Two weeks before the start of the QOROS 2015 World Table Tennis Championships in Suzhou Bojan TOKIC of Slovenia experienced strong burst of self-confidence. He beat Timo BOLL in the first leg of the Bundesliga play off semi final to open the doors of th Two weeks before the start of the QOROS 2015 World Table Tennis Championships in Suzhou Bojan TOKIC of Slovenia experienced strong burst of self-confidence. He beat Timo BOLL in the first leg of the Bundesliga play off semi final to open the doors of the final for Saarbrucken. In remarkable come back Dusseldorf recovered in second leg and booked the place in the ultimate stage. However TOKIC was not unhappy. “It has been a while since I beat a player from Top 10. It will mean a lot for me here in China. It seams that all things in my game fit together ” stated TOKIC. “No one could believe Borussia could made such comeback but it happened.” In Doubles TOKIC is playing with Aleksandar KARAKASEVIC of Serbia. Pairings that won two European bronze after the long pause due the KARAKASEVIC’s injury are force to start from the very beginning – on the first day of the qualifications. They overcame Kazakhstan’s Timur KELBUGANOV and Dias SARSEMBAYEV is straight games. “It is to early to talk about our shape but for sure it seams that the pause made the mark. We are still struggling to find the rhythm together ” stated TOKIC. Slovenia has more representatives in Doubles Jan ZIBRAT and Darko JORGIC successfully conclude Round of 64 in preliminary phase. In the Women’s singles qualifications Natalya SLADKOVA of Kazakhstan was the one of two players in charge for the upsets on the first day of the competition. After seven games World’s n. 187 beat Katsiaryna BARAVOK of Belarus currently ranked at the position no. 110. Catia MARTINS of Portugal who occupies position no. 195 beat World’s no. 124 Simay KULAKCEKEN in six games. “I played good and I managed to stay on good path even when she improved her game. I played for a first time against Simay and I am very happy with the result ” said 20 years old Catia. In second round MARTINS lost against Angela GUAN of USA whilst top seeded in Group 30 KULAKCEKEN continued to struggle. Turkey’s player lost against Olga KIM from Uzbekistan. Filip ZELJKO of Croatia suffered by the hands of Zokhid KENJAEV of Uzbekistan to join Timothy
Jean-Michel SAIVE is still full of energy
Jean-Michel SAIVE of Belgium plays at the QOROS 2015 World Table Tennis Championships his 24th World Championships in Suzhou. His first was back in 1983 as a 13 year old. Now 32 years later he is still in good shape hungry for game. “I still love to pl Jean-Michel SAIVE of Belgium plays at the QOROS 2015 World Table Tennis Championships his 24th World Championships in Suzhou. His first was back in 1983 as a 13 year old. Now 32 years later he is still in good shape hungry for game. “I still love to play this game and I love to compete. And I do not want to add some 20 kilos extra…Maybe plus two but not 20 ” add SAIVE laughing. “I am tying to have practice every day but I guess the average is five time per week. It is three days reserved for sport and the others for running biking or fitness.” The player of Logis Auderghem the member of ETTU Cup still waits for his first adversary in Suzhou. “With my rankings it could be someone from positions from one to 64…If we talk about my chances against MA Long here and someone from lower places it is not the same story. I just have to be patient and wait to see the draw before I talk about the expectations.” SAIVE is currently ranked at the position no. 130. He will have unique role this summer. SAIVE is qualified for the first European Games to be held in Baku in June and Jean Michel who is also a member of the International Table Tennis Federation Athletes Committee is the President of the European Olympic Athletes Commission. “I will be all over the Baku this summer. It is going to be strange to be in the suite one day then to attend the Opening ceremony and then to change for the jersey and play on the field. But I will certainly enjoy the moment” said the player who has competed in every Olympic Games since table tennis was introduced in 1988. In Belgium’s team are also Cedric NUYTINCK and Robin DEVOS. “We have young players among top 200. It is good position for making plans for future since they are 19 21 years old. If we talk about Europe’s average for top players which is above 30 it give us good chance after the generation of SAMSONOV BOLL and then OVTCHAROV and FREITAS leaves. Of course there is a long way and they are certainly under pressure of the past Belgium’s results but we have to start to create a new team.”
