In the Champions League Men Group D SPG Felbermayr Wels overcame Portugal’s Sporting Clube de Portugal. It is the first win for the Austrian team after they lost to Borussia Düsseldorf twice. Tonight Andreas LEVENKO beat Diogo CARVALHO and Bode ABIODUN lost to Joao MONTEIRO as well. SPG Felbermayr Wels – Sporting Clube de Portugal 3-2 Joao MONTEIRO – Bode ABIODUN 3-0 (11-8 11-9 11-6) Andreas LEVENKO – Diogo CARVALHO 3-2 (9-11 9-11 11-9 11-7 6-4) Jiri MARTINKO – Diogo CHEN 0-3 (13-15 7-11 4-11) Joao MONTEIRO – Diogo CARVALHO 0-3 (6-11 11-13 9-11) Andreas LEVENKO – Bode ABIODUN 3-0 (11-6 11-7 13-11)
Drama in Tours ended in favor of Novi Sad
The longest match in tonight’s Champions League women’s program took place in France. In Group A after three and a half hours Novi Sad from Serbia emerged victorious against JOUE LES TOURS TT with a 3-2 score. In Group B in Czechia SKST Plus Hodonín defeated UCAM CARTAGENA 3-1 while in Group C GRAND-QUEVILLY ALCL in France lost to LINZ AG Froschberg 1-3. In Tours Novi Sad from Serbia fielded a strengthened lineup with Hong Kong’s LAM Yee Look making her season debut and securing two points for Novi Sad with victories over China’s HE Li and Audrey ZARIF. Tijana JOKIC added the third point in the duel against Nolwenn FORT. “This is a huge win for us one of the most important since we started playing in the Champions League. Beating such a strong team on home soil is a great achievement for us ” said coach Slobodan Stojanov. Novi Sad had lost the opening encounter in the group against reigning champions KTS ENEA SIARKOPOL Tarnobrzeg 1-3; the Polish team also beat JOUE LES TOURS TT 3-0. In Group B SKST Plus Hodonín proved too strong for UCAM CARTAGENA once again. In the previous encounter the Czech club won 3-2 and this time they needed one match less. SAINT QUENTIN TT also defeated the Spanish club. “We are happy that we won today. The whole team played really well and teamwork paid off. I am happy that I was able to win two points today but the most important thing is that I played really well and enjoyed the match ” said Natalia PARTYKA. She overcame LIN Ye and Maria XIAO. “In the match against Maria after it was 2:1 for me and I was down 8:4 somehow I leveled to 9:9 and eventually won 3:1. I wanted to avoid the 5th set ” added PARTYKA. After two defeats in Group C against ETIVAL ASRTT and GRAND-QUEVILLY ALCL top seed LINZ AG Froschberg managed to record their first win. The Austrian club avenged their defeat against GRAND-QUEVILLY ALCL. Suthasini SAWETTABUT recorded two wins against Anais SALPIN and WU Jiaduo while Sofia POLCANOVA beat SALPIN in the opening match to give her team a good start. JOUE LES TOURS TT – Novi Sad 2-3 HE Li – LAM Yee Look 2-3 (18-20 11-9 7-11 11-9 5-6) Audrey ZARIF – Aneta MAKSUTI 3-1 (12-10 8-11 11-9 11-7) Nolwenn FORT – Tijana JOKIC 1-3 (8-11 11-8 8-11 9-11) HE Li – Aneta MAKSUTI 3-1 (5-11 12-10 11-6 11-9) Audrey ZARIF – LAM Yee Look 1-3 (11-8 8-11 6-11 9-11) SKST Plus Hodonín – UCAM CARTAGENA 3-1 Natalia PARTYKA – LIN Ye 3-1 (11-8 4-11 11-8 11-5) Solomiya BRATEYKO – Maria XIAO 2-3 (7-11 11-7 11-5 5-11 3-6) JEE Minhyung – Sofia-Xuan ZHANG 3-0 (11-7 11-7 11-9) Natalia PARTYKA – Maria XIAO 3-1 (4-11 11-8 11-9 11-9) GRAND-QUEVILLY ALCL – LINZ AG Froschberg 1-3 Anais SALPIN – Sofia POLCANOVA 0-3 (7-11 8-11 3-11) WU Jiaduo – Suthasini SAWETTABUT 2-3 (11-3 9-11 11-5 3-11 5-6) Isa COK – Yana NOSKOVA 3-2 (6-11 11-7 11-7 8-11 6-2) Anais SALPIN – Suthasini SAWETTABUT 0-3 (6-11 5-11 7-11)
Table Tennis Making Strides in the Health Sector: The NeuroPongTM Project
