Germany’s Saarbrucken concluded first part of the season at the third position in the Group B in European Champions League. Now they moved to ETTU Cup. In the quarterfinal Bastian STEGER, Bojan TOKIC, Tiago APOLONIA…will meet Polish Dartom Bogoria Grodzis, Germany’s Saarbrucken concluded first part of the season at the third position in the Group B in European Champions League. Now they moved to ETTU Cup. In the quarterfinal Bastian STEGER, Bojan TOKIC, Tiago APOLONIA…will meet Polish Dartom Bogoria Grodzisk Mazowiecki. “We are not very happy with the outcome of the ECL and I think that our chances are much bigger now in ETTU Cup. We never played against team from Poland, but with names such as OH Sang Eun, GORAK and FLORAS we are pretty aware what we can expect in our duel. OH is experienced top world class player,” stated coach Slobodan GRUJIC. After shaky start of the season, Saarbrucken found good rhythm. “We had a bad start in German Bundesleague, but after recent victories we are candidates for the play off. That was our goal at the beginning. That position also gives us confidence for forthcoming duels in ETTU Cup.” Speaking about goals, GRUJIC pointed that the club aims semi final of the ETTU Cup.
Stella Sport La Romagne believe it actually
In the third Round of the Men’s ETTU Cup Stella Sport La Romagne beat Belgium’s Auderghem in four matches. KOU Lei was the only player who scored against French club, whilst CHEN Tian Yuan and Brice OLLIVIER secured three points for victory. “The match w, In the third Round of the Men’s ETTU Cup Stella Sport La Romagne beat Belgium’s Auderghem in four matches. KOU Lei was the only player who scored against French club, whilst CHEN Tian Yuan and Brice OLLIVIER secured three points for victory. “The match was very difficult for us. It is not easy to play in Belgium. Their spectators and fans are very enthusiastic and playing in that atmosphere is real challenge. We are very happy that we won,” said coach Coutolleau FABRICE. In next round, in the quarterfinal, club will meet Swedish side Eslov. “We never played against each other before, but the goal is the same. We never reached semi final of the ETTU Cup before, and we want it now.” Stella Sport La Romagne is currently well placed in French Pro A. “Our team is currently third in the Championship behind Chartres and Pontoise, our player SALIFOU comes from the grand finale of the Pro Tour and I think we have the qualities to be able to beat the Swedish team.”
Michael MAZE joining Eslovs!
From European Champions League, Swedish Eslovs will move to ETTU Cup. They concluded the first part of the season at the fourth position in their respective Group, and now in the quarterfinal of the ETTU Cup will meet French La Romagne. “The previous half, From European Champions League, Swedish Eslovs will move to ETTU Cup. They concluded the first part of the season at the fourth position in their respective Group, and now in the quarterfinal of the ETTU Cup will meet French La Romagne. “The previous half of the season in the ECL was tough for us. we played against some very strong opposition. However, Robert SVENSSON has been in particularly good form managing to record some world class victories against Bastian STEGER (WR 23), Tiago APOLONIA (WR 35). He led the team to victory in the final match before Christmas in Eslöv against UMMC Verkhnaya Pyshma beating both Joao MONTEIRO (WR 81) and Alexander SHIBAEV (WR 40), with the help of Kasper STERNBERG who had an impressive win over Grigory VLASOV (WR 105). Mattias ÖVERSJÖ also recorded a big victory in the away leg against UMMC over Alexander Shibaev,” said Manager Naomi OWEN. After matches against UMMC Verkhnaya Pyshma, Saarbrucken and As Pontoise Cergy, next adversaries will come from La Romagne. “We have not played against La Romagne before but they are clearly a good team, they are currently sitting joint third in the top league in France. We are expecting it to be a tough match but of course we believe we can win especially in Eslöv in front of a home crowd.” The club is currently in joint second position in the Swedish League and they are defending champions. “We are looking to regain the title again this season. Our goal as a club is to win every match and the ETTU CUP is no exception, I believe if we play well we can go far in the competition,” promised Naomi OWEN. The Swedish team was just reinforced with the signing of Michael MAZE. “I have just signed a contract for the rest of the season with Esløv Tabletennis club in Sweden. Looking forward to help them win the Swedish championship and to play with my new team mates. I am well underway back after a long hip injury, practice is great and I enjoy every day of training. Right now focus is on improving the quality of my play so I can compete in European top 12 in February and hopefully win some matches for my new club,” said MAZE. European CHAMPION from 2009 made short appearance at the European Championships last year in Austria. He was forced to return to arena in order to preserve his place at the rankings. However, his long recovery after latest hip surgery is finally over.
