The city of Győr in Hungary in collaboration with Club Aréna is pleased to announce the organization of the International Table Tennis Competition “Cup of Hopes” for the third time. The Club Arena Sport Centre one of the most important table tennis complex in Hungary part of the ETTU’s Network of European Training Centres. This competition will feature categories for both boys and girls in the U11 U12 U13 and U15 age groups. Date: 25-28 April 2024 Phone: (+36-30)-580-2519 e-mail: herendiivan@gmail.com
Despiet the defeat MUSEO DE LA ALMENDRA FRANCISCO MORALES reached semis
“Despite the defeat in the second leg of the Europe Cup Women quarterfinal MUSEO DE LA ALMENDRA FRANCISCO MORALES reached the semis. They went the full distance against UCAM CARTAGENA after the club from Priego De Cordoba won the opening leg 3-1. The hosts the club who clinched the title in Europe Cup four times before last time in 2022 had a better start tonight. Maria XIAO beat Patricia SANTOS but she failed to repeat the success against Meng JIAQI. Meng also defeated Sofia-Xuan ZHANG. In the middle Ye LIN overcame Marija GALONJA. “Although we lost 3:2 we managed to win two matches which was important for us to advance. I think it will take us a couple of days to really believe that we succeeded in reaching the semifinals ” said Marija GALONJA. Maria XIAO showed true sport spirit after the match. “We knew it would be a very tough match as we lost in the first leg 3-1. They have a strong number 1 player and that made the difference in both matches. It’s great to have a Spanish club in the semifinals of the competition so we congratulate them and wish them good luck for the semifinals.” Hungary’s SH-ITB Budaörsi Sport Romania’s SM Constanta and Portugal’s Clube Ténis de Mesa de Mirandela are also in the penultimate stage of the Europe Cup Women. UCAM CARTAGENA – MUSEO DE LA ALMENDRA FRANCISCO MORALES 3-2 Maria XIAO – Patricia SANTOS 3-0 (11-7 11-7 11-2) Sofia-Xuan ZHANG – Meng JIAQI 1-3 (11-6 7-11 5-11 5-11) Ye LIN – Marija GALONJA 3-0 (14-12 11-5 11-9) Maria XIAO – Meng JIAQI 1-3 (8-11 11-3 7-11 10-12) Sofia-Xuan ZHANG – Patricia SANTOS 3-1 (11-5 11-2 9-11 11-5)
SH-ITB Budaörsi Sport justified their status
Last year’s runners-up SH-ITB Budaörsi Sport justified their status by reaching the semi-finals of the Europe Cup Women after a victory over HB Ostrov z.s. from Czechia. Hungary’s club joined Romania’s SM Constanta and Portugal’s Clube Ténis de Mesa de Mirandela in the penultimate stage of the Europe Cup Women. In the quarterfinals two clubs were forced to play the Golden match after both legs concluded in favor of the hosts in five matches. Tonight Dora MADARASZ Helga DARI and Georgina POTA all scored for the Hungarian club while Zdena BLASKOVA was the only player to score for the guests. In the golden match POTA and MADARASZ emerged successfully after a tight finish. SH-ITB Budaörsi Sport Club – HB Ostrov z.s. 3-2 Dora MADARASZ – Tatiana KUKULKOVA 3-0 (11-7 15-13 11-8) Georgina POTA – Zdena BLASKOVA 1-3 (11-7 7-11 8-11 7-11) Helga DARI – Linda ZADEROVA 3-2 (7-11 8-11 11-8 13-11 6-3) Dora MADARASZ – Zdena BLASKOVA 0-3 (9-11 5-11 8-11) Georgina POTA – Tatiana KUKULKOVA 3-0 (11-7 11-3 11-7) Golden match SH-ITB Budaörsi Sport Club – HB Ostrov z.s. 2-0 Georgina POTA – Linda ZADEROVA 11-9 Dora MADARASZ – Zdena BLASKOVA 13-11
Bosnia and Herzegovina Set to Host the European Team Championship Stage 1
The ETTU Executive Board has awarded the hosting right for the European Team Championships First Stage to Sarajevo. The Bosnia and Herzegovina Table Tennis Federation is gearing up for a significant challenge as it prepares to host the third event in the third year. Scheduled to take place from January 21 to 26 2025 the Championships will be held at the same venue that will host the Olympic Singles Qualifications in 2024 and in 2023 welcomed the European Under 21 Championships. “We are delighted to announce that Sarajevo Bosnia-Herzegovina has been awarded the honour of hosting not only the 2024 European Olympic Singles Qualification event but also the 2025 European Team Championships First Stage. As the President of ETTU I extend my warmest congratulations to the Table Tennis Federation of Bosnia-Herzegovina and the city of Sarajevo for securing the hosting rights for these significant table tennis competitions. We anticipate that Sarajevo’s unique blend of cultural richness warm hospitality and sporting fervour will contribute to the success and prestige of these events. The decision underscores the Table Tennis Federation of Bosnia-Herzegovina capacity to organize top-tier events and solidifies its standing as a premier destination for high-stakes competitions in Europe. We have full confidence that the local organizing committee in collaboration with the National Federation and the city of Sarajevo will deliver exceptional events that showcase the best of European table tennis ” stated ETTU Acting President Pedro MOURA. Highlighting the unique aspect of the competition being held in a winter setting President of the TTF Bosnia and Herzegovina Mirsad PAJEVIĆ mentioned “This competition is organized in a winter ambiance providing an opportunity to visit the Olympic mountains of Igman Jahorina and Bjelašnica.” Expressing enthusiasm for the upcoming challenge the director of the national team Anes ALIĆ stated “This poses a great challenge for our association and we will strive to ensure the best possible conditions for these qualifications.” BiHF Secretary General Amela MUJAZINOVIC emphasizing the significance of organizing and hosting the team qualifications said “Organizing and hosting team qualifications is a great recognition for us and in the future we plan to be applicants for competitions at the highest European level.”
