the deciding fifth game. Another 3-2 followed this time Georgina POTA levelling the match for Hungary against Olga VOROBEVA. Then two 3-1 wins for Yana NOSKOVA and Polina MIKHAILOVA sealed the victory for Russia. Polina MIKHAILOVA commented “we were satisfied that we qualified for the Quarter Finals in first place from our group yesterday and we are glad to win the match against Hungary. We won’t stop fighting in the next matches but we will play under less pressure for a medal.”   Russia will play Romania at 13:00 tomorrow in the bottom half semi-final. Romania won 3-0 against Portugal although the opening two matches between Daniela MONTEIRO DODEAN (Romania) & YU Fu (Portugal) and Elizabeta SAMARA (Romania) & SHAO Jieni (Portugal) both went the distance five games. An easier outing for Bernadette SZOCS (Romania) winning 3-0 against Portugal’s Leila OLIVEIRA to complete the victory adding “I think that our team is in a really good mood and shape and we are mentally prepared.”   Full semi-finals line-up   Women’s Team:   Germany versus Netherlands at 10:00   Russia versus Romania at 13:00   Men’s Team:   France versus Portugal at 16:00   Germany versus Slovenia at 19:00   In other big news today results have confirmed further qualifiers from Europe for the World Championships in Halmstad Sweden next April. In the Women’s Teams 8 qualifiers include Azerbaijan Slovenia Italy England Turkey Lithuania Greece and Belgium. In the Men’s Teams 7 qualifiers are Hungary Turkey Lithuania Netherlands Switzerland Israel and Finland.   So will Luxembourg provided more fireworks on Day 4 semi-final Saturday? We’ll see you tomorrow to find out!   To note is live coverage continues tomorrow on Eurosport.   And of course you can always continue to follow the live scoring and match scores at ettu.org and keep up-to-date with us on social media Facebook (European Table Tennis Union) Twitter (@ETTU_Ttennis) and Instagram (ettu_official).    

Last years European champion and silver medalist in singles Emmanuel LEBESSON and Simon GAUZY alongside Quentin ROBINOT lead France to the medal in the Men’s Teams Event at the LIEBHERR ITTF European Championships in Luxembourg. In the quarterfinal they overcame Greece in straight matches.   In the opening match Simon GAUZY overcame Ioannis SGOUROPOULOS.   “We did not expect 3:0 at the end. Of course we were favorites but no one expected it would end without difficulties. It was easier since KREANGA was not in the team ” said GAUZY. “I never played against SGOUROPOULOS. I know he is European youth champion but I never had watched him play before.”   GAUZY was aware of potential danger.   “I remember well how it was when I was at his age and when I had to play against the players in the top 50 in the World. You are not under pressure and you can easily create the upset. That is why I was cautious ” said GAUZY.   Emmanuel LEBESSON overcame Panagiotis GIONIS whilst Quentin ROBINOT succeeded against Konstantinos PAPAGEORGIOU.   “From the beginning we were prepared for this match. We had a good start and after Emmanuel and Simon with 2:0 on the scoreboard I was very confident. The pressure was on PAPAGEORGIU. I know he could be very dangerous but today I was very good. I was focused on his forehand ” said ROBINOT.     PAPAGEORGIOU said: ”We knew that it would be very hard for us against France because they are far superior to us….On top of that our best player is not in good shape because of a harmstring injury..Our only chance would have been for him to win two matches every time but the way things go with his injury he will not do very well in this tournament.”  

In the powerful style against the 14 time title winners at the Old Continent Slovenia booked first ever medal at the LIEBHERR ITTF European Championships. In the Men’s Teams Event quarterfinal Bojan TOKIC Darko JORGIC and Deni KOZUL overcame Sweden 3:2 to claim their place in the top 4. Tomorrow they will meet six-times winners Germany.   Experienced Bojan TOKIC gave Slovenia dream start with the victory over Anton KALLBERG. Mattias KARLSSON and Kristian KARLSSON responded and overcame JORGIC and KOZUL. However once again Bojan was at the top of the game. He leveled the maters and once again in Luxembourg Slovenia faced decisive match. It was young JORGIC who showed that has the patience for the nervous wrecking finishes. In the fifth match he beat Par GERELL.   “By now we were always far from the top division at the European championships; we were playing in lower one. This is huge success for us. The way we achieved makes us even more pride. It did not come easy and we were far from the lucky draw. In our group we had two former champions Austria and Portugal. It has been tremendous journey so far. It was fantastic that we passed the group ” said TOKIC.   European medalist in singles TOKIC has the experience in the edgy matches but youngster showed they are mature for the big results as well.   “Darko won three out of three decisive matches at this Championships. Now he beat GERELL he overcame GARDOS and PISTEJ in Group satges. That is a really brave effort ” added TOKIC.   Instead of KALLBERG who lost first match in the decisive match coach BLOMQUIST introduced GERELL who is famous for his good service game. Unfortunately for Sweden it was JORGIC who controlled the game with his service game.     “I was ready to play against KALLBERG and GERELL was a surprise for me. I had never played against him. In addition I do not like very much to play against lefthanders. I had 25 minutes to prepare. Coach gave me good advices and I watched you tube video ” said JORGIC.   The sky is the limit now?   “Unfortunately I think Germany is the limit. They are big favorites here ” said TOKIC.   Germany overcame Ukraine in straight matches. Timo BOLL overcame KOU Lei in the opening match and Dimitrij OVTCHAROV and Ruwen FILIUS followed the path to the success.   “Timo did a good job at the beginning. At that point we broke Ukraine’s spirit. That was very important ” said OVTCHAROV.   Timo added: “We are still very far from the title. So far I am satisfied. KOU Lei is a strong adversary and I am happy with my victory and the way I kept everything under control.”

In the semi final of the Women’s Teams Event at the LIEBHERR ITTF European Championships Germany will meet Netherlands whilst Romania will play against Russia. In quarterfinal reigning champions beat Poland in straight matches whilst runners up from Ekaterinburg Romania prevailed against Portugal by the same margin.   Germany is on the good track to defend the title again. They are on the mission to continue the row that started in Schwechat. After 2013 they succeeded to the title in 2014 and 2015. Poland today showed no power to stop them.   “On paper it looks like the easy win but for us it was challenging task. It was not easy for me to play against LI Qian. She is very good against the players with the defensive style of play ” explained HAN Ying. “I had to be patient. The umpires asked us before if we wanted to play according to the expedite system but both of us declined. Only the first set seemed to be too slow. In the second set I used a more offensive tactic which helped me to win a close game.”   Against Netherlands they expects a hard match.   “A semi-final is a different game we have to be at our best if we want to win. Especially because the Dutch women are playing an excellent tournament so far. We have to be well prepared. “   SHAN Xiaona overcame Katarzyna GRZYBOWSKA-FRANC whilst Nina MITTELHAM overcame Natalia PARTYKA .   Another straight match victory launched Romania to the semis but Portugal did not went down easy. Daniela DODEAN MONTEIRO was stretched to full distance against YU Fu; it was the same in the duel between Elizabeta SAMARA and SHAO Jieni. Bernadette SZOCS beat Leila OLIVIERA.   “The crucial match was between Daniela and YU it was 2:2 and Daniela was down 5:9 but she recovered to win. In my match I repeated the mistakes I always do with SHAO. I played good at the start and then I eased the pressure and let her took the control. However it ended well because generally I played good. I am also happy with the performance of the whole team. We all one points and that is important for all of us. It boosted our self-confidence before the closing stages. We are ready for the gold now ” said SAMARA.   In recent history the Romanian team clinched silver in 2015 2013 2011 and 2010.