MA Long does his draw for the Men’s Singles
The countdown is finally over the eagerly anticipated QOROS 2015 World Table Tennis Championships begins tomorrow 26 April 2015 in Suzhou China. The event got officially underway with a spectacular opening ceremony and draws for all the five events: Men The countdown is finally over the eagerly anticipated QOROS 2015 World Table Tennis Championships begins tomorrow 26 April 2015 in Suzhou China. The event got officially underway with a spectacular opening ceremony and draws for all the five events: Men’s Singles Women’s Singles Men’s Doubles Women’s Doubles and Mixed Doubles. The draw now has everyone talking about a possibility of a repeat of the epic clash at the London 2012 Olympic in the Women’s Singles with China’s world number 1 DING Ning and her compatriot reigning World and Olympic champion LI Xiaoxia both getting drawn on different sides. LI who won the Olympics clash in a seven-games thriller to add on to her grand slam collection stated: “My health condition probably isn’t quite good compared to other players. Right now I’m undergoing a positive recovery. After all I’m strong enough to take the championship. I tend to pay more attention to my health condition as oppose to other things right now.” Japan’s table tennis prodigy who won her first World Tour Super Series title in Germany earlier last month Mima ITO is expected to face her compatriot Ai FUKUHARA at the Round of 16 on her debut here in Suzhou. ITO will be the same age as when FUKUHARA debuted in 2003 – 14 years old. Similarly in the Men’s Singles fans are expected to witness another tough battle between Grand slam champion ZHANG Jike (CHN) and his team captain World number one MA Long. ZHANG will be striving for his third consecutive world championships title while MA aiming to claim his first here in Suzhou. The pair last met at a world title event the LIEBHERR 2014 Men’s World Cup where ZHANG was successful in collecting his second title en route to his second career grand slam dream. During the pre match press conference ZHANG shared that “I definitely have some pressure defending the title and it’s my best wish to win it again. But I guess it also has to do with what other players have in their minds especially those who are sitting here today” hinting MA. Meanwhile strong challengers to take the throne from the Chinese Germany’s Timo Boll and Dimitrij OVTCHAROV Marcos FREITAS (POR) and Japan’s top player Jun MIZUTANI each had favorable draws and are expected to go deep into the main draw to fight for the title as the first non-Chinese champion after Werner SCHLAGER (AUT) in 2003. In the Men’s Doubles mixed nation pair of MA Long and Timo BOLL will expect a face-off against China’s pair of ZHANG Jike and XU Xin early at the second round of the main draw. Qualifications that includes players from 100 countries battling for the remaining places at the main draw will start tomorrow 26 April 2015 in front of a capacity crowd with all tickets being sold out!
Another last-minute change of plans for SAMARA
Seeded no. 16 in Women’s Singles Event at the QOROS 2015 World Table Tennis Championships (26 April – 3 May 2015) Elizabeta SAMARA will lead the team of Romania. In Suzhou will also play Bernadette SZOCS camellia POSTOACA and Cristina HIRICI. In Men’s T Seeded no. 16 in Women’s Singles Event at the QOROS 2015 World Table Tennis Championships (26 April – 3 May 2015) Elizabeta SAMARA will lead the team of Romania. In Suzhou will also play Bernadette SZOCS camellia POSTOACA and Cristina HIRICI. In Men’s Team are Adrian CRISAN Ovidiu IONESCU Constantin CIOTI and Andrei FILIMON. Complete Romania’s team finalized their preparations in the Olympic center in Korea. “We worked very hard…business as usual” said SAMARA laughing.”We had very good conditions and good sparing partners. I really practiced a lot.” It is hard for Europeans at the individual championships this one is no exception. “I am in very good mood happy with my shape. Speaking about the expectations I just want to play the best table tennis I know and to enjoy the game. I am so exciting I will play in China.” Daniela DODEAN became mum three days ago so the pairings that won European crown is temporarily separated. “I am missing Dana very much. I hope she will be back soon. In a meanwhile Georgina POTA and I decided to play together in Doubles but yesterday she was forced to withdraw. We only played together at two tournaments and we hoped we will be fully ready for the European Championships. Now we cannot test our partnership in China.” Szandra PERGEL took Gina’s place but due the last minutes change SAMARA was not sure what to expect. “I will focus on singles I guess.” SAMARA also clinched the title in Mixed Doubles with Andrei FILIMON. They will be on duty in Suzhou again.
MONTEIRO: “Daniela and I already won gold”
In the eve of the QOROS 2015 World Table Tennis Championships (26 April – 3 May 2015) five days before the start of the event familly DODEAN MONTEIRO was blessed with greatest joy of all. Daniela and Joao become the parents of beautiful baby girl In the eve of the QOROS 2015 World Table Tennis Championships (26 April – 3 May 2015) five days before the start of the event familly DODEAN MONTEIRO was blessed with greatest joy of all. Daniela and Joao become the parents of beautiful baby girl Lara Melissa DODEAN MONTEIRO. Star of the Portugal team that won crown at the Team’s European championships in Lisbon last year can not spend much time after birth of his girl because tomorrow he had to leave for Suzhou. He will join Marcos FREITAS Tiago APOLONIA Joao GERALDO and Diogo CHEN on their quest for another big success. “The practice and preparation were little bit different than usual because I was waiting for the birth of my daughter and my focus was not so much on table tennis ” admitted MONTEIRO. Speaking about the expectations Joao said: “My expectations for the World Championships is just to try to play the best I can. Regardless the result in China my wife and I already clinched gold medal.”