Antonio BARBERA an Italian doctor living in the United States for over two decades faced a significant life shift when he experienced two episodes of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) causing severe physical impairments. MS is a neurodegenerative condition affecting the central nervous system leading to damage to nerve fibers’ protective sheath (myelin) and nerve cells. After battling the aftermath of MS attacks BARBERA noticed that playing table tennis (TT) seemed to alleviate one of his “invisible symptoms”—a constant sense of chest tightness. Inspired by this personal revelation he delved into research to explore the potential benefits of TT for individuals with neurodegenerative conditions like MS Parkinson’s (PD) and Alzheimer’s (AD). Antonio founded the non-profit organization Table Tennis Connections aiming to raise awareness about TT’s multitude of benefits. He initiated the NeuroPongTM Project a TT program tailored for people with neurodegenerative conditions. Antonio’s objective is not only to promote the physical emotional and social advantages of TT but also to scientifically support its efficacy in aiding brain functionality. Understanding the concept of neuroplasticity the brain’s ability to form new cells and connections through proper training Antonio aims to utilize TT as a tool to enhance the cognitive abilities of those with neurodegenerative conditions. The NeuroPongTM Project has taken root in various locations in the United States collaborating with medical institutions and Memory Care centers. Expanding the project globally Antonio brought it to Italy in collaboration with the Mondino Foundation and the ASD TT 2009 Association. A research protocol on the benefits of TT for individuals with MS was established involving local medical professionals and TT enthusiasts. Dr. Barbera’s collaboration with the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) Foundation further underscores the scientific backing of his project. Presenting his findings at the first World Congress TT4 Health Congress in Crete Greece organized by the ITTF Foundation Antonio showed the positive effects of TT on individuals living with PD. Another protocol focusing on participants with AD is set to commence in Colorado. The NeuroPongTM Project aspires to engage more European locations fostering collaboration between healthcare providers TT clubs and local communities to promote the holistic benefits of this remarkable sport. Table Tennis Connections http://neuropong.org http://tabletennisconnections.org
A.S PONTOISE-CERGY TT secured points in Havirov
In Czechia A.S PONTOISE-CERGY TT overcame Tesla Batteries Havirov in Group A of the Champions League Men. In the same group 1. FC Saarbrücken TT e.V. also defeated the Czech club. Marcos FREITAS LIM Jonghoon and Mehdi BOULOUSSA managed to beat Tomas POLANSKY Jan VALENTA and Adam STALZER without losing an individual match. “Of course we are happy that we won 3-0. It was our first game in the Champions League this season which always means a bit of nervousness. But we performed very well. We are doing well in the French PRO A so we believed in ourselves. The match with Tomáš POLANSKÝ was not easy. I know him from international tournaments and I know he is a very good player. The first game didn’t work out for me; I had to get used to the venue and the balls. But then I got into a good pace and I was better ” said Marcos FREITAS. On Thursday Havirov will host 1. FC Saarbrücken TT e.V. in the third match in Group A. Tesla Batteries Havirov – A.S PONTOISE-CERGY TT 0-3 Tomas POLANSKY – Marcos FREITAS 1-3 (11-9 7-11 10-12 4-11) Jan VALENTA – LIM Jonghoon 0-3 (11-13 6-11 4-11) Adam STALZER – Mehdi BOULOUSSA 1-3 (12-10 12-14 5-11 3-11)
