Polish PGE Fibrain Ku AZS Politechnika Rzeszów will play in Stage 2 of the ETTU Champions League Women. The team has already “warmed up” in the opening stage, where it lost only to Czech SKST Plus Hodonín but secured progression to the next phase with victories over Serbia’s TTC Novi Sad and Croatia’s Dr. Časl. Now, PGE Fibrain Ku AZS Politechnika Rzeszów will compete in Group 2 against France’s Metz TT and Italy’s ASD Quattro Mori Cagliari, fighting for one of the two available spots leading to the quarterfinals. The roster for this season is composed of very young, ambitious players supported by the experienced Fen LI, former European champion from Sweden. The lineup includes 19-year-old Polish rising star Zuzanna WIELGOS, Taipei’s and Korea’s teenage prospects Yi Tian YEH and Yerin KIM, Sweden’s Nomin BAASAN, and Polish players Ilona SZTWIERTNIA, Oliwia WATOR, and Aleksandra GUZIK. “The atmosphere before the Champions League matches is excellent. All the players are in great shape, and we’ll play with our strongest lineup,” explained Coach Karol PAŚKO. Zuzanna WIELGOS confirmed that the team is looking forward to the upcoming clashes with great anticipation: “We’re all in a positive mindset and well-prepared for the group stage matches.” The Polish club will indeed need all the positive energy it can gather. Metz TT comes in as the no. 2 seed and last year’s runner-up, while ASD Quattro Mori Cagliari holds the no. 7 seed position. “We’re playing in a very strong group, in my opinion, the strongest one. The teams from Metz and Cagliari have outstanding players in their squads. We hope to advance to the Champions League quarterfinals, but we know it will be a huge challenge. I consider Metz the favorite in our group. I’m counting on good performances from Fen LI and Zuzanna WIELGOS in our team,” stated Coach PAŚKO. “Fen LI has returned to full fitness after a long injury, which is the most important thing. I hope Ilona SZTWIERTNIA will allso seized her oportunity.” WIELGOS responded to her coach’s plans: “I want to play my best. I have a chance to win against some of the top players. Our whole team is strong and ready. The strongest team is Metz, who we’ll play against on November 11 here in Rzeszów. But at this stage, every team is really strong. If we play at a very good level, I won’t worry about the results. The Champions League is very important both for my club and for me personally. We want to advance from the group and play in the knockout stage.” Speaking about their opponents, Zuzanna added: “The team from Metz has top-level players such as GODA and LUTZ. The Italian team features the Russian player ABRAMIAN. These teams are very strong.” It is a historic moment for the club. “We are taking part in the Champions League for the first time. We want to show our best side, both sportingly and organizationally. A very demanding season lies ahead of us,” explained Coach PAŚKO. “Together, we are fighting and writing the history of table tennis in Rzeszów. We invite everyone to our match on November 11, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. Let’s fight together!” The club is currently in fourth place in the Polish Ekstraklasa. “There are still many matches ahead of us, and we want to improve our position,” the coach explained. Finally, WIELGOS had a message for the fans: “Please keep your fingers crossed for us and follow our matches live, it’s going to be a great show!”
Sokah Hoboken Poised for Historic Knock-Out Stage Debut in the ETTU Champions League
The kick-off of the Knock-Out Stage of the ETTU Champions League Men is less than two weeks away. The heavyweights, the top eight seeded clubs will enter the arena to face the Group Stage 1 winners and runners-up. Belgium’s TTC Sokah Hoboken will challenge last year’s Final Four contenders, Polish KS Bank Spółdzielczy Orlicz 1924 Suchedniów. Last season, Sokah competed only in Group Stage 1, but this time the Belgian side advanced a step further after defeating Austria’s SPG Felbemayr Wels, Czechia’s SKST Havířov, and Croatia’s STK Starr to secure their place among the Round of 16. “The current shape of the team is great after winning recently the most important match of the season in Belgium. Plus, Rémi BÉTELU joining the squad brings fresh and powerful energy to the whole team to give, together, a proper fight to the Polish club,”explained Benjamin BROSSIER. Manager Marc GIJS highlighted the importance of the team’s recent success: “The team is performing well, and the atmosphere is amazing since we beat our big opponent in Belgium, Diest, last Wednesday with 4–2. Diest became seven-time Belgian champion between 2018 and 2024, and Sokah was almost always second. This year Sokah became champion. Diest is playing with CARVALHO, NORDBERG, PLATONOV, VOSTES and KANAMITSU.” When asked if the players are ready for the forthcoming challenge, BROSSIER confirmed briefly: “All are ready to go.” GIJS added: “Everybody is ready and fit to compete: Quentin ROBINOT, Gabrielius CAMARA, Benjamin BROSSIER, Rémi BÉTELU and Olav KOSOLOSKY.” BROSSIER elaborated on their broader vision: “The external goal is simple, to win the championship in Belgium and to go as far as possible in Europe, first in the Champions League! But more importantly, to keep growing together as athletes and human beings.” Manager GIJS further pointed out that Rémi BÉTELU’s addition marks another key step forward: “Rémi joined Sokah to play in Europe with the club.” BROSSIER explained their current domestic position: “We are first in the Championship after beating the