Elizabeta SAMARA of Romania reached semi final of the GAC Group 2013 ITTF World Tour Brazil Open, Americas Challenge Series in Santos. For the place in the final she will meet Manika BATRA of India. In quarterfinal, SAMARA seeded no. one beat host nation, Elizabeta SAMARA of Romania reached semi final of the GAC Group 2013 ITTF World Tour Brazil Open, Americas Challenge Series in Santos. For the place in the final she will meet Manika BATRA of India. In quarterfinal, SAMARA seeded no. one beat host nation representative Lin GUI in five games (11:9, 13:11, 7:11, 11:4, 11:8). In the same round Russia’s Irina ERMAKOVA suffered by the hands of Caroline KUMAHARA of Brazil 2:4 (9:11, 11:6, 11:13, 4:11, 12:10, 8:11). In Round of 16 SAMARA beat Bruna ALEXANDRE of Brazil 4:0 (11:9, 11:2, 11:5, 11:7). ERMAKOVA overcame Lais TOMA also of Brazil 4:1 (5:11, 12:10, 7:11, 11:9, 2:11, 5:11). In quarterfinal of the Men’s Singles Event Benjamin BROSSIER of France suffered by the hands of Cazuo MATSUMOTO of Brazil in straight games (8:11, 7:11, 8:11, 6:11). In Round of 16 BROSSIER beat Eric MANCINI of Brazil 4:1 (11:9, 8:11, 12:10, 11:8, 11:9). Gustavo TSUBOI of Brazil beat Alexander FLEMMING of Germany 2:4 (5:11, 11:8, 4:11, 5:11, 11:5, 9:11).
Stefano BOSI resigns from ETTU Presidency
Stefano BOSI has announced today his decision to resign from ETTU Presidency with immediate effect. The Italian manager, 58, was in the office from 1996. “It was a hard decision for me as I spent part of my life at the European Table Tennis Union’s servic, Stefano BOSI has announced today his decision to resign from ETTU Presidency with immediate effect. The Italian manager, 58, was in the office from 1996. “It was a hard decision for me as I spent part of my life at the European Table Tennis Union’s service, but I realized time has come – Stefano BOSI explained -. In the last few months the situation within ETTU was not the same I was used to. After ITTF elections last May in Paris, where I was candidate in opposition to Adham SHARARA, I perceived a very difficult atmosphere inside ETTU. For the benefit of our Continent and for personal reasons I decided, after having consulted with the most of the Board members, to resign from the position of President”. The whole Executive Board shall remain in charge with Deputy President Jean-Francois KAHN as acting President until the next ETTU Congress in Schwechat (AUT), scheduled on October 5th, with new elections to reinstate any vacancy. “I always believed a strong ETTU being the key for our sport improvement – Stefano BOSI commented –. I hope my way out will help TT family to re-establish cooperation and harmony. I always served ETTU with all my heart and with loyalty” . In conclusion, Stefano BOSI spent some words of gratitude. “I shared so many years with some fantastic persons and friends, including most of the Executive Board Members. I worked aside an admirable General Secretariat and a group of professionals whose skills and passion should not be underestimated, in the same interest of table tennis. I’ve no regrets definitively, hope everyone of my opponents feel the same”. “I thank all the associations for the incredible help they have given to my “passion” and for the clear support they demonstrated during the elections in Herning, one year ago. All the best to Table Tennis and ciao…”
Eslov to establish its name on European map
Swedish Eslov Al Bordtennis is coming back to Men’s European Champions League trying to establish itself on European map. Eight times national champion has 250 players in practice and its own table tennis hall „Blomsterbergshallen” with 1.000 m2. The city, Swedish Eslov Al Bordtennis is coming back to Men’s European Champions League trying to establish itself on European map. Eight times national champion has 250 players in practice and its own table tennis hall „Blomsterbergshallen” with 1.000 m2. The city of Eslöv (around 30.000 population), close to the bigger cities Lund and Malmö, looks forward to see three strong clubs from MECL Group B, Russian UMMC, German FC Saarbrucken and French AS Pontoise Cergy TT. The club is well organized. Head coach Peter ANDERSSON works with two assistant trainers, but soon they will be supported by one more coach. “The plan is to include one more top trainer so we can develop our international investment. Our goal is to be the best training center in Northern Europe”, stressed Eslov`s president Thomas ANDERSSON in interview for ETTU website. – Why do you decide to come back in MECL? “We have become Swedish champions 8 times the last 9 years so it is a natural step for us look at next goal, to become a top club in Europe”. – What do you expect from new appearing on European scene? “Lot of exciting games and further international experience for our young players as well. The whole club will also develop because of MECL and that is important for our future”. – How will looks like Eslov`s line-up in 2013/14 season? “In MECL we will play with two Swedish players Robert SVENSSON (world’s no. 130) and Mattias ÖVERSJÖ (no. 288) and also one Danish player Kasper STERNBERG (no. 224). Behind them, we have some young Swedish players. In the Swedish league we will also have a Chinese player but he is not allowed to play MECL”. – What is the club’s goal in upcoming season? “In MECL it is to win as many matches as possible and reach next level. In the Swedish league our goal is to defend our title. Another goal is to put Eslövs AI on European table tennis map as one of the most interesting clubs”. – What are the club’s best all-time achievements? “We have reached quarter final two times in MECL and we have become Swedish champions 8 times. I must emphasize that this year our women’s team also became Swedish champions”.