Away Victory for QUATTRO MORI Cagliari
In Group D of the Champions League Women SH-ITB Budaörsi Sport Club faced defeat against QUATTRO MORI Cagliari. “It was a very tough match; in the morning we didn’t feel very comfortable with the hall but we tried to adapt and stay positive. I am very proud of my performance; I played with a really good tactic and I am happy with this win because Dora is a very strong player. I am also pleased with my teammates and we are looking forward to the next matches ” said Tania PLAIAN. In Group D French Metz TT remains unbeaten with two wins against Italian and Hungarian clubs. “Our players fought well but the opponents played better today. I believe the girls did their best and we had some really close games. Considering these games I have to say I am satisfied but the final result not so much. We will welcome Metz here in Hungary and then we have to travel to Italy so we will have a hard week ahead ” said Krisztina SZVITAN head of SH ITB Budaörs. SH-ITB Budaörsi Sport Club- QUATTRO MORI Cagliari 1-3 Dora MADARASZ- Tania PLAIAN 0-3 (9-11 9-11 9-11) Georgina POTA Elizabet ABRAAMIAN 1-3 (11-8 8-11 5-11 8-11) Helga DARI -WU Xinxin 3-1 (11-8 11-7 6-11 16-14) Dora MADARASZ- Elizabet ABRAAMIAN 2-3 (11-7 6-11 13-11 7-11 5-6)
Germany’s Clubs in Dominant Form
Borussia Düsseldorf is setting a commanding pace in Champions League Men Group D with three consecutive victories. Tonight they once again secured a triumph this time against SPG Felbermayr Wels. The German club had previously emerged victorious against Portugal’s Sporting Clube de Portugal in Group D. Simultaneously in Group B TTC Neu-Ulm fulfilled their duty by defeating HB Ostrov z.s. for the second time. The Czech club also faced defeat at the hands of Poland’s KS DARTOM BOGORIA Grodzisk Mazowiecki. Following their 3-0 victory in the quarterfinals against Bad Königshofen Borussia Düsseldorf on the back of impressive performances has moved a step closer to securing a spot in the semi-final of the Final 4. “I am very happy that I won my first Champions League match. It was not the best performance ever but I am satisfied with the win ” said HAUG. “It was a very solid performance from the whole team. Kay at the beginning gave us a good start. He lost the opening game but made a good return to the match. Anton was on his usual top performance.” TTC Neu-Ulm continued their excellent form against HB Ostrov z.s. displaying no vulnerabilities in their performance tonight. The group winners will progress to the semi-finals. SPG Felbermayr Wels – Borussia Düsseldorf 0-3 Andreas LEVENKO – Kay STUMPER 1-3 (11-6 9-11 10-12 3-11) Joao MONTEIRO – Anton KALLBERG 1-3 (7-11 8-11 11-5 7-11) Jiri MARTINKO – Borgar HAUG 1-3 (11-6 5-11 11-13 8-11) TTC Neu-Ulm – HB Ostrov z.s. 3-0 Dimitrij OVTCHAROV – David REITSPIES 3-1 (11-9 8-11 11-8 11-5) Truls MOREGARD – Tomas MARTINKO 3-0 (11-6 11-8 11-8) Quadri ARUNA – Pavel IRUCEK Pavel 3-1 (11-8 7-11 11-5 15-13)
POLSKI CUKIER Gwiazda won – Two Polish Clubs in Quarters
