The 72nd Danish Championships in table tennis will be played in the coming weekend in Odense. A new table tennis queen will be crowned, because the dancing queen Mie SKOV, champion 8 years in a row does not participate. The new queen most likely will be e, The 72nd Danish Championships in table tennis will be played in the coming weekend in Odense. A new table tennis queen will be crowned, because the dancing queen Mie SKOV, champion 8 years in a row does not participate. The new queen most likely will be either Mie BINNERUP JACOBSEN silver medalist last year or Pernille AGERHOLM or Stefanie H CHRISTENSEN. Jonathan GROTH is the main favorite to take the title for the third time in a row. Seeded no. two is Kasper STERNBERG . Dark horses in the race will be the veterans Allan BENTSEN and Finn TUGWELL. The 46 year old Allan BENTSEN plays together with the 17 year old Claus SCHOU NIELSEN in men’s double and they are top seeded. Allan BENTSEN is the record holder by number of titles in Danish table tennis. He has won 48 championships and further more he has been champion in Croatia and Sweden in the team event. 88 players between 13 and 55 years old from 24 clubs participate . The finals will be streamed on the internet on the Danish Sportschannel Kanal Sport. http://kanalsport.dk/livestream
Jean-Michel SAIVE will fight to 25th title
The Belgian Serie A championship 2014 will be held this weeкend in Andenne, a small city between Liège and Namur. Jean-Michel SAIVE, at 44 years, will try to collect his 25th individual title from 1985. During this period, the man from Logis Auderghem, su, The Belgian Serie A championship 2014 will be held this weeкend in Andenne, a small city between Liège and Namur. Jean-Michel SAIVE, at 44 years, will try to collect his 25th individual title from 1985. During this period, the man from Logis Auderghem, suffered only 5 defeats in 29 participations; in finals against Thierry CABREA (1990/1991) and Philippe SAIVE (2003), in semi against Frédéric SONNET (1993) and in quarter-final against Lauric JEAN (2010). This edition will mark the return of the double’s competition on same Championships but on… two days. Philippe SAIVE, 42 years, winner in 1993 and 2003, will also participate. This competition will help his preparation for the World Veterans Championship in New-Zealand and the defense of his crown in the category 40-50. Top seeded in Men’s Singles Event are:1. Jean-Michel SAIVE; 2. Yannick VOSTES; 3. Robin DEVOS; 4. Cédric NUYTINCK; 5. Philippe SAIVE; 6. Cédric MERCHEZ; 7. Benjamin ROGIERS; 8. Lauric JEAN. In Women’s Singles Event: 1. Nathalie MARCHETTI; 2. Lisa LUNG; 3. Elena CHMIGUELSKAÏA; 4. Eline LOYEN; 5. Gabriella VINCI; 6. Lauranne HACKEMACK; 7. Margo DEGRAEF; 8. Florence Van ACKER. LAST 5 WINNERS 2009: Jean-Michel SAIVE // Laurence JUNKER 2010: Yannick VOSTES // Karen OPDENCAMP 2011: Jean-Michel SAIVE // Karen OPDENCAMP 2012: Jean-Michel SAIVE // Daria MITYUKOVA 2013: Jean-Michel SAIVE // Nathalie MARCHETTI SCHEDULE (Andenne Arena, Square Docteur Melin 14, 5300 ANDENNE) Saturday from 9.30 am; last 16 for men at 6.30 pm. Sunday from 10.00 am with the finals at 3 pm (mixed double), 5 pm (women’s double), 5.30 pm (men’s double), 6.00 pm (women’s single) and 6.30 (men’s single).