ALCL in pursuit for semi final
In straight matches ALCL Tennis de Table Grand-Quevilly beat Turkish Bursa Büyüksehir Belediyespor Külübü and progressed to the quarterfinal of the ETTU Cup. “The Round three showed the weakness of the Turkish young team. Only in the first match between S, In straight matches ALCL Tennis de Table Grand-Quevilly beat Turkish Bursa Büyüksehir Belediyespor Külübü and progressed to the quarterfinal of the ETTU Cup. “The Round three showed the weakness of the Turkish young team. Only in the first match between Stephanie LOUEILLETTE and Remzi SIBEL we experienced difficulties. It was close game, but at the end Sibel took only one game,” said Manager Philippe BARBARAY. In the quarterfinal club from France will meet Austria’s Leistungszentrum Linz Forschberg. “I think that the odds are equal since the both clubs are much leveled. It will be very interesting duel. We already played against each other in the past and we were better.” Speaking about the goals, Manager Philippe BARBARAY pointed: “Our goal in this season regarding the ETTU Cup is to reach the semi-final because it will be difficult to beat another Austrian team. It will be impossible to defeat SVS Ströck to reach the final.” LI Xue has to recover her strength. Stephanie LOEUILLETTE was injured and unavailable for 10 days. Marina BERHO will return. In French Pro A team is currently fourth at the standings. “Our goal is to be among top 5 clubs in France.”
Ukraine’s Nord is aiming high
In Donetsk, SKST Mart Hodonin will have very tough task in the quarterfinal of the Women’s ETTU Cup. Ukraine’s club already beat Russia’s Evromost Kuban 3:1 in third round and now is ready for the next challenge. In previous round Ganna FARLADANSKA, Iryna, In Donetsk, SKST Mart Hodonin will have very tough task in the quarterfinal of the Women’s ETTU Cup. Ukraine’s club already beat Russia’s Evromost Kuban 3:1 in third round and now is ready for the next challenge. In previous round Ganna FARLADANSKA, Iryna MOTSYK and Anastasia RYBKA showed very good performance. “Currently we hold the top of the standings in Ukraine’s league,” said Manager Mykola SOKOLOV. The club is on the right track and they hope they will defend the title. So far they clinched four titles in Ukraine’s league and won four national Cups. “We never have played against Hodonin before, but we are aware of their qualities. The chances are 50/50. However our ambitions are very high. We are preparing well for this quarterfinal, but we also aim the title in the ETTU Cup.“
Mazowiecki’s winning aspirations
Dartom Bogoria Grodzisk Mazowiecki overcame STK Dr. Casl in Round four of the Men’s ETTU Cup at the end of 2013. Daniel GORAK, OH Sang Eun and Pawel FERTIKOWSKI proved too strong for the Croatia’s side. “The match against CASL was not easy for us. After t, Dartom Bogoria Grodzisk Mazowiecki overcame STK Dr. Casl in Round four of the Men’s ETTU Cup at the end of 2013. Daniel GORAK, OH Sang Eun and Pawel FERTIKOWSKI proved too strong for the Croatia’s side. “The match against CASL was not easy for us. After the victory of Daniel GORAK against WANG Zhen in the second game OH Sang Eun had bad start against Tomislav JAPEC. He was two games to null in reverse and it was the most difficult moment in the whole match,” explained Manager Tomasz REDZIMSKI. “I knew that in the contest of No 3players chances were equal so the OH’s victory over JAPEC, eventually, was really important. OH showed bravery and perseverance which gave him the victory 3-2. At the end, the decisive moments were the duels of top players in both teams. WANG lost both encounters, so CASL had no chances.” Now Polish club will meet Saarbricken from Germany. “We have not played against the team from Saarbricken yet. I always look forward to the match with an opponent from Germany. They has a good league, and Saarbricken is a strong team. Playing in the ETTU Cup is an opportunity for us to fight for victory with the strongest clubs in Europe, so the quarter-finals of Saarbricken is a great chance for us.” . In the first round of the Polish Superliga Bogoria beat two of their biggest rivals in the competition for Polish Championship and now they are on 2nd place at the standings. “ETTU Cup and Superliga are the most important club competition for us this season. We have one goal: we want to win.”