MAGNUSSON won the title at the Arctic Championships
First Arctic table tennis championship was held in Iceland last month. The idea came up after Island games were canceled in Gurnsey. Jan BERNER took an initiative and started with preparations with some small associations including Iceland. Sigurdur SVERR, First Arctic table tennis championship was held in Iceland last month. The idea came up after Island games were canceled in Gurnsey. Jan BERNER took an initiative and started with preparations with some small associations including Iceland. Sigurdur SVERRISON and Jan BERNER planed to have this new tournament in Reykjavik at the first place. Tournament director Sigurdur and Iceland TT Federation made a real good tournament. Iceland, Faroe Islands, Greenland and Jytland provincial team from Denmark took part. The winner of the Men’s Singles Event is Magnus K. MAGNUSSON of Iceland, runner up is Dadi Freyr GUDMUNDSSON also of Iceland. The bronze went to Aqqualu NIELSEN of Greenland and Andreas ROKKJÆR, Jutland (Denmark).
Apache Ping Pong in the Middle East!
RAF Engineers and Aircrew in Camp Bastion, Afghanistan are benefitting from the donation of an Instant Ping Pong pack provided by the English Table Tennis Association. The Apache Helicopter Detachment, made up of a combination of Technicians from The Roya, RAF Engineers and Aircrew in Camp Bastion, Afghanistan are benefitting from the donation of an Instant Ping Pong pack provided by the English Table Tennis Association. The Apache Helicopter Detachment, made up of a combination of Technicians from The Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME) and Aircrew/Groundcrew from the Army Air Corps (AAC), are normally based in Wattisham, Ipswich but are currently on duty in the Middle East. Access to table tennis is easy in Suffolk, but the troops were finding their favourite past-time harder to come by while in action. However, thanks to the donated Instant Ping Pong pack, the crew can continue to play during their service in Afghanistan. Brian SLINN, Staff Sergeant for AH Det at Camp Bastion, said: “Thanks to the generosity of ETTA the troops are now able to hone their ping pong skills when they are not bending spanners on, or flying in, the Apache”. “As you can probably imagine playing in 40+ degree heat soon brings on a sweat! The extremely competitive nature of the lads also raises the temperature!” Once receiving the Instant Ping! Pong pack they sent the surreal picture showing the RAF displaying their own ‘Apache Ping Pong’ – taking the idea of table tennis as a sport for anyone, anywhere and at anytime to a new level! However, it won’t just be the current staff in service to enjoy the pack though as the equipment will remain in place for the long-term. Staff Sergeant SLINN explained: “The equipment will remain in Afghanistan for use by this detachment and many that will follow until the British Army’s final withdrawal from Afghanistan. Trust me it will get maximum use as it is a welcome relief from the rigours of daily life in Afghanistan!” “May the ‘Ping-Pong’ competitions begin!”
