Upcoming September 6th will be a very special day for Tarnobrzeg, the city with about 50,000 inhabitants in South-Eastern Poland. Although football, basketball and volleyball have their teams (but in lower leagues), table tennis is unique sport able to se, Upcoming September 6th will be a very special day for Tarnobrzeg, the city with about 50,000 inhabitants in South-Eastern Poland. Although football, basketball and volleyball have their teams (but in lower leagues), table tennis is unique sport able to secure top European spotlights there. Thanks to five-time ETTU-Cup finalist,KTS Zamek Tarnobrzeg, the debut in Women’s European Champions League, versus 2012/13 runner-up, Hungarian Budaorsi 2i SC, will be an absolute event. Table tennis has a long history in this city. Zbigniew NECEK is working here for 25 years, writing a new page of women’s table tennis history in Poland. He is probably the most recognizable person in the town. Before „NECEK’s era” there was a men’s team with many successes in Polish League and best Polish players used to play at Tarnobrzeg Club (Andrzej DOMICZ, Andrzej JAKUBOWICZ, Leszek KUCHARSKI). But now ladies dominate. The best women’s achievements, beside 5 ETTU Cup finals, are Polish League Winner for 22 times (first 15 and last 7 in a row). Last spring the club played again ETTU Cup final, losing from Turkish Fenerbahce Sport Club (0:3, 1:3) which is now clear favourite for the WECL title. The same names will fight for Zamek in WECL premiere, with all three line-up players among Top 50 of ITTF world ranking-list: LI Qian no. 37, Margaryta PESOTSKA no. 45, HAN Ying no. 48 (Renata STRBIKOVA is no. 77). “We wanted to play ETTU Cup again and we didn’t plan to play Women’s European Champions League, but as you know, ETTU has changed regulations. ETTU Cup was great opportunity to show up top European and World players to our spectators, sponsors and fans, but WECL formula is quite different, so we will have new, valuable experience this season”, stressed Zbigniew NECEK, coach and manager of KTS Zamek`s. – What do you expect from WECL and what is the club’s aim in upcoming season? “At least 3rd place in Group stage of WECL and then maybe winning – finally – ETTU Cup. In Polish League, first place of course.” -How many spectators do you expect on your WECL games? “We play in the municipal hall for different sports and as well for other events, capacity is about 1,800 spectators. We expect as much as possible. For the first match probably over 1,000”. – What do you know about your WECL opponents (reigning champion Linz AG Froschberg, 2012/13 finalist Budaorsi 2i SC and Tyumen)? “We know those players from different tournaments. We played against Linz before but never versus two further clubs”. – Who is the favourite for WECL crown? “Fenerbahce Sport Club definitively”! – What is the Zamek`s long-term goal? “To win WECL hopefully””!
Russia clinched two titles at EuroMiniChamps
The ninth edition of the Euro Mini Championships took place in Schiltigheim’s Gymnase des Malteries & Leclerc last weekend. The winner of the Boys Singles Event in category of players born 2002 is Truls MOREGARDH of Sweden. He overcame Dorian ZH, The ninth edition of the Euro Mini Championships took place in Schiltigheim’s Gymnase des Malteries & Leclerc last weekend. The winner of the Boys Singles Event in category of players born 2002 is Truls MOREGARDH of Sweden. He overcame Dorian ZHENG of France in the final 3:0 (5, 11,9). IN semi final MOREGARDH beat another French Representative Bilel HAMACHE (Rhone Alpes) 3:1 (7, -10, 10, 8), whilst ZHENG overcame Dalibor DIKO of Slovakia by same margin (-4, 4, 6, 6). In Girls 2002 Event Ekaterina ZIRONOVA of Russia beat Alessia SCACCHIA of France in full distance duel 3:2 (-8, 11, 9, -5, 13). In penultimate stage SCACCHIA succeeded against Chloe CHOMIS (Ile de France) 3:0 (11, 6, 7), whilst ZIRONOVA beat Maelys DAHY of Belgium 3:0 (4, 6, 1). In one year older category Vincent PICARD of France clinched the title in Boys Event. He overcame Lilian BARDET of France in the final stage 3:0 (7, 8, 6). PICARD beat Thomas LAFONT (Ile de France) 3:1 (-8, 8, 1, 8) and BARDET beat Carlo ROSSI (Italy) 3:2 (-5, 2, -9, 6, 7) in the semi final. In category of girls born 2001 Maria TAYLAKOVA of Russia won the title. She overcame Kristina KAZANTSEVA of Russia 3:0 (6, 5, 8). Previously TAYLAKOVA beat Elina RUB of Russia 3:2 (-8, -8, 8, 4, 7), whilst KAZANTSEVA prevailed in the match against Ema LABOSOVA of Slovakia 3:0 (2, 5, 6). The competition in Schiltigheim was fierce, with 31 nation represented in four events.