Baku signs deal to show European Games in the UK
Baku 2015 has signed an agreement with broadcaster BT Sport to ensure the inaugural European Games with over 150 UK athletes taking part will be screened in the UK this summer. BT Sport will provide daily coverage of the Games which will take place bet Baku 2015 has signed an agreement with broadcaster BT Sport to ensure the inaugural European Games with over 150 UK athletes taking part will be screened in the UK this summer. BT Sport will provide daily coverage of the Games which will take place between 12-28 June across their three channels BT Sport Extra and digital platforms. The deal is the latest in a series signed by Baku 2015 with the event’s broadcast reach now stretching to all corners of Europe and across the globe. Agreements have been signed in the United States Canada Australia China Hong Kong India Latin America and the Arab World as well as with a host of other European broadcasters. Mr Simon CLEGG Chief Operating Officer of Baku 2015 said: “The fit between BT Sport and the European Games is perfect. BT Sport have burst onto the British broadcasting scene and Baku 2015 is the most significant event to join the European sporting calendar in half a century. BT Sport has already proven the high level of their programming through their coverage of the English Premier League and their ambition is shown by having secured the rights to the UEFA Champions League from next season. We are delighted that they have become the latest leading network to ensure the broadcast of the first ever European Games.”
ITTF wins inaugural Global Popularity and Expansion award
The International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) has been judged to be the number one International Federation in the category of Global Popularity and Expansion. The award was unveiled at the inaugural SportBusiness Ultimate Sports Federation and Associa The International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) has been judged to be the number one International Federation in the category of Global Popularity and Expansion. The award was unveiled at the inaugural SportBusiness Ultimate Sports Federation and Association Awards following a period of detailed analysis and consultation with external expert judges. ITTF President Thomas WEIKERT stated: “It is a huge honour for the ITTF to win this prestigious category. ITTF has targeted global popularity and expansion at many different levels starting with our development and education programs at the base and mid level while working with competition marketing and promotion to reach the pinnacle. This award is a justification that our efforts are paying off.” The award was on the back of ITTF’s effort in growing the sport of table tennis to become the equal largest International Federation in terms of member organisations (currently at 220 from 180 in 1998) and global participants up to 200 million through the ITTF’s internally acclaimed development program. When the ITTF started the Development Program in 1999 one of the goals was to have table tennis played in every corner of the world but more importantly to do so in a sustainable way. Since 1999 the ITTF targeted 2-3 new countries per year assisting them with setup administration as well as technical courses and equipment assistance to get to the stage now where there are only four members of the IOC family remaining and achieving the highest number of National Federations of any International Federation. This provides the base of the ITTF’s pyramid approach but also not neglecting the importance of tackling each part of the pyramid providing a pathway to Olympic Champion through a comprehensive competition and education program – from Hopes (Under 12) to Cadet to ITTF Global Junior Circuit and culminating with the ITTF World Tour. Peter COX (Sport New Zealand) who was on the judging panel explained why he and his fellow judges felt the ITTF should win this Award category: “The ITTF’s submission for these Awards reveals an organisation that is well organised lean and very committed to growing its game on all fronts using an action orientated approach and making effective use of partnerships to achieve this. The ITTF’s plan is very clear and crisp in what it is trying to achieve with whom and how. It displays a very segmented understanding of the members the many different reasons they are involved with the sport and the pathways they follow.” In addition to the Global Popularity and Expansion the ITTF was also shortlisted in the top 10 for the top prize of the Ultimate Sports Federations and Associations as well as being nominated for an additional four categories: Events Calendar and Strategy Marketing and Communications Innovation Inclusivity.
Fire in ETTU office building causes inconvenience
Today we had fire in the building where the ETTU office is. No personal injuries and nothing from ETTU was destroyed the fire was in the cellar. However all personnel were evacuated by the firemen for 90 minutes before the ETTU staff could return to tak Today we had fire in the building where the ETTU office is. No personal injuries and nothing from ETTU was destroyed the fire was in the cellar. However all personnel were evacuated by the firemen for 90 minutes before the ETTU staff could return to take its belongings. Electricity is off and it is impossible to enter the building for the next days. Electricity will be available maybe by next week only and that means the telephone lines are cut off till then as well. All the communication is possible via e mail as usual. It will take some time until all will be back to normal.
