2015 Hungarian Junior and Cadet Open   Russia’s Vladimir SIDORENKO clinched the title in the Cadet Boys Singles Event at the 2015 Hungarian Junior and Cadet Open in Szombathely. In the final he overcame the top seeded Yukiya UDA of Japan 1:3 (16-14 9-11 9-11 6-11). SIDORENKO proved he has the game for the adversary from Japan round earlier as well when he beat Aoto ASAZU by same margin (11-9 4-11 11-8 11-9) to book the place in the ultimate stage. In other semi final UDA overcame Cristian CHIRITA in full distance duel (11-6 11-4 9-11 9-11 11-7). In Cadet Girls Singles Event TSAI Yu-Chin of Chinese Taipei beat Miyu NAGASAKI of Japan in straight games (6-11 8-11 9-11) to secure the top place at the medal rostrum. In the semi final NAGASAKI beat WONG Chin Yau of Hong Kong whilst TSAI succeeded against SU Pei-Ling of Taipei. Japan’s Takeru KASHIWA and Yukiya UDA beat FENG Yi-Hsin and TAI Ming-Wei of Taipei 3:1 (8-11 11-7 13-11 11-8) tro clinch gold in Cadet Boys Doubles Event. In cadet Girls Doubles Event combination of Miyu NAGASAKI of Japan and WONG Chin Yau of Hong Kong beat Taipei’s FANG Sih-Han and TSAI Yu-Chin 0:3 (5-11 5-11 9-11)

2015 Hungarian Junior and Cadet Open   Japan A the no.2 seeds represented Aoto ASAZU Takuto IZUMO and Yukiya UDA clinched the title in the Junior Boys’ Team event at the 2015 Hungarian Junior and Cadet Open in Szombathely. In the final they beat Romania’s Florin SPELBUS who joined forces with Moldova’s Andrei PUTUNTICA and Vladislav URSU 3:0. In the penultimate stage the no.19 seeds overcame Austrian combination of Andreas LEVENKO Thomas GRININGER and Christian FRIEDRICH whilst Japan beat Chinese Taipei A. Russia A with Lev KATSMAN and Maksim GREBNEV clinched the title in the Cadet Boys’ Team event. In the final in straight matches they overcame Chinese Taipei B with LIN Yung-Chih and WANG Chien-Chih. They dominated the duel in which their adversary managed to win only one game – in doubles. In penultimate stage Russia overcame top seeds Chinese Taipei ‘A’ with FENG Yi-Hsin and TAI Ming-Wei. Chinese TAipei B succeeded against Vincent PICARD and Antoine DOYEN of France. In the final of the Junior Girls’ Team event Chinese Taipei plays against Japan-Taipei combination whilst in Cadet Girls’ Team event there is no doubt Chinese Taipei will clinch the title. The question is will it be A or B team.

Adina DIACONU – a nightmare for Chinese Taipei players   Slovenia’s Darko JORGIC clinched the title at the 2015 Hungarian Junior and Cadet Open in Szombathely. European champion from Bratislava earlier this year top seeded Adina DIACONU of Romania won the Junior Girls’ Singles event title.   JORGIC collected his third ITTF Junior Circuit Boys’ Singles title of the year after he already succeeded in Serbia and Egypt. Occupying the no.2 seeded position in the competition in the latter rounds he accounted for German qualifier Tobias HIPPLER at the quarter-final stage (11-9 11-4 10-12 11-5 11-6) before overcoming Japan’s Takuto IZUMO the no.6 seed in a hard fought seven games duel (4-11 13-11 4-11 11-8 12-10 6-11 11-6) to reserve his place in the final. At the final hurdle he beat Austria’s Andreas LEVENKO the no.8 seed (6-11 7-11 11-7 11-5 2-11 11-3 11-6). LEVENKO overcame Japan’s Yukiya UDA the no.7 seed (9-11 11-7 11-6 11-6 11-9) to reserve his place in the final.   JORGIC also reached the medal rostrum in the Junior Boys’ Doubles event. Partnering Tomas POLANSKY of Czech Republic the top seeds they beat Italy’s Antonino AMATO and Daniele PINTO in the quarter-finals (11-8 9-11 11-2 8-11 11-9) the combination of Aliaksandr KHANIN of Belarus and Russia’s Nikita YARSHIN in the penultimate round (6-11 11-3 11-7 6-11 11-9) prior to suffering defeat in the final against Chinese Taipei’s LI Hsin-Ying and YU Xheng-Feng (11-8 5-11 12-10 6-11 11-6).   Romania’s Adina DIACONU beat four players from Chinese Taipei on her way to the top place at the medal rostrum. Five matches played only one was not against and adversary from Chinese Taipei; that was in the third round when accounting for Russian qualifier Anna IVANNIKOVA (11-4 11-1 7-11 11-8 12-14 11-6). Not required to compete in the opening round she beat LEE Yu-Peng likewise a qualifier in the second round (11-9 11-7 11-8 11-9). She accounted for TSAI Yu-Chin the no.12 seed in the quarter-finals (11-8 8-11 11-2 11-8 11-9) LIN Po-Hsuan the no.4 seed in the penultimate round (11-9 4-11 11-5 9-11 11-8 11-7) and LI Yu-Jhun the no.15 seed in the final (10-12 11-8 11-7 11-6 11-13 8-11 11-9).   At the semi-final stage of the Junior Girls’ Doubles event Adina DIACONU and Andreea DRAGOMAN the top seeds had experienced an agonising penultimate round defeat at the hands of LI Yu-Jhun and LIN Po-Hsuan the no.3 seeds (8-11 11-7 7-11 12-10 17-15) and champions elect. The pair progressed to secure the title at the final expense of colleagues SU Pei-Ling and WEN Ruei-Ling the no.14 seeds (11-6 12-10 12-10)    

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.