Title for Viktoria PAVLOVICH in Olomouc
Viktoria PAVLOVICH of Belarus justified her position and clinched the title in the Women’s Singles Event at the GAC Group 2013 ITTF World Tour, Czech Open, Major Series in Olomouc. European Champion, seeded no. one in Czech Republic overcame LI Jiao of Ne, Viktoria PAVLOVICH of Belarus justified her position and clinched the title in the Women’s Singles Event at the GAC Group 2013 ITTF World Tour, Czech Open, Major Series in Olomouc. European Champion, seeded no. one in Czech Republic overcame LI Jiao of Netherlands in the final 4:2 (9:11, 12:10, 10:12, 11:8, 11:8, 11:7). Masato SHIONO of Japan won the title in Men’s Singles Event. Previously, PAVLOVICH overcame Yuki NONAKA of Japan 4:1 (11:5, 8:11, 11:6, 11:1, 11:9). In other semi final duel LI Jiao succeeded against Georgina POTA of Hungary 2:4 (11:5, 11:9, 6:11, 10:12, 8:11, 9:11). At the final hurdle, SHIONO succeeded against Carlos MACHADO of Spain. He needed only four games 4:0 (11:8, 11:6, 11:7, 11:2). In the semi final MACHADO overcame Ruwen FILUS of Germany in straight games (11:8, 11:5, 11:6, 11:7), whilst Masato SHIONO beat Daniel GORAK in full distance duel 4:3 (11:4, 6:11, 12:10, 10:12, 11:8, 8:11, 11:6). Pawel FERTIKOWSKI and Robert FLORAS of Poland clinched the title in the Men’s Doubles Event. They overcame Robert GARDOS and Daniel HABESOHN of Austria 1:3 (11:9, 9:11, 6:11, 5:11) in the final. In semis GARDOS and HABESOHN overcame Kristian KARLSSON and OVERSJO Mattias of Sweden 3:1 (17:15, 9:11, 11:8, 14:12), whilst FERTIKOWSKI and FLORAS beat Alexey LIVENTSOV and Mikhail PAYKOV of Russia 3:2 (11:8, 8:11, 9:11, 11:9, 11:7). LI Jiao failed to reach the title in Singles, but she won one in Women’s Doubles Event. With Linda CREEMERS, LI succeeded in the final against Katarzyna GRZYBOWSKA and Natalia PARTYKA of Poland in straight games (8:11, 5:11, 7:11). In penultimate stage GRZYBOWSKA and PARTYKA overcame Petrissa SOLJA and Sabine WINTER of Germany 1:3 (4:11, 11:13, 11:6, 8:11), whilst LI and CREEMERS beat Germany’s Kristin SILBEREISEN and WU Jiaduo by same margin (11:13, 11:6, 11:3, 11:8).
