LIU Shiwen has regained the top spot on the ITTF World Rankings after her victories at the GAC Group 2015 ITTF World Tour Polish Open and ITTF Women’s World Cup in October.   LIU’s 4th success in 4 attempts at the Women’s World Cup has not only put her name on par alongside the legendary ZHANG Yining but also helped put her back to the no. 1 spot in the world.   The 24 year-old Chinese shared “I’m happy to be back on the number spot. I certainly hope to maintain the current good form I am in now and continue working hard to achieve more!”   LIU has replaced her compatriot 2015 World Champion DING Ning who had overtaken her since October to occupy the top position for a 23rd time. Dislodged from her no. 1 spot DING now occupies the third spot on the ranking which is her lowest position in four years the last time she was third in the World was in September 2011.   Despite her quarterfinal defeat to Netherland’s LI Jiao at the Women’s World Cup 20 year-old ZHU Yuling has reached her career’s highest advancing to second in the world with the help of her success in the doubles event at the Polish Open.   Other star players at the ITTF Women’s World Cup earlier last weekend in Sendai Japan also saw ascending of their world rankings in November. Surprise semifinalist after upsetting 2 top 10 players in a row Germany’s Petrissa Solja saw meteoric climb from no. 26 to no. 14 to reach her career best. Meanwhile Egypt’s Dina MESHREF climbed to no. 100 after becoming the first African player to ever qualify for the main draw of the Women’s World Cup.   Meanwhile 2015 World Champion and Men’s World Cup Champion MA Long continues to dominate the Men’s World Ranking for the 39th time in his career. 18 year old FAN Zhendong overtakes 2015 Mixed Double World Champion XU Xin to finish second in the world after claiming victory at the Polish Open and taking the 2nd place on his Men’s World Cup debut in Halmstad.   Runner-up at the Polish Open Austria’s Stefan FEGERL also saw a major jump from no. 42 to no.23 after surprising reigning Olympics Champion ZHANG Jike in the semifinals to prevent an all-Chinese Final.

International Photographic theme Competition – the “Obiettivo Tennistavolo”   The A.S.D. Tennistavolo Norbello Sport Club announced the International Photographic theme Competition – the “Obiettivo Tennistavolo”. Photo Contest is open to all amateurs with no age limits. The aim is to spread the image of table tennis.   Send one or more photographs (max 3) by E-MAIL no later than Sunday 29 November 2015 at: info@tennistavolonorbello.it.   Each participant will receive an email confirmation about photographs receipt.   All photos must be in JPG High Resolution format (Max 5 Mb). Pictures can also be processed with a Photoshop but the author must keep the original jpg or raw file format which – eventually- will be required to prove the ownership of the shot.   The jury is composed by three experienced photographers.   The three photographs selected by the jury will receive the following prizes:   1st prize: Digital compact camera + Bag Tucano 2nd prize: Tucano Bag for reflex Camera + Cover for I-Pad 3rd prize: Tucano Bag for Digital Camera + Cover for I-Phone   The award ceremony will be on Tuesday 8th December 2015 in Municipal Gym placed in Norbello Via Azuni (Oristano Italy) during the 6 Trophy “Città di Norbello” – International Table Tennis tournament. The winning photographs’ print will be entirely at the expense of A.S.D.

“My goal is to read in the future that it is not a big upset if I win against top players”   It was only the winner of the Women’s World Cup in Japan LIU Shiwen of China who managed to stop Petrissa SOLJA on her superb run last week. 21 years old player from Germany concluded the most successful tournament of her career. She clinched the bronze and $ 150 000. The way she did it is equally impressive as the final result. SOLJA beat world number six FENG Tianwei of Singapore and World number four Ai FUKUHARA of Japan before she was finally stopped by LIU Shiwen in the semi final. In the match for bronze she beat European Games champion LI Jiao of Netherlands. “My goal was at least to conclude the group stage as number one for getting probably a better draw and have a chance to win the second stage opening match. In my first match against KUMAHARA I had some problems but at the end it was getting better and I managed to win 4:2. In the second group’s match I knew this would be the crucial match for being no. 1 in the group ” explained SOLJA. Hungarian player Georgina POTA was next in line. “Gina and I are playing for the second year together in ttc berlin Eastside and we practice a lot together so we both knew each other quite well. I won 4:0. The first set was close but then I did not miss any ball. I reached my first goal.” SOLJA’s ambitions was far from accomplished. ” I was satisfied with the draw to play against FENG Tianwei. I played against her in the past and I was looking forward to this match to see my improvements. Of course I knew that I have a chance against her but for sure I didn’t expect to win 4:0!” The challenge became bigger in next round. “So after that my opponent was FUKUHARA. I lost already twice to her in the past. But also some years ago. The first game was all right but then the next two I did not create any chance and in the 4th set I even faced and saved a match point. I had a lot of problems with her pimples. I just tried to make the match as long as I could and then I started to feel her balls. At 3:3 I knew that I can definitely win. It was a miracle to win after 0:3.” Next one against LIU Shiwen… “For me she plays on a different level. It makes no different if FENG beat her some times. The first two games were quite close but then I guess I stopped believing and she was not under pressure anymore.” SOLJA’s journey to the first ever medal for Germany at the Women’s World Cup was far from over. She accepted the defeat and moved forward. ” The result was absolutely ok and I tried to focus on the match for the place no. 3. Against LI Jiao I lost like four times before and did not win even once. It was 0:2 and I thought “please I can’t lose again!” Then my tactics improved. And important situation was at 2:2 when I was leading 10:7 and then it was 10:10 but I still managed to win this game. At 3:2 I thought this is my chance! I took the opportunity. I’m so happy and very proud. I beat three top players in one competition who I never had beat before. Of course I think I improved my technique and tactics but also I guess that I have more experience now and know better what to do in the match.” SOLJA reached the new level this season. “I feel that I need this; these matches against the top players. These matches are pushing me forward. Of course I know that I cannot win always. I reached a different level now and I will try to maintain this position.” There is only one thought in Petrissa’s mind now. “My big goal is Rio 2016. I want to qualify for the team and single competition. I guess I have even better chance now after this result. I made history. No woman from Germany before could win a medal and I am so proud.” Next tournament for SOLJA will be the Swedish Open. ” I will try to continue on the same path. In December we will play the Grand Finals. I guess I will qualify in doubles. Next year in Malaysia at the World Championships we have a good chance to win a medal. Our German team is very strong. For the future I want to strengthen my level of play or make it even better. My goal is to read in the future that it’s not a big surprise anymore if I win against top players.”