KS DARTOM BOGORIA Grodzisk Mazowiecki completed the Europe Cup semi-final line-up
After a thrilling Europe Cup quartefinal opening leg that went the full distance KS DARTOM BOGORIA Grodzisk Mazowiecki overcame SKI CUKIER GWIAZDA in three matches at home soil. The duel between two Polish clubs ended in favor of Marek BADOWSKI Panagiotis GIONIS and Takuya JIN. In the semis KS DARTOM BOGORIA Grodzisk Mazowiecki will play against the French A.S PONTOISE-CERGY TT and Austria’s SPG Felbermayr Wels will meet the second Polish representative in the penultimate stage KS DEKORGLASS DZIAŁDOWO. Tonight the duel commenced with a dream start from BADOWSKI who beat Taku TAKAKIWA and continued with a close encounter between the Greek GIONIS and Moldova’s Vladislav URSU. Takuya JIN beat Leonardo MUTTI. The winer of the two gold medals in singles and doubles at recently finished European Under 21 Championships in Skopje Milosz REDZIMSKI was not listed to play tonight. “From the beginning it was very tough. We had to play without Milosz REDZIMSKI. He is very tired because he had so many matches in previous weeks. In addition we lost the opening leg 2-3 so there was no room for errors. The key point was to beat URSU ” explained GIONIS. “On the other side at home soil we always play very well. We have great support from our fans; they give us energy and passion. I also found the right tactics for URSU. Our record before the game was 2:2 and I managed to find the right way this time to beat him although he presented very strong opposition. In the end Takuya JIN also played an incredible match against Leonardo MUTTI. We are very happy to reach the semi-final.” KS DARTOM BOGORIA Grodzisk Mazowiecki – SKI CUKIER GWIAZDA 3-0 Marek BADOWSKI – Taku TAKAKIWA 3-1 (11-8 9-11 11-5 11-6) Panagiotis GIONIS – Vladislav URSU 3-2 (9-11 11-7 9-11 11-4 6-0) Takuya JIN – Leonardo MUTTI 3-2 (9-11 12-10 8-11 11-4 6-1)
European Youth Championships Returning to Czechia for Centennial Anniversary
The ETTU Executive Board has awarded the 2025 European Youth Championships to the Czech city of Ostrava. This marks the third time that Ostrava will host the event at the same venue – the RT Torax Arena. The Championships are scheduled to take place from the 11th to the 20th of July in 2025. “I wish to congratulate the Czech Table Tennis Association and the city of Ostrava for securing the hosting rights for this prestigious ETTU event. The decision reflects their dedication to fostering the growth of table tennis among the youth and their commitment to providing a memorable and competitive platform for young talents across Europe ” stated Acting President Pedro MOURA.”We look forward to witnessing the next generation of table tennis stars competing in the heart of Ostrava and we are confident that the Czech Table Tennis Association and the city will create an exceptional environment for these young athletes to shine. Our sincere appreciation goes to the Association for their bid and following presentation to the Executive Board. The European Table Tennis Union is excited about the collaboration and is confident that the 2025 European Youth Championships will be a resounding success.” Czech Table Tennis Association President Nikolas ENDAL pointed out that 2025 is a special year for the Association. “We previously held the Youth European Championships at the same venue in 2013 and 2019 so the RT Torax Arena is a well-established table tennis venue. The Executive Board of the Czech Table Tennis Association is very pleased to have been entrusted with the organization. In 2025 Czech table tennis will celebrate its 100th anniversary since its foundation. The Youth European Championships in Ostrava will be one of the highlights of the celebration and we believe that all its participants will once again be satisfied with the hospitality.”
The Europe Top 16 Cup stays in Swiss Montreux in 2025
The ETTU Executive Board awarded the 2025 Europe Top 16 Cup to Swiss Montreux. For a fourth season in the row and for seventh time in eight years the best 32 players in Europe will be invited to compete in the Salle Omnisport du Pierrier with an exclusive view of Lake Geneva. The conditions location and the continuance were the strong points in favor of the Swiss hosts which brings the Europe Top 16 Cup in Switzerland for a 54th edition of the tournament. “I am thrilled to confirm that Montreux Switzerland will continue its legacy as the proud host of the 2025 Europe Top 16 Cup. This decision is a testament to Montreux’s exceptional track record unparalleled hospitality and its dedication to providing an outstanding stage for top-tier table tennis competition. We are confident that the local organizing committee the Swiss Table Tennis Association and the city of Montreux will once again set the standard for excellence making the year of 2025 edition of the Europe Top 16 Cup a truly memorable experience for players and fans alike ” stated ETTU Acting President Pedro MOURA.