The list of clubs that emerge victorious from the Round of 16 to the Europe Cup Men quarterfinals is complete. The last club to secure a spot in the quarters was POLSKI CUKIER Gwiazda. POLSKI CUKIER Gwiazda beat Spanish C.E.R ROBIN HAT PRISCO L´Escala in straight matches once again. Vladilav URSU Leonardo MUTTI and Zbigniew LESZCZYNSKI were listed in the lineup today. The Polish team KS Global Pharma Orlicz 1924 Suchedniów Czechia’s SF SKK EL Niño Praha and Belgium’s TTC Sokah Hoboken have already secured a pass to the next stage where the clubs will await the teams finishing second in their respective Champions League Men groups. POLSKI CUKIER Gwiazda – C.E.R ROBIN HAT PRISCO L´Escala 3-0 Vladislav URSU – Iker GONZALEZ 3-0 (11-6 11-6 11-5) Leonardo MUTTI – Xavier PERAL 3-0 (11-6 11-3 11-7) Zbigniew LESZCZYNSKI – David GONZALES 3-0 (11-5 14-12 11-7)
BLASKOVA led HB Ostrov z.s. to success
Czechia’s HB Ostrov z.s. secured their pass to the next stage by recording their second win in the Round of 16 of the Europe Cup Women. They now join Romania’s CSM Constanta MUSEO DE LA ALMENDRA FRANCISCO MORALES from Spain and Portugal’s Clube Ténis de Mesa de Mirandela. Today HB Ostrov z.s. needed four matches to overcome Spanish Real Club Tenis De Mesa Linares one more than they needed in the opening leg. Zdena BLASKOVA once again led her club with two wins beating Gloria PANADERO SANTOS and Roxana ISTRATE. Roxana won the only point for the hosts against Linda ZADEROVA. The list of Europe Cup teams for the next stage is complete and the draw for the quarterfinal will be finalized with the teams finishing in position no. 3 in the Champions League groups. Real Club Tenis De Mesa Linares – HB Ostrov z.s.1-3 Roxana ISTRATE – Linda ZADEROVA 3-0 (11-8 11-8 11-7) Gloria PANADERO SANTOS – Zdena BLASKOVA 1-3 (4-11 12-14 14-12 2-11) Claudia CARAGEA – Tatiana KUKULKOVA 1-3 (11-7 3-11 8-11 4-11) Roxana ISTRATE – Zdena BLASKOVA 0-3 (10-12 5-11 8-11)
KS GLOBAL PHARMA ORLICZ 1924 SUCHEDNIÓW booked the place in the Round 4
The Polish team KS Global Pharma Orlicz 1924 Suchedniów emerged victorious against TT Club Ostrava 2016 in both legs of the Round of 16 in the Europe Cup Men. They now join Czechia’s SF SKK EL Niño Praha and Belgium’s TTC Sokah Hoboken in the fourth round. In the opening leg KS Global Pharma Orlicz 1924 Suchedniów needed four matches and tonight they repeated the success. PARK Jeongwoo Piotr CYRNEK and Robert FLORAS defeated Adam KLAJBER Jakub KLEPRLIK and Khalid ASSAR. There is only one match left in the round; tomorrow Polski Cukier Gwiazda will meet Spain’s C.E.R Robin Hat Prisco L’Escala after the Polish club won the opening leg. KS GLOBAL PHARMA ORLICZ 1924 Suchedniów – TT Club Ostrava 2016 3-1 PARK Jeongwoo – Adam KLAJBER 3-0 (11-5 11-5 11-5) Piotr CYRNEK – Jakub KLEPRLIK 3-1 (11-3 11-13 13-11 11-9) Robert FLORAS – Khalid ASSAR 1-3 (11-8 9-11 8-11 7-11) PARK Jeongwoo – Jakub KLEPRLIK 3-0 (11-9 11-7 11-6)
SCHLAGER and LIU Jia crowned ÖTTV Athletes of the Century Vienna City Hall
On the occasion of its 100th birthday the ÖTTV (Austrian Table Tennis Association) extended a warm invitation to the table tennis community and companions for an illustrious gala evening in Vienna City Hall. The event was thoughtfully infused with humor featuring a cabaret ping-pong special by Comedy Hirten and culminated in the recognition of red-white-red athletes of the century. In the esteemed presence of Vice Chancellor and Federal Minister Werner KOGLER European champion and six-time Olympian LIU Jia and world champion Werner SCHLAGER were honored as athletes of the century. Rosa SCHWEIZER and Stanislaw FRACZYK unfortunately had to cancel at short notice due to illness but were declared winners in the categories of athletes of the century with disabilities. Manfred SCHWEIZER accepted the trophy on behalf of his late wife who passed away in 1990 and FRACZYK was represented on stage by ÖTTV para national coach Johann KNOLL. The winners were determined through an audience and expert