Liu Shiwen claims 4th gold at 2015 ITTF Women’s World Cup   With a remarkable 4: 2 over European Games champion LI Jiao of Netherlands in the clash for the bronze medal at the Women’s World Cup Petrissa SOLJA concluded the most successful tournament of her career. Third place and $ 150 000 in Japan are equally impressive as the way SOLJA reached the new highs.   SOLJA who beat world number six FENG Tianwei of Singapore and World number four Ai FUKUHARA of Japan before her remarkable run was finally stopped by the eventual winner LIU Shiwen in the semi final.   42 year old LI Jiao proved that she was not slowing down with age as she caused the biggest upset of 2015 by beating the number two seed and Asian champion ZHU Yuling of China in the quarter finals before coming up short against ISHIKAWA in the final four showdown.   SOLJA proved to be too strong in the bronze medal decider winning 7-11 6-11 11-2 11-8 12-10 11-8 against the tiring LI to become the first ever German to win an ITTF Women’s World Cup bronze medal.   The success at the most important tournament after the Olympic Games and World Championships catapult the 21-year-old player from Berlin in the Olympic year with the new perspective of the Rio 2016. By winning the bronze in such fierce competition she proved she can be competitive in such fierce competition.   SOLJA who just briefly said: “I’m just totally happy” secured the first ever bronze at the Women’s World Cup for German in the history.   “The brilliant game that led her to the semi finals crowned with success in the match for third place meant that SOLJA finally justified her status as a top player. The match point against LI Jiao at the World Cup in Sendai came as masterpiece and she certainly set new standards.   “Peti has rose in Sendai to a new level – in terms of play tactic and mental strength. She can play with success against the Asian players and that is very important for the motivation for entire team before the start of the Olympic Games ” said national coach Jie SCHÖPP.   LIU Shiwen has became the equal most successful player in ITTF Women’s World Cup history by winning her fourth title in as many attempts at the 2015 ITTF Women’s World Cup which concluded today 1 November in Sendai Japan. The 24 year old added the 2015 title to those that she claimed in 2009 2012 and 2013 to be equal with the legendary ZHANG Yining with four ITTF World Cup crowns.   The world number two reached this historic feat by defeating the great Japanese hope Kasumi ISHIKAWA 14-12 11-2 11-9 11-2 in the final to silence the capacity crowd at the Xebio Arena.   After lifting the famous cup Liu stated: “At the vital times I really had to make sure that I was positive; certainly it is a greater honour to be named alongside ZHANG Yining winning four ITTF Women’s World Cup titles. This victory will hopefully boost my chances of being selected in the Chinese Olympic team for Rio 2016.”   ISHIKAWA was happy with her silver medal but was disappointed she could not win a dream gold in front of her home crowd: “I led 10-9 in the first game. I had a chance I missed the chance but Liu Shiwen is a superb player overall I have to be pleased with my efforts in this tournament.”   The world’s best table tennis players now head to GAC Group 2015 World Tour Swedish Open which begins on 11 December. This is the final chance for players to collect priceless Race to Lisbon points to qualify for the prestigious GAC Group 2015 World Tour Grand Finals to be held in Lisbon Portugal on 10-13 December 2015.

2015 ITTF World Cadet Challenge in Sharm El-Sheikh

With nine medals in total Europe is the best team in overall standings at the end of the 2015 ITTF World Cadet Challenge in Sharm El-Sheikh. The successful row that started with the gold and silver in Team’s Event continued in Cadet Boys and Girls singles doubles and mixed doubles events.