Elizabeta SAMARA top seeded in Brazil
GAC Group 2013 ITTF World Tour Brazil Open, Americas Challenge Series starts on Thursday in Santos. The list of European participants is very modest – only four players from Old Continent are listed. Benjamin BROSSIER of France and Alexander LEMMIN, GAC Group 2013 ITTF World Tour Brazil Open, Americas Challenge Series starts on Thursday in Santos. The list of European participants is very modest – only four players from Old Continent are listed. Benjamin BROSSIER of France and Alexander LEMMING of Germany will play in the men’s Singles Event, whilst Romania’s star Elizabeta SAMARA and Russia’s Irina ERMAKOVA will play in Women’s. SAMARA, World’s no. 19 is top seed. The closest challenger is Caroline KUMAHARA of Brazil ranked only at position no. 166 at the World’s rankings. Manika BATRA and Sutirath MUKHERJEE of India are seeded no. three and four. Cazuo MATSUMOTO of Brayil is the top seed in the Men’s Singles Event, followed by compatriots Gustavo TSUBOI and Thiago MONTEIRO.
ETTA & Butterfly join forces in new four-year deal
The English Table Tennis Association (ETTA) has announced a new four-year sponsorship agreement with the world’s leading equipment manufacturer Butterfly for the provision of the English National Team kits at the senior, junior and cadet levels. In a deal, The English Table Tennis Association (ETTA) has announced a new four-year sponsorship agreement with the world’s leading equipment manufacturer Butterfly for the provision of the English National Team kits at the senior, junior and cadet levels. In a deal worth more than £100,000 it will see Butterfly once again supply the England kit for most major international events including World Championships, European Championships, Home Internationals and all junior and cadet events. Representatives from the ETTA and Butterfly met at Bounce, a restaurant, bar and social table tennis club, where the game was created and patented in 1901 to make the announcement and release the first glimpses of the new England kit, which was modeled by current English National Champions Liam PITCHFORD and Kelly SIBLEY. ETTA Chairman Andy SEWARD said: “We would like to welcome Butterfly on board as the ETTA’s official clothing supplier for the next four years. All the England teams will be wearing the Butterfly clothing when on duty and I think that is excellent for the sport and for English table tennis in particular. “It’s a good time for us, a good time for table tennis and I hope we will see positive results for England wearing the kit.” The new deal will further the relationship between English table tennis and Butterfly who also already sponsor 18 of the leading English players and 15 major clubs who compete in the British League. Sebastian RANGS, Export Sales Director for Butterfly Europe, said: “We as Butterfly are very pleased that the England team will be wearing our brand again as we have done in the past. “We have a lot of very good players already in England like Kelly [SIBLEY] and Liam [PITCHFORD] that have been using our equipment and of course we are more than happy to see them in Butterfly National Team clothing again.” For the new ETTA Chief Executive, Sara SUTCLIFFE, it was a first press call on England duty as she begins to steer the organisation into a new era. The extension of the partnership with Butterfly is another step towards developing the value of the ETTA brand. Mrs SUTCLIFFE said: “It’s always important for a governing body and especially for our England teams to have the support of commercial partners. “That raises the sense of importance in their role as England representatives and for the ETTA brand, it’s fantastic to be able to sit side-by-side with a premier brand like Butterfly.” She added: “I can’t wait to go and see them [Liam and Kelly] now and get out there and see how our teams and our players perform in the major tournaments. I’m passionate about sport and I want to learn more about the table tennis world. I appreciate the hard work that our players are putting in by representing both the ETTA and their country and being role models in our sport.”
Six titles for the hosts at Korea J&C Open
Six out of eight titles at the 2013 Korea Junior & Cadet Open – ITTF Premium Junior Circuit at Daejon stay in Korea Republic. Other two goes to Japan, thanks to two girls, Yui HAMAMOTO (junior) and Miu HIRANO (cadet). All three Swedish player in main , Six out of eight titles at the 2013 Korea Junior & Cadet Open – ITTF Premium Junior Circuit at Daejon stay in Korea Republic. Other two goes to Japan, thanks to two girls, Yui HAMAMOTO (junior) and Miu HIRANO (cadet). All three Swedish player in main single`s draw were eliminated in opening round. Elias RANEFUR played very well in Junior Boys event, but lost from the future champion, Korean KIM Minhyeok 4:2 (9:11, 11:8, 6:11, 4:11, 11:6, 4:11). KIM beat countryman LIM Jonghoon in game for the gold, plating seven games. Linda BERGSTROM also took two sets from one host. She lost from LEE Yujin. Swedish cadet Hannes IWARSSON started good against Korean PARK Junho, reaching opening set, but next three belonged to the host. The best cadet boy is HWANG Minha who defeated KIM Daewoo in all-Korean final. Just one European double – Swedish cadets Hannes IWARSSON and Filip KARLSSON – went to the top eight pairs. But, without playing first two rounds (twice w.o.). They lost from Korean NAM and YONG in three sets of quarter final.