PARTYKA nominated for Women’s Day Recognition award
International Table Tennis Federation’s (ITTF) Dream Building Ambassador and Paralympic Champion Natalia PARTYKA (POL) has been shortlisted for the 2014 International Women’s Day Recognition Award run by the International Paralympic Committee , International Table Tennis Federation’s (ITTF) Dream Building Ambassador and Paralympic Champion Natalia PARTYKA (POL) has been shortlisted for the 2014 International Women’s Day Recognition Award run by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC). Five women were nominated for this prestigious award, and the winner will be announced at a special ceremony at the 2014 Sochi Paralympic Winter Games on 8 March. On hearing the news the Paralympian, who also participated in the Olympic Games in 2008 and 2012 stated: “I am really surprised and honored that I am nominated to the special award among such great women, which contributed so much to develop the Paralympics movement in their countries and also all over the world. I am sure that the Paralympics movement is the best way to change the life of disabled people, to allow them to believe they are strong, strong enough to win.” At just 24 years of age, PARTYKA is already a legend in Para Table Tennis. She is the youngest ever Paralympian, playing at Sydney 2000 at just 11 years of age, made history in 2008 by becoming only the 2nd Paralympian to compete in the Olympic games, played at four Paralympics and two Olympics, and has three Paralympic gold medals to her name. In addition to PARTYKA’s Olympic and Paralympic achievements, she was also nominated for the first ever Female Table Tennis Star award at the ITTF Star Awards earlier this year. To create the shortlist, stakeholders from within the Paralympic Movement were invited to nominate someone who they felt embodies the spirit of the Paralympics and who inspires women within it. The record number of nominations was then shortlisted by members of the IPC’s Women in Sport Committee, Chairperson Tine Rindum TEILMANN, three-time Paralympic champion hand cyclist and former Winter Games medallist in alpine skiing Muffy DAVIS and Sima LIMOOCHI. The winner will now be voted by the full committee. The other four nominees are: Rima BATALOVA (RUS) – Won a total of 13 Paralympic and 18 world titles spanning three decades before becoming heavily involved with developing para-sport in Russia at a local and national level. She is Vice President of the Russian Paralympic Committee and a member of the Sochi 2014 Organising Committee. Jannie HAMMERSHOEJ (DEN) – A former goalballer, Hammershoej competed at the 1996 Atlanta Games and became involved with the Danish Paralympic Committee before becoming the President of the International Blind Sports Federation (IBSA) in 2013. Nadia HARUSIMANA (BDI) – The wheelchair racing coach was responsible for starting the very first sports club for women and girls with impairments in Burundi. As a result the country now has national championships in women’s sitting volleyball. Progressing from volunteer to Deputy Secretary General of the National Paralympic Committee, Harusimana has made a valuable contribution to para-sport in Burundi. Fatemeh RAKHSHANI (IRI) – The current Chairperson of the Asian Paralympic Committee’s Women in Sport Committee and has a substantial influence on women in para-sport in Iran. Through her athleticism as a para-swimmer, Rakhshani also works to involve communities in physical activity.
Sandra DEATON named as new ETTA Chair
Sandra DEATON has been appointed the first female Chair of the English Table Tennis Association (ETTA). Sandra was the unopposed candidate in the election which was required after the death of the previous Chairman, Andy SEWARD, in January 2014. Sandra he, Sandra DEATON has been appointed the first female Chair of the English Table Tennis Association (ETTA). Sandra was the unopposed candidate in the election which was required after the death of the previous Chairman, Andy SEWARD, in January 2014. Sandra held the position of Vice Chairman of Performance and Selection in the current Board of the ETTA and had responsibility for the elite athletes in the sport. She takes over the role of Chair at a time when the ETTA and English table tennis are in the middle of restructuring and reorganising itself following a independent review and a warning from its financial supporters, Sport England. Twelve months ago, the ETTA had effectively been put on notice to make changes. That process was undertaken by the previous Chairman and his new Board of which Sandra was a key member. She sees her task as continuing that work. Sandra DEATON said: “Last year I was pleased to be part of the new Board of the ETTA and shared the vision of our late Chairman. I know that we are on the right track to make table tennis a sport fit for the 21st century. “Sport England has recently endorsed our work so far by awarding a further tranche of funding. I am now committed to ensuring that table tennis can be enjoyed at a social level by all ages, at a competitive level in leagues and clubs around the country, that our current elite athletes receive the best opportunities to compete internationally and that we identify and nurture our talent for the future. “It is not going to happen overnight, but I am sure that we are on the right road to deliver these objectives.” Sandra’s involvement in table tennis as a volunteer has span a period of over 40 years with first hand experience in development at school, club and regional level. She has been involved with all levels of marketing and competition of the sport from local to national events. She was chair of the East Midland Region for over a decade and alongside her late husband an extensive sports promotion business with a client base of National and International companies. She also has personal experience of elite performance from beginners to international standard as her daughter was a several-times National Champion.