“We had great 11 days packed with quality work and good results. We seized every opportunity that arose to improve our game and to compete with the best. I am proud of the fighting spirit the team spirit and unity  that out team showed. I think this will bring a great energy to our youngsters and great motivation for the future work. In addition I think it will also give us hope that we can do something similar in senior category. I am grateful for all support we had from ETTU and our sponsor TIBHAR ” said ETTU Development Manager Neven CEGNAR.

Romania’s Cristian PLETEA Lithuania’s Medardas STANKEVICIUS and Sweden’s Truls MOREGARD had combined to secure gold for Europe in the Boys’ Team event but they did not stop there. All three secured the medals in the singles event. The player from who was least expected –Truls MOREGARD went further; he clinched silver. Top seeded Cristian PLETEA won bronze after he beat STANKEVICIUS in the match for the third position. Swede lost his final encounter against YANG Shuo of China (12-14 12-10 10-12 11-8 9-11 13-11 11-6).

Romania’s Andreea DRAGOMAN also clinched silver. In the final she suffered by the hands of Brazil’s Bruna TAKAHASHI (8-11 11-3 10-12 12-10 11-9 6-11 9-11). In the semi final Russia’s Anastasia KOLISH also lost against TAKAHASHI (10-12 6-11 11-8 10-12 8-11). Zdena BLASKOVA of Czech Republic and KOLISH clinched silver in Cadet Girls Doubles Event. In the final they lost against Japan’s CHOI Haeeun and Maki SHIOMI (3-11 12-14 11-8 6-11).

At the quarter-final stage Cristian PLETEA beat Korea’s SONG Hyunjun the no.5 seed (7-11 11-8 4-11 9-11 11-9 11-7 11-5); Medardas STANKEVICIUS the no.7 seed upset the order of merit by overcoming Jack WANG of the United States the no.4 seed (11-9 11-9 11-2 6-11 12-10) whilst Truls MOREGARD excelled all expectations to beat Japan’s Koyo KANAMITSU the no.2 seed. MOREGARD emerged successful by the very narrowest of margins in a seven games thriller (11-9 11-6 9-11 9-11 11-4 9-11 11-9).

In the quarterfinal of the Boys Doubles Event Truls MOREGARD and Medardas STANKEVICIUS justified their no.3 seeded position by overcoming the combination of Argentina’s Martin BENTANCOR and Brazil’s Guilherme TEODORO by the very narrowest of margins (2-11 11-5 12-10 9-11 16-14).

In the semi-finals Truls MOREGARD and Medardas STANKEVICIUS lost against Koyo KANAMITSU and Yang SHUO (9-11 9-11 9-11).

In the Mixed Doubles Event MOREGARD partnering Adriana DIAZ clinched gold whilst Cristian PLETEA with CHENG Zhiying won bronze.

21 year old stunned the 2 000 plus crowd in the Xebio Arena

Who ever though that Germany’s Petrissa SOLJA already caused enough surprises at the Women’s World Cup in Sendai with the morning first round upset and victory over the no.5 seed Singapore’s FENG Tianwei – he was definitely wrong. In an impressive manner less than six hours later the 21 year old caused an even bigger upset and stunned the 2 000 plus crowd in the Xebio Arena; she beat Ai FUKUHARA in a dramatic seven games duel.

Petrissa SOLJA looked lost after Ai FUKUHARA won the first three games. Gradually in the fourth games she came to terms with the speed of the rallies but at 11-12 she faced match point. The point was saved; Petrissa SOLJA won the next three points; those three points totally turned the match on its head she adjusted to the speed of the exchanges her top spin play assumed a higher level of consistency. Incredibly she recovered to record a seven games victory (8-11 6-11 2-11 14-12 11-5 11-8 11-6).

Kasumi ISHIKAWA the no.4 seed beat Austria’s LIU Jia the no14 seed in a duel littered with rallies that must have had the umpire looking at his watch to see if the Expedite Rule needed to be applied. Eventually Kasumi Ishikawa prevailed in six games (11-8 6-11 5-11 17-15 11-3 11-7).

At the age of 42 LI Jiao of Netherlands is not giving up. Her remarkable skills are dangerous as ever. LI booked her place at the Women’s World Cup as a fourth player at the European Top 16 held earlier this year in Baku. Little bit later in June LI won gold medal at the European Games at the very same city.

For sure she maintained her winning shape in Japan. Today the no.13 seed LI beat China’s ZHU Yuling the no.2 seed in six games (11-8 9-11 11-9 11-8 2-11 12-10) to win the battle of the generations; ZHU Yuling is 20 years of age.

It was the first time that Li Jiao and Zhu Yuling had met in the international arena.

One match earlier it had been success for Chinese star LIU Shiwen the top seed; she accounted for Turkey’s HU Melek the no.11 seed in six games (10-12 11-4 11-3 11-1 11-5).

At the semi-final stage LIU Shiwen plays Petrissa SOLJA LI Jiao opposes Kasumi ISHIKAWA.