Full-distance thriller goes in favor of HB Ostrov
After nearly three hours HB Ostrov z.s. secured victory in the opening leg of the quarterfinals of the Europe Cup Women. In a five-match showdown on home soil the Czech team overcame Hungary’s SH-ITB Budaörsi Sport Club. Georgina POTA earned both points for the guests while on the other side Tatiana KUKULKOVA Zdena BLASKOVA and Linda ZADEROVA each secured one point for Ostrov. Zdena BLASKOVA went the full distance twice; she lost against POTA but showed nerves of steel to prevail against Helga DARI in the decisive game of the match. HB Ostrov z.s. – SH-ITB Budaörsi Sport Club 3-2 Tatiana KUKULKOVA – Helga DARI 3-0 (11-6 12-10 11-7) Zdena BLASKOVA – Georgina POTA 2-3 (11-4 5-11 11-6 8-11 1-6) Linda ZADEROVA – Maria FAZEKAS 3-1 (10-12 11-8 11-7 11-8) Tatiana KUKULKOVA – 0-3 (2-11 5-11 7-11) Zdena BLASKOVA – Helga DARI 3-2 (11-8 10-12 7-11 11-9 6-0)
TTC RADNIČKI will host Europe Trophy Grand Final in Novi Sad Copy
Executive Board of the ETTU has selected the Club TTC RADNIČKI 1972 BEOČIN from Serbia as the organizer of the Europe Trophy Grand Finals women and men. The tournament will be played from 31st May to 2nd June 2024. “This is great honor for the municipality of Beočin and for our club bestowed upon us by the ETTU. We look forward to renewed collaboration. Last season we hosted one of the groups in the first phase and now we have the opportunity to host all the teams in the final stage in both categories. A new opportunity to show that Beočin is a table tennis hub and for all table tennis enthusiasts in Serbia to enjoy the most massive club European competition of the new millennium in our country – said club president Mijodrag GRANDIĆ. Grand Final qualifier men: Lille Metropole TT (FRA) (Winner region I) De Boer Taverzo (NED) (Runner-up region I) Eskilstuna BTK (SWE) (Winner region II) Pöytätennis Espoo (FIN) (Runner-up region II) STK Vyhne (SVK) (Winner region III/C) SK Vydrany (SVK) (Runner-up region III/C) TJ Geolog Roznava (SVK) (Winner region III/D) KAP-OFF (TUR) (Runner-up region III/D) Panathinaikos A.C. (GRE) (Winner region IV/E) ASD TT Santa Tecla Nulvi (ITA) (Winner region IV/F) TTC RADNIČKI 1972 BEOČIN (SRB) (3rd place region IV) Arteal TDM (ESP) (Winner region V) Grand Final qualifier women: KTTC AFP Antwerpen (BEL) (Winner region I) Club Pongiste Lyssois Lille Métropole CP (FRA) (Runner-up region I) Wamet Dobry Wiązar Dąbcze (POL) (Winner region II ASV Kufstein I (AUT) (Winner region III) SCO Bodensdorf (AUT) (Runner-up region III) Dr. Casl (CRO) (Winner region IV /D) STK Aquaestil (CRO) (Winner region IV /E) AD Muravera TT -B- (ITA) (3rd place IV)
JORGIC: Home crowd will push us to victory
The draw for the Champions League Final Four was conducted today in Saarbrücken. In the semifinal on Sunday March 31 2024 the hosts reigning champions 1. FC Saarbrücken TT will face off against TTC Neu-Ulm and in the other penultimate stage duel six times winners Borussia Düsseldorf will meet SolexConsult TTC Wiener Neustadt. “To play against 1. FC Saarbrücken TT in the semifinal is a really tough draw but there were no easy we could get. We could only draw 1. FC Saarbrücken TT or Borussia Düsseldorf two fantastic teams ” said Truls MOREGARDH who was present at the draw today. The Swede promised a great match. “We will do our best to beat the hosts and Darko and Patrick as leading players. They are very strong players and always good in the Champions League and in the Bundesliga. We will give our best to take them down on their home soil which will be very tough but it is the last chance for TTC Neu-Ulm in the Champions League at least for now and we want to do something special ” said Truls. At the draw the hosts were represented by Darko JORGIC. “We will play against a very dangerous team with three players in the top 20 at the World rankings. However I believe that we can overcome all the challenges and celebrate in those two days in front of the home crowd. I hope we will show our best performance on Sunday and Monday to retain the trophy at home ” said JORGIC. Slovenia’s player continued: “When we play well we can beat everyone and we already proved it and I hope we will celebrate again on April 1st.