Audrey ZARIF reached top 10
In February’s European rankings, David REITSPIES of Czech Republic holds the top of the Junior Boys. Kilian ORT of Germany and Adam SZUDI of Hungary followed him on positions two and three. Diogo CHEN of Portugal progressed one place closer to the , In February’s European rankings, David REITSPIES of Czech Republic holds the top of the Junior Boys. Kilian ORT of Germany and Adam SZUDI of Hungary followed him on positions two and three. Diogo CHEN of Portugal progressed one place closer to the top from 7th to 6th place, but among top 10 players Anton KALLBERG of Sweden made most significant progress from 15th to 8th place. Nina MITTELHAM of Germany is at the top of the Junior Girls Rankings this month as well. Lea RAKOVAC of Croatia slipped from position two to position no. three whilst cadet Adina DIACONU of Romania took her place. Daria CHERNOVA of Russia moved from spot no. 17 to 8, whilst Audrey ZARIF of France progressed from position 25 to 9. In Boys Category Nolan GIVONE of France is at the top of the list. Cristian PLETEA is second and Irvin BERTRAND is third. Adina is at the top of Cadet Rankings, Lisa LUNG of Belgium is placed at position no. two and Russia’s Anastasia KOLISH is third.
Battles for Russian singles and team’s titles
UMMC Palace of sports (Verkhnaya Pyshma) is the venue for the XVII Russian National Championships. Championships will have single’s and team’s events. In 2013 the medal podium were occupied by: Vyacheslav BUROV, Denis Gavrilov, Alexey SMIRNOV and Grigory , UMMC Palace of sports (Verkhnaya Pyshma) is the venue for the XVII Russian National Championships. Championships will have single’s and team’s events. In 2013 the medal podium were occupied by: Vyacheslav BUROV, Denis Gavrilov, Alexey SMIRNOV and Grigory VLASOV in men’s Singles. In Women’s Singles: Polina MIKHAILOVA, Antonina SAVELIEVA, Maria DOLGIKH and Yulia PROKHOROVA secured the titles. Last year’s winners in other Events were : Moscow in Men’s teams and Women’s teams; Anastasia VORONOVA and Yulia PROKHOROVA in Women’s Doubles; Kirill SKACHKOV and Alexey SMIRNOV in Men’s Doubles; Vyacheslav BUROV and Olga BARANOVA in Mixed Doubles. In singles events best 16 (regarding national ranking) will go directly to the round of 32. Other 48 will play in 16 groups (3 players in each group). 16 winners will join the Round of 32. Currently Alexander SHIBAEV, Alexey LIVENTSOV, Vasily LAKEEV showed great shape.
Minsk will host Belarus Championships
Once again Minsk will be the host for Belarus National Championships. Last year at the same place Pavel PLATONOV and Alexandra PRIVALOVA clinched the titles in their respective Men’s and Women’s Singles Event. Now they will be on duty again. Seeded no. tw, Once again Minsk will be the host for Belarus National Championships. Last year at the same place Pavel PLATONOV and Alexandra PRIVALOVA clinched the titles in their respective Men’s and Women’s Singles Event. Now they will be on duty again. Seeded no. two in Men’s Singles Event is Dimitij FAREITOROV, whilst last year’s runner up Vitaly NEKHVEDOVICH is listed at the position no. four. PRIVALOVA is topping the seeding list followed by Elena DUBKOVA. Finalist from 2013, Maryia KUCHUK is no. four seed, one place below Katsiaryna BARAVOK. In the Men’s Doubles Event Pavel PLATONOV and IIIia BARBOLIN clinched the title in 2013, as well as Maryia KUCHUK and Ina KARAHODZINA in Women’s Doubles Event and Alexandra PRIVALOVA and Pavel PLATONOV added gold to their record in Mixed Doubles Event.