Linz put its invincibility to the test
“Our biggest problem could be that we feel too safe, because of our series with zero losses over one and half years. It’s not easy to forget that and focus on every ball”, stressed Linz`s president Gunther RENNER speaking about upcoming 2013/14 Wome, “Our biggest problem could be that we feel too safe, because of our series with zero losses over one and half years. It’s not easy to forget that and focus on every ball”, stressed Linz`s president Gunther RENNER speaking about upcoming 2013/14 Women`s European Champions League semi final 1st leg against Berlin. The game will be held at Germany and the audience will be privileged to see last two WECL champions: the 2012 winner TTC Berlin Eastside and reigning champion Linz AG Froschberg (January 17th, Friday, 19h15 CET, live on LAOLA1.tv). Austrian champion won all its six rounds in group stage, while current leader of Bundesliga advanced to the semis after very dramatically Round 6 clash against SVS STROCK. Gunther RENNER knows how hard work expects his side in next two games against Berlin: “We are pushing the WECL together with Berlin for a long time. We had hard fights in the past against Eastside, with a lot of surprising turning points. We would prefer to meet with Berlin in the finale, but now we try to focus on the semis. We expect a duel of friends, with a winner which is mentally better. We think that SHAN Xiaona is not as dangerous as Zamek`s HAN Ying was, but she can win two points against us of course, same with POTA or SILBEREISEN. Maybe 1 or 2 points could decide the game, I fear”. He reminded how tough was ultimate game of 2012/13 WECL, when Linz had unexpectedly exciting final rematch against Budaorsi 2i SC. But, LIU Jia somehow prevented Dora MADARAZS to make a super big sensation. “I have just one wish, that the game is not so cruel like the finale of the last year, so that my physical health can relax a little bit”. Linz`s team manager Robert RENNER give us one more information in connection with upcoming game: „A summery of the match will be broadcasted in the break of the most important Downhill event in skiing (KITZBÜHEL) with average spectators of more than 2 Million”.
The 57th European Youth Championships logo unveiled
The Italian Table Tennis Association (FITET) has shown the logo of 57th European Youth Championships, which will take place in Riva del Garda (Trentino – Italy). The event will be held from 11th till 20th of July 2014. European Youth Championships r, The Italian Table Tennis Association (FITET) has shown the logo of 57th European Youth Championships, which will take place in Riva del Garda (Trentino – Italy). The event will be held from 11th till 20th of July 2014. European Youth Championships represent the climax of the two-year cooperation to definitively approve Garda Trentino as a perfect TT place on international scale. The logo itself presents a player on a very significant background which reflects a strong relation between the mountains and the lake. These natural features are inseparable in the North Lake Garda area. Such picturesque surroundings create unlimited possibilities for active time spending. The area is well-known for its vast variety of sport disciplines offered and experience in event organization. FC Bayern Munich Summer Training Camp has been held since 2010 at Garda Trentinoì, as well as the 2011 Climbing World Championships and the Optimist Garda Meeting which was awarded by the Guinness World Record as the largest sailing regatta of a single class. The strong bind between North Lake Garda and sports isn’t limited to the professional practice though: in fact, Garda Trentino is one of the most popular destinations for active vacations, and particularly for outdoor activities.Climbing, road and MTB cycling, windsurf, sailing, trekking, hiking are only some of the activities visitors from all around the world can experience throughout the year. The area’s attitude in welcoming visiting sports people is well documented: it’s now time for tomorrow’s table tennis superstars to have a first-hand taste. 2014 EYC official web site will be available on air within few days. Facts and figures The EYC expects almost 600 players from at least 45 countries to participate in the event. They will be accompanied by 200 coaches, managers, physios. Around 300 registered personnel including 100 umpires, media and table tennis companies representatives, 80 OC staff and 40 volunteers. During 10 competition days around 3.500 matches are going to be played. 14 titles will be granted – JB, JG, CB, CG, teams, singles, doubles, mixed doubles (juniors and cadets). The tournament will be held in the area around 3.000 sqm large which has 26 competition tables and 26 practice tables at Riva del Garda’s Baltera Expo Fair complex.