Daniel GORAK exceeded the rankings
After very close game Viktoria PAVLOVICH, the top seed in the Women’s Singles Event at the GAC Group 2013 ITTF World Tour Czech Open, booked her place in the semi final. She was stretched to the full distance in the duel against Kristin SILBEREISEN of Ger, After very close game Viktoria PAVLOVICH, the top seed in the Women’s Singles Event at the GAC Group 2013 ITTF World Tour Czech Open, booked her place in the semi final. She was stretched to the full distance in the duel against Kristin SILBEREISEN of Germany. European champion from Belarus will play against Yuki NONAKA of Japan for the place in the final. Japan’s player overcame Austria’s LIU Jia, the defending champion in Olomouc, on her way to the penultimate stage. She did it in straight games. NONAKA, not seeded, being required to compete in the qualification stage of proceedings; she caused a major shock at the quarter-final stage. On the lower half of the draw Georgina POTA of Hungary overcame SHAN Xiaona of Germany in another straight games duel. LI Jiao of Netherlands needed one more to beat HAN Ying of Germany on her way to semis. In the Men’s Singles Event carlos MACHADO of Spain overcame Alexander SHIBAEV of Russia in dominate style, whilst Ruwen FILUS of Germany showed no mercy against Kazuhiro CHAN of Japan. Masato SHIONO of Japan beat the last host nation representative. Pavel SIRUCEK failed to stop the progress of the guest from the East. SHIONO will meet Daniel GORAK of Poland. GORAK, winner of the Junior Boys’ Singles title at the European Youth Championships in 2001 in the Italian city of Tern beat Sharath Kamal ACHANTA of India. Previously the no.15 seed in Olomouc, beat Germany’s Patrick FRANZISKA, the no.2 seed, to book his place in the quarter-final stage of the Men’s Singles event. In Men’s Doubles Event Robert GARDOS and Daniel HABESOHN of Austria will play against Kristian KARLSSON and Mattias OVERSJO of Sweden, whilst Pawel FERTIKOWSKI and Robert FLORAS of Poland will meet Alexey LIVENTSOV and Mikhail PAYKOV of Russia. In Women’s Doubles Event Petrissa SOLJA and Sabine WINTER of Germany will face Katarzyna GRZYBOWSKA and Natalia PARTYKA of Poland. In another semi final duel Linda CREEMERS and LI Jiao of Netherlands will face Kristin SILBEREISEN and WU Jiaduo of Germany
TOKIC clinched the title at 15th Ostend Masters
Last week 1969 players from 42 countries compete at the 35th Flanders ITT & 15th Flanders Ostend Masters. Winner in men’s Singles Event at the 15th Flanders Ostend Masters is Slovenia’s Bojan TOKIC. TOKIC beat Adrien MATTENET of France in the final of, Last week 1969 players from 42 countries compete at the 35th Flanders ITT & 15th Flanders Ostend Masters. Winner in men’s Singles Event at the 15th Flanders Ostend Masters is Slovenia’s Bojan TOKIC. TOKIC beat Adrien MATTENET of France in the final of the event in straight games. KOU Lei of Ukraine, who hails from Beijing and was once a member of the Chinese National Junior Second Team, created the upset by beating top seeded Patrick BAUM of Germany in the quarterfinal, but he suffered by the hands of TOKIC in semis. Seeded no. two Bastian STEGER of Germany lost his semis against MATTENET, after STEGER overcame Belgium’s legend Jean Michel SAIVE. In Ostend 76 event were played. From 10 years old competitors to 80+ category and from top world ranked players to unranked…everyone had a chance to compete.
Czech Open: FRANZISKA in full swing
Abdel-Kader SALIFOU of France, the 23 seed and the winner in Egypt, Croatia and Morocco faced early depart; he was beaten in the first round of the Men’s Singles event at the GAC Group 2013 ITTF World Tour Czech Open in Olomouc. Germany’s Steffen MENGEL a, Abdel-Kader SALIFOU of France, the 23 seed and the winner in Egypt, Croatia and Morocco faced early depart; he was beaten in the first round of the Men’s Singles event at the GAC Group 2013 ITTF World Tour Czech Open in Olomouc. Germany’s Steffen MENGEL accounted at French player, before he beat another surprise winner of the opening stage match. Serbia’s Zolt PETE inflicted the pain in host nation supporters by beating Dmitrij PROKOPCOV, the no.10 seed by the minimal margin in the deciding seventh game. However in the next round PETE lost against MENGEL in straight games. Another Serbia’s representative, Marko JEVTOVIC lost in the second round against Quentin ROBINOT of France. In the lower half of the draw Patrick FRANZISKA of Germany overcame his compatriot Lars HIELSCHER after he scored against Peter SEREDA of Slovakia. In Women’s Singles Event Renata STRBIKOVA, the no.19 seed, was beaten by Russia’s Yulia PROKHOROVA, a player who had been required to negotiate two days of qualification matches. The Czech Republic suffered at the hands of Russia; in the lower half of the draw the scenario was reversed, Russia suffered at the hands of the Czech Republic. Anna TIKHOMIROVA, the no.16 seed, was beaten by Hana MATELOVA, like Yulia Prokhorova, a qualifier. LI Jiao of the Netherlands, the no.2 seed, accounted for Poland’s Kinga STEFANSKA; whilst Germany’s WU Jiaduo, the no.5 seed, ousted Romania’s Camelia POSTOACA and the host nation’s Iveta VACENOVSKA, the no.4 seed, defeated Russia’s Maria DOLGIKH.