Champion Tomas POLANSKY moved to spot # 5
The August Rankings are out now and they will be used in creating the list of participants who will receive the invitation for the Europe Youth Top-10 scheduled on September 20th to 22nd. In Italy’s Terni will be invited 40 juniors and cadets. On the Euro, The August Rankings are out now and they will be used in creating the list of participants who will receive the invitation for the Europe Youth Top-10 scheduled on September 20th to 22nd. In Italy’s Terni will be invited 40 juniors and cadets. On the European Junior Boys Rankings Tristan FLORE of France still holds the top of the list whilst his compatriot Enzo ANGLES is still at position no. two despite the fact that he won the title in the Singles Event at the European Youth Championships recently in Ostrava. Jakub DYAS of Poland is at the spot no. three, whilst Alexandre ROBINOT of France is fourth. Joao GERALDO of Portugal moved from spot no. 13 to top 10. Romania’s Bernadette SZOCS is still the leading name in Junior Girls Rankings. New Europen champion Nina MITTELHAM of Germany progressed from third to second place and Lea RAKOVAC is third. Theresa KRAFT of Germany is now among top 8 players. She was 12th last month. Aikaterini TOILOU of Greece moved from 28th to 19th position. No change at the top spot in cadet boys neither. Alexandre CASSIN of France is number one, but Maxim CHAPLYGIN of Russia is second. Andreas LIND of Denmark went one place down to third place. Tomas POLANSKY of Czech Republic, winner in team’s singles and doubles in Ostrava moved from position no. 9 to position no. 5. There is no change in top 8 in cadet girls. Marie MIGOT of France is listed at position no. 1 in cadet Girls Rankings, Adina DIACONU of Romania is second and Maria MALANINA of Russia is at position no. three. Karoline MISCHEK of Austria moved from 10th to 9th position.
BOLL and OVTCHAROV shine in Chinese Super League
Two best German players, six times individual European champion Timo BOLL and 2012 Olympic bronze medalist Dimitrij OVTCHAROV represented their continent in high style playing ten rounds of Chinese Super League. BOLL has 8-2 score in his fourth appearance, Two best German players, six times individual European champion Timo BOLL and 2012 Olympic bronze medalist Dimitrij OVTCHAROV represented their continent in high style playing ten rounds of Chinese Super League. BOLL has 8-2 score in his fourth appearance in the world’s best national championships, whilst OVTCHAROV finished with 6-3. “This was absolutely new experience for me” said OVTCHAROV for DTTB. “This national enthusiasm for the table tennis in China is tremendous. The halls were mostly sold out, and we meet every day the best players in the world. I could learn a lot having in just four weeks opportunity to play against six out of Top ten world’s players”. World’s no. 5 BOLL had 2-1 score against Top 3 from ITTF ranking list. He beat actual World and Olympic champion ZHANG Jike (no. 3) and XU Xin (no. 2), while lost from MA Long (no. 1). XU and MA were 2013 World Championships bronze medalists. Timo BOLL`s games (8-2) ZHANG Jike (Shandong) 3:1, ZHANG Chao (Shandong) 3:2, XU Xin (Schanghai) 3:1, SHANG Kun (Schanghai) 0:3, YAN An (Ningbo Haitian) 3:2, MA Long (Ningbo Haitian) 2:3, CHEUNG Yuk (Tianjin) 3:2, HAO Shuai (Tianjin) 3:0, QIU Jike (Sichuan) 3:0, XU Chenhao (Bayi) 2:0 (doubles and last fifth match goes on best of three sets). Dima OVTCHAROV`s games (6-3) XU Ruifeng (Sichuan) 3:1, QIU Yike (Sichuan) 3:1, CHUANG Chih-Yuan (Tianjin) 3:2, HAO Shuai (Tianjin) 3:2, WANG Hao (Bayi) 3:2, FAN Zhendong (Bayi) 2:3, ZHANG Jike (Shandong) 1:3, ZHANG Chao (Shandong) 3:2, SHANG Kun (Shanghai) 0:3.