Six “Bleus” in Suzhou led by GAUZY
Six “Bleus” will represent France in Suzhou at the QOROS 2015 World Table Tennis Championships (26 April – 3 May 2015). In men’s team will play Simon GAUZY (Ochsenhausen) Adrien MATTENET (Saarbrucken) Emmanuel LEBESSON (Boulogne-Billancourt) Abde Six “Bleus” will represent France in Suzhou at the QOROS 2015 World Table Tennis Championships (26 April – 3 May 2015). In men’s team will play Simon GAUZY (Ochsenhausen) Adrien MATTENET (Saarbrucken) Emmanuel LEBESSON (Boulogne-Billancourt) Abdel-Kader SALIFOU (La Romagne) whilst Women’s team consist of Carole GRUNDISCH (Kremlin-Bicêtre) and XIAN Yi Fang (Grand-Quevilly). World’s no. 29 and no 39. GAUZY and MATTENET found their place in the team by the ranking in top 50 whilst LEBESSON and SALIFOU are chosen after qualifying tournament in L’Insep earlier in March. The qualifying criteria for Carole GRUNDISCH was the Round of 16 in World Tour in Russia whilst L’Insep’s tournament was lucky for XIANG. French Champion in 2015 Adrien MATTENET former World’s no. 19 (2012) reached Round of 64 in 2013 at the World Championships in Paris. It is the same result that GAUZU achieved at the same place. GAUZY also won French title in 2013. LEBESSON reached Round of 32 in France two years ago. Currently he occupies position no. 84 at the World Rankings. SALIFOU is ranked at position no. 112. “I feel very good despite a small knee injury. It is getting better and better everyday” said Simon GAUZY. “I’m having a good preparation in France for 10 days already and I concluded very hard phase of preparation in Ochsenhausen few weeks ago. I am ready I guess !” GAUZY as everybodu else awaits the outcome of the draw. “I don’t have any expectations as I know the draw is very important . I’m lucky to be in the top 32 seeded and I will do my best to go to last 32 and maybe get a good performance after that !” Who is the favorite for the title? “For me ZHANG Jike will be 3 times World Champion in 2 weeks.” Carole GRUNDISCH lays at position no. 74 whilst XIAN is at position no. 93. XIAN won silver medal at the European Championships in 2012. In 2013 at the Worlds Championships she reached Round of 32.
GIONIS and PAPAGEORGIOU will team up for Doubles
Three men and two women will represent the Greek Table Tennis at the QOROS 2015 World Table Tennis Championships (26 April – 3 May 2015). In big event in Suzhou will compete Kallinikos KREANGA Panagiotis GIONIS Kostas PAPAGEORGIOU Katerina TOLIOU Three men and two women will represent the Greek Table Tennis at the QOROS 2015 World Table Tennis Championships (26 April – 3 May 2015). In big event in Suzhou will compete Kallinikos KREANGA Panagiotis GIONIS Kostas PAPAGEORGIOU Katerina TOLIOU and Angelina PAPADAKI. In men’s doubles will play GIONIS and PAPAGEORGIOU as well as TOLIOU and PAPADAKI in Women’s Doubles while the double mixed couples are GIONIS/TOLIOU and KREANGA/ PAPADAKI. In past few days GIONIS was afflicted by discomfort in the hand but celebrated with Borussia Dusseldorf an epic victory 3-0 against Saarbrucken and the qualification for the Bundesliga play – off final. In addition after the World Championship he has one more new challenge in the first final of Champions League against Orenburg! “The World Championship is the top event after the Olympic tournament and this gives us enough of motivation alone. We go with the three best athletes in the country and two major athletes in women’s national team. KREANGA is in good shape GIONIS is finally free from injury PAPAGEORGIOU will be also in the main draw. We will try the best we can. Now we wait for the draw. This will also be the test for European Games in Baku. We are aiming the Round of 16 and why not one qualification in quarters. It will be a great success for the Greek. Our girls will look for the chance to get into the main draw” said national coach Kostas VATSAKLIS and added. Players will travel to the land of ping-pong…“The World Championship is in China it is like a celebration of our sport and we will go there and we will enjoy it. “ On 24 April TOLIOU PAPADAKI VATSAKLIS and the president of Hellenic Federation Manolis KOLIBADIS will travel to China. On 25 April will go GIONIS KREANGA and PAPAGEORGIOU.