Long-term project fits to Slobodan GRUJIC
Four times Olympian, Serbian Slobodan GRUJIC continues his table tennis mission in Germany. Three weeks ago he was appointed as new coach of 2012 German Cup winner Saarbrucken, but at the same time he is responsible for Tibhar`s training center at that ci, Four times Olympian, Serbian Slobodan GRUJIC continues his table tennis mission in Germany. Three weeks ago he was appointed as new coach of 2012 German Cup winner Saarbrucken, but at the same time he is responsible for Tibhar`s training center at that city and for Table Tennis Association of Saarland. Today, August 24th, he celebrates his 40th birthday. Any special wishes? “As always, just good health for me and my family. Of course, I wish the same to everybody. My wife and both my sons are involved in table tennis which is my life. U’m spending all my life in table tennis hall, I am enjoying it and I would like to continue as long as possible”. GRUJIC was born at well known Serbian table tennis city of Novi Sad, the host of 1981 World Championships, when he was just eight year-old. At that time his country (former Yugoslavia) was playing a very important role in table tennis, as the great Dragutin SURBEK took three bronze medals. Slobodan was individual cadet (Athens 1987) and junior (Granada 1991) European champion. Together with Aleksandar KARAKASEVIC reached double’s quarter final on 2004 Olympic Games at Athens, his last Olympics. He spent the last 16 years in Germany, having short break at Turkey. In his best days he won twice, year by year (2005, 2006), Men’s European Champions League with TTV RE-BAU Gonnern, alongsideTimo BOLL and Jorg ROSSKOPF. He will always remember those days and the two victories against Vladimir SAMSONOV in MECL finals against Royal Villette Charleroi. “I spent eight years in Gonnern and two in Pluderhausen. Of course, the final games against Charleroi were something special. Nobody expected that I could beat SAMSONOV once, let alone twice. People used to ask me about those matches till now”. During the last three weeks, GRUJIC tested over 10 players in Tibhar`s training center at Saarbrucken. He signed five-year contract and he is very satisfied with development of table tennis in Saarland, the region which is very proud on its unique Olympic medallist, ping-pong star Bastian STEGER. Beside all duties at Saarbrucken, GRUJIC is also involved in one sport’s school, developing “The nest of talents” (players from 10 to 12 year-old). Both his sons, Nikola and Aleksandar, are members of that school, and his wife is also involved in Saarland`s Table Tennis Association. Speaking about the Saarbrucken`s goals in upcoming season (the club is in MECL Group B, beside UMMC, Pontoise and Eslov, first match on September 6th, against Eslov, on home soil), Slobodan GRUJIC explained: “We have equal players in the line-up – STEGER, TOKIC and APOLONIA – Our aim is MECL quarter final and Bundesliga`s play-off. For us is very important to improve the club step by step, to develop Saarbrucken at any level. That’s the reason why I have signed a five-year contract”.