GACINA main force behind Grenzau’s success
Germany’s TTC Zugbrucke Grenzau already succeeded in two rounds of the ETTU Cup. In Round 3 they beat Istres Tennis de Table and in previous Olimpia Unia Grudziadz suffered by the hands of Andrej GACINA, Tomas PAVELKA, Lubomir JANCARIK and Masaki YOSHIDA., Germany’s TTC Zugbrucke Grenzau already succeeded in two rounds of the ETTU Cup. In Round 3 they beat Istres Tennis de Table and in previous Olimpia Unia Grudziadz suffered by the hands of Andrej GACINA, Tomas PAVELKA, Lubomir JANCARIK and Masaki YOSHIDA. “We recorded 3:0 and 3:1 victories as a proof that out team is in good shape. With great optimism we awaits the duel against Walter Wels in the quarter final, but we know it will be quite difficult,“ explained Manager Manfred GSTETTNER. GACINA showed great shape this season, so he is the main source of the optimism for the team. “Our players are in a good condition. In the German Bundesleague we are ranked at position no. 4 currently. We beat Düsseldorf in the last match in the Bundesliga 3:2 – and GACINA overcame Timo BOLL!” In German Cup TTC Zugbrucke Grenzau concluded the competition at the position no. 3. “We would be happy if we could get the same result in the ETTU Cup,” said GSTETTNER and added.” But it also can be better position.”
Titles defended at World Tour Grand Finals
The Chinese pair of XU Xin and LIU Shiwen are $104,000 richer each after they clinched gold at the 1-million-dollar GAC Group 2013 ITTF World Tour Grand Finals in Dubai. XU Xin defended the title that he won in Hangzhou a year ago, defeating good friend a, The Chinese pair of XU Xin and LIU Shiwen are $104,000 richer each after they clinched gold at the 1-million-dollar GAC Group 2013 ITTF World Tour Grand Finals in Dubai. XU Xin defended the title that he won in Hangzhou a year ago, defeating good friend and world number one MA Long in a gripping match 11-8, 10-12, 11-6, 8-11, 11-5, 4-11, 11-5, to win the most lucrative table tennis event on earth. XU Xin, who also won the Men’s World Cup in 2013 stated: “My team mates and I have worked very hard in 2013, so it is very satisfying to win the final tournament of the 2013 season. I have played MA Long a lot, and he has beaten me more times than I have beaten him, so it is good to get one over him,” smiled the world number two. World number one LIU Shiwen rewrote history in the women’s final by winning the gold for the third year in a row, the first player, male or female, that has achieved this feat. On each of those occasions, her opponent was Ding Ning, who has now lost in 4 finals and have never won this prestigious tournament. On this occasion LIU Shiwen only needed six games to defeat DING Ning 11-9, 9-11, 11-9, 11-4, 4-11, 11-7. LIU Shiwen, who picked up the “Fan’s Female Table Tennis Star presented by Nittaku” award last night stated: “I’m very pleased and honored now to have won the event three times. DING Ning and myself are on a similar level; it was a really tough match, so I am thrilled to have won.” Singapore’s GAO Ning and LI Hu retained their Men’s Doubles title by beating the Chinese Taipei partnership of CHIANG Hung-Chieh and HUANG Sheng-Sheng in a dramatic seven games final 6-11, 12-10, 12-10, 8-11, 11-8, 7-11, 11-9. The Singapore pair are only the second pair since the Grand Finals were inaugurated in 1996 to achieve the feat of consecutive men’s doubles gold. Newly crowned ITTF “Female Table Tennis Star presented Vision Magazine Dubai” LI Xiaoxia paired up with DING Ning to cruise to victory in the Women’s Doubles final. The Chinese pair blew away opponents CHEN I-Ching (TPE) and Huang Yi-Hua (TPE) 11-8, 11-2, 11-1, 11-7 to stand on top of the podium. Simon GAUZY (FRA) won an all European Under-21 Men’s Final against defending champion Patrick FRANZISKA (GER) 11-7, 9-11, 11-8, 8-11, 11-6, 14-12 to prove himself as a future star. 7th seed YIN Le (SIN) caused a big upset in the Under-21 Women’s Singles final defeating the number one seed and heavy favorite NG Wing Nam (HKG) 11-9, 11-9, 10-12, 8-11, 11-6, 11-6. The GAC Group 2013 ITTF World Tour Grand Final saw the highest-ranked 16 men and 16 women from the 19 World Tour events battle it out for 1 million dollars, which is the biggest table tennis prize purse in the world.