vote with red-white-red sports greats Michaela DORFMEISTER Thomas MORGENSTERN and Clemens DOPPLER acting as laudators. ETTU President Pedro MOURA and Secretary General Pierre KASS were also present at the ceremony. President MOURA was deeply moved by the special occasion and the extraordinary celebration. “It was an absolute pleasure and honor to be present at the Gala for the celebration of the 100th birthday of the Austrian Federation. In ETTU we have the motto to respect the past in order to build the future. Yesterday evening was full of joy and memories of top-class moments of Austria’s best players. I felt honored to have the opportunity to talk with the last European player who won the title at the World Championships Mr. Werner SCHLAGER and to share the stage with him and LIU Jia.” “Finally I want to congratulate the Austrian Table Tennis Federation for a hundred years full of success and wish them the next century full of success. I would also love to congratulate the Anniversary of the Federation to ÖTTV President Wolfgang GOTSCHE and extend my congratulations on a wonderful event. I wish him a great deal of success in the future ” said ETTU President Moura. Among the more than 400 guests and well-wishers including former top players and the current ÖTTV national squad notable figures such as Austria Sport President Hans NIESSL ÖFB General Secretary Thomas HOLLERER ÖPC General Secretary Petra HUBER BMI group leader Günter MAREK Philipp TRATTNER (head of the sports section in the BMI) ÖOC sports director Christoph Sieber state parliament member Barbara PRAMMER Upper Austria’s state sports director Gerhard RUMETSHOFER Irene STRÖCK BSG managing director Clemens TRIMMEL ex-top diver Marion REIFF and multiple kickboxing world and European champion Nicole TRIMMEL were present. ÖTTV Athletes of the Century: Athlete of the Century: Werner SCHLAGER Also nominated: DING Yi Richard BERGMANN Female Athlete of the Century: LIU Jia Also nominated: Gertrude PRITZI Sophia POLCANOVA Disabled Athlete of the Century: Stanislaw FRACZYK Also nominated: Rudolf HAJEK Andreas VEVERA Athlete of the Century with Disabilities: Rosa SCHWEIZER (born Kühnel) Also nominated: Doris MADER Stefanie KRENMAYER Quotes: Werner SCHLAGER: “It’s always nice to be able to recreate these moments from the 2003 World Cup final in Paris. But today it was even more special especially since my then coach Ferenc KARSAI was also there. I enjoy being able to celebrate with my former teammates Karl JINDRAK and Kostadin LENGEROV.” LIU Jia: “When I came to Austria I never dreamed that I would one day be on stage in the Vienna City Hall. Now I am an athlete of the century. That’s still incredible for me and I’m happy that I’m so popular in Austria. Now I want to do everything I can to ensure that the team can qualify for the Olympics. It will be extremely difficult but I would love to play in Paris and be ready for my seventh Olympic participation.” Wolfgang GOTSCHE (ÖTTV President): “To be able to hold a 100th anniversary celebration in this ambience of the Vienna City Hall – that was truly extraordinary and a real highlight for the sport of table tennis. We as ÖTTV were able to choose great athletes of the century: European champion Liu Jia and world champion Werner SCHLAGER as well as the para legends Rosa SCHWEIZER and Stanislaw FRACZYK are real role models.” The silver salver presented by ETTU was awarded to ÖTTV and on that occasion the two ETTU Badges of Honours were awarded to Austria’ s coach Jarek KOLODZIEJCZYK and President of Linz AG Froschberg Günther RENNER