Anja SCHUCH shined at Czech Open
The Round of 64 at the GAC Group 2013 ITTF World Tour, Czech Open, Major Series in Olomouc starts tomorrow. Among the players who successfully overcame qualifications were few who created the upset. In Men’s Singles Event Adam SZUDI of Hungary exceeded hi, The Round of 64 at the GAC Group 2013 ITTF World Tour, Czech Open, Major Series in Olomouc starts tomorrow. Among the players who successfully overcame qualifications were few who created the upset. In Men’s Singles Event Adam SZUDI of Hungary exceeded his rankings and beat Josef SIMONCIK of Czech Republic to reach top spot in his qualification group. Samuel NOVOTA of Slovakia gained few extra points by beating Lubomir JANCARIK of Czech Republic and concluded the first phase at the top of the group. Filip CIPIN of Croatia, Alvaro ROBLES of Spain, Frederik JOST of Germany, Bohumil VOZICKY of Czech Republic, Antoine HACHARD of France, Mattias OVERSJO of Sweden…all finished the day at position no. one in qualifications. Some of them went step further. OVERSJO beat Lauric JEAN of Belgium to reach main draw, before HACHARD joined him. He beat JOST in second phase of the tournament. Anja SCHUCH of Germany created major upset in Women’s Singles qualifications. From the bottom of the group she reached top position. On her way to the top she overcame Kinga STEFANSKA of Poland and Aliz DJURCIK of Serbia. It was the same story with Maryia KUCHUK of Belarus who beat Maria DOLGIKH of Russia and Lenka HARABASZOVA of Czech Republic.
Successful summer youth camp in Kosovo
The city of Suhareka is the host of the summer Youth Table Tennis Camp of Kosovo association which started on August 19th and it will conclude on August 24th attended by 46 youth players. The coaching group consisted by eight Kosovo’s coaches respon, The city of Suhareka is the host of the summer Youth Table Tennis Camp of Kosovo association which started on August 19th and it will conclude on August 24th attended by 46 youth players. The coaching group consisted by eight Kosovo’s coaches responsible for the camp is lead by the Croatian table tennis legend Branka BATINIC who now holds the position of the head coach of the ETTU Eurokids. The right for participation at this camp has been granted to all three players of the Kosovo Youth League which started only this year as a pilot project of the Kosovo TTA, all youth girls players including the representation of the Kosovo U21 teams who is using this camp as a preparatory stage for participation at the first Balkan U21 Championships which is due to be held at the end of the August in Sarajevo. The camp started today with the first trainings and on the second day there will be two groups each of 23 players in 12 tables. The first group startes at 08:00 to 10:00 and 15:00 to 17:00 while the second group startes at 10:00 to 12:00 and 17:00 to 19:00 and holding a joint session between 20:00 to 21:00. This important table tennis event has been supported by Sports Department within the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport and the Directorate for Youth and Sport of the Municipality of Suhareka in cooperation with ETTU and ITTF.
Viktoria PAVLOVICH top seed in Oloumoc
The forthcoming GAC Group 2013 ITTF World Tour Czech Open attracted a lot of players. A Major Series tournament, proceedings commence in Olomouc on Wednesday 21st August and conclude on Sunday 25th August. The top seed in the Men’s Singles event is the se, The forthcoming GAC Group 2013 ITTF World Tour Czech Open attracted a lot of players. A Major Series tournament, proceedings commence in Olomouc on Wednesday 21st August and conclude on Sunday 25th August. The top seed in the Men’s Singles event is the sensational quarter-final winner over China’s ZHANG Jike, the reigning Olympic and World champion, earlier in the year in Austria, Japan’s 22 year old Taku TAKAKIWA. Christian SÜSS will not defend his title, but there is a major challenge from Germany. Patrick FRANZISKA is the second seed; a young man, who having enjoyed a most successful junior career, is now making inroads at senior level. Next on the list is Japan’s Kazuhiro CHAN followed by the Russian duo of Kirill SKACHOV and Alexander SHIBAEV. On the Women’s Singles list, the top three seeds have all won ITTF World Tour Women’s Singles titles. Viktoria PAVLOVICH, the reigning European champion and top seed in Oloumoc, won in Minsk in 2008; whilst LI Jiao of the Netherlands, the second seed, succeeded in Slovenia in 2008 and two years later in Poland. The third seed has the most ITTF World Tour Women’s Singles titles to her credit and is arguably the most motivated; she is the defending champion. Austria’s LIU Jia, in addition to winning in Olomouc one year ago, succeeded in Brazil in 2004 and in Germany in 2008. In the Men’s Doubles event, Austria’s Robert GARDOS and Daniel HABESOHN occupy the top seeded place in the draw with Russia’s Alexey LIVENTSOV and Mikail PAYKOV being the second seeds. In the Women’s Doubles competition it is German names to the fore; Petrissa SOLJA and Sabine WINTER are the no.1 seeds followed by colleagues Kristin SILBEREISEN and WU Jiaduo.