England’s finest players in Sheffield
The 2013/14 English Senior National Table Tennis Championships will be held in Ponds Forge, Sheffield (February 28 – Mar 2, 2014). Over 150 of England’s finest table tennis players will converge on the Steel City for the 55th edition of the country’s prem, The 2013/14 English Senior National Table Tennis Championships will be held in Ponds Forge, Sheffield (February 28 – Mar 2, 2014). Over 150 of England’s finest table tennis players will converge on the Steel City for the 55th edition of the country’s premier table tennis competition to decide who will be crowned National Champion. As ever it is a strong entry in the Men’s and Women’s Singles with both 2012/13 victors; Liam PITCHFORD and Kelly SIBLEY, taking the top seeding position in their pursuit of a successful title defence. Twenty-year-old PITCHFORD will be the hot favourite to retain his crown after another excellent 12 months in which he burst into the world’s top 100. Sibley, meanwhile, will hope to equal Jill HAMMERSLEY and Nicola DEATON’S national record of four consecutive Women’s Singles titles. However, there will be a swathe of budding challengers ready to knock them off their perch, especially with the competition arriving in the midst of selection for the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. Spaces are at a premium in Scotland so the likes of Paul DRINKHALL, Andrew BAGGALEY, Daniel REED, Darius KNIGHT, Sam WALKER, Chris DORAN, David MCBEATH and Gavin EVANS – all recent internationals, will all have their eyes on a spot in the summer squad. There will also be fierce competition from 2012/13’s beaten finalist, Joanna DRINKHALL, as well as Hannah HICKS, Tin-Tin HO, Karina Le FEVRE and Emma VICKERS among many others to stop Women’s Champion SIBLEY in her tracks and book a seat on the plane to Glasgow. But it isn’t only the Men’s and Women’s Singles Champions who are decided as the Under-21s, Veterans and Doubles competitions all take place during a hectic three-day weekend in Yorkshire. Ticket details for the nationals can be found here.
HABESOHN and LIU Jia on line of duty
Messesporthalle Dornbirn will be the venue for the Austria’s National Championships this weekend. Defending champions in Women’s Singles LIU Jia and in Men’s Singles Daniel HABESOHN will be on line of duty once again as a top seeds. In Women&#, Messesporthalle Dornbirn will be the venue for the Austria’s National Championships this weekend. Defending champions in Women’s Singles LIU Jia and in Men’s Singles Daniel HABESOHN will be on line of duty once again as a top seeds. In Women’s Singles the contenders are LIU Yuan, Sofia POLCANOVA and Amelie SOLJA. Also LI Qiangbing will participate after her baby break. The main favorites besides Daniel HABESOHN in Men’s Singles are Robert GARDOS, Stefan FEGERL and CHEN Weixing. In Men’s Doubles Stefan FEGERL and Daniel HABESOHN is the top seeded pair. In Women’s Doubles Sofia POLCANOVA and Amelie SOLJA the defending champions are seeded as No. 1. With LIU Jia and LIU Yuan there is a strong contending double pair. In Mixed Doubles LIU Jia and Bernhard PRESSLMAYER are the defending champions. They won the 10 titles already starting from 1999. Stefan FEGERL and LI Qiangbing are seeded as No. 2. They won the title 2011 and 2012. Mathias NEUWIRTH Courtesy of OTTV
LI Jie is back for Dutch National Champs
Dutch National Championships is scheduled for the weekend. Best players will fight for titles in the Venue of Landstede Sportcentrum, Zwolle, home for basketball and volleyball matches. More than 2000 spectators will be able to enjoy fierce battles for na, Dutch National Championships is scheduled for the weekend. Best players will fight for titles in the Venue of Landstede Sportcentrum, Zwolle, home for basketball and volleyball matches. More than 2000 spectators will be able to enjoy fierce battles for national titles. In the women’s tournament there is a short list of favorites. LI Jiao is topping the list, and there is LI Jie who makes her comeback to the table after giving birth to her son. They will be challenged by Britt EERLAND, Linda CREEMERS and Yana TIMINA The list of favorites for the men’s tournament can almost be as long as the list of participants. The quality of the players is so leveled that anyone can win. However, there are few to be mentioned: Laurens TROMER, Martin KHATCHANOV, Barry WIJERS, Casper ter LUUN, Ewout OOSTWOUDER en Michel de BOER. But upsets are always unpredictable in Dutch table tennis. Last years winners are: Casper ter LÜÜN in Men’s Singles, LI Jiao in Women’s Singles, Casper ter LÜÜN and Jelle BOSMAN in men’s Doubles, Linda CREEMERS and LI Jiao in Women’s Doubles and Martijn de VRIES and Nicky ZETSEN in Mixed Doubles Event.