second-strongest team in the league. But there is still a long way to go.” Sokah defeated seven-time Belgian champions Diest 4–2 last Wednesday and remains unbeaten in the Belgian Superdivision after six matches. Sokah leads the standings, with Diest following in second place, though twelve matches still remain to be played. Regarding the upcoming clash with KS Bank Spółdzielczy Orlicz 1924 Suchedniów, BROSSIER admitted they still have limited knowledge of their opponents: “Our expectation is to give a good show to our supporters and to enjoy the time we spend in the arena. We will study our adversary for sure in the coming days. Our strength is our team spirit.” Manager GIJS underlined the historical importance of Sokah’s progress: “It’s the first time in the club’s history that we’ve reached the last sixteen of the Champions League. Sokah is even the first Belgian club, after the unbeatable Villette Charleroi, to come this far. We’ve already achieved something special and can be proud, representing the city of Antwerp and Belgian table tennis. Every new victory is a bonus, a new step in our history.” He added that despite not being the strongest team on paper, Sokah’s unity and resilience are unmatched: “We maybe don’t have the strongest team, but we have a real team spirit and a fighting spirit. The players never give up and that will be necessary against Orlicz, who is very strong. Last year they reached the Final Four! They are the favourites, but as always, we will do our best.” BROSSIER: “Winning or losing that’s not the point. We expect the whole team to play a key role, as always.” GIJS: “We have experienced players, but I’d like to mention two in particular. First, Rémi BÉTELU he joined with great enthusiasm to play in the Champions League and has made a lot of progress this year. Then there’s Gabrielius CAMARA, the young Dutch champion. He already showed his skills in Novi Sad. Who knows what he can do against Orlicz?” Importance of the competition? BROSSIER: “The Champions League is a great opportunity for us to play high-level matches. The club is looking forward to playing an important role on the European stage.” GIJS: “It’s something extra, something the city of Antwerp, the Flemish capital of sports, is proud of. Last season we gave younger players a chance internationally, but this season we’re fielding our full first team: BROSSIER, ROBINOT, BÉTELU, CAMARA and KOSOLOSKY. We don’t know how far we can go, but we’ll fight and try to reach the limit.” Message to the Fans? BROSSIER: “We don’t need to say much, our fans know what we give at the table, and they’ll be there.” GIJS:“They love this team because of its spirit and fight. They’ll see that again, even though it will be very tough to beat such a strong team as Orlicz. For our fans, it will be a great match, a big opportunity to see some of the best players in Europe.” GIJS concluded: “Our main goal is to enjoy ourselves, give the players the chance to play high-level matches, and do something for the city of Antwerp, for our sponsors, and for Belgian table tennis. We’ll see how far we can go.” Speking of preparation and mindset comparing the Stage 1. BROSSIER: “This stage is very different from Novi Sad in August. Back then, players were not yet at 100%. Now we’re at the peak of the season, and everyone is ready. It will be a great match to watch.” GIJS:“Knowing that we beat Diest last Wednesday, I’m convinced everyone is even more prepared than in Novi Sad. But of course, that guarantees nothing, we’ll see.”
Deadline Approaching for the ETTU CES Level 1 – Participation Coach Course
Application procedure: Applications must be sent by email to projects@ettu.org Maximum 20 participants per course. Places will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis (applications will be accepted in the order they are received until the course is full). Deadline: 1 November 2025. Admission requirements: Scholarships: ETTU will award 8 scholarships covering the full course fee (€1,500), which includes: Please note: travel and accommodation for the 4–5 day practical part of the course are not included. How to apply: For regular applications: send your contact details and Member Association. For scholarship applications, also include your CV and a motivation letter. We look forward to receiving your applications. The theoretical part will start in the second week of November on a self-paced and flexible basis. The practical part is scheduled to take place in the first part of 2026; the location and final dates are TBD.
Sweden, Switzerland and Czechia Share Singles Titles at the JOOLA Europe Youth Series in Czechia
The singles events at the JOOLA Europe Youth Series in Czechia concluded with a show of emerging European talent. Sweden clinched titles in Under 13 Boys’ and Under 15 Girls’ Singles; Czechia clinched gold in Under 15 Boys’ and Switzerland in Under 13 girls. Under-15 Boys’ Singles – MORAVEK Claims Gold for Czechia Czechia’s Ondrej MORAVEK delighted the home supporters by capturing the Under-15 Boys’ Singles title, overcoming Sweden’s Emil ELLERMANN in a high-quality final. In the semi-finals, MORAVEK defeated Austria’s Sung Bing CHEN 3–1 (9–11, 11–7, 11–8, 11–4), while ELLERMANN advanced after a Finland’s Jimi KOIVUMÄKI did not play in the penultimate stage. The final saw MORAVEK start confidently, taking the opening game 12–10. Although ELLERMANN levelled with a narrow second-game win, the Czech player regained control through composed rallies and excellent balance between attack and placement to close the contest 3–1 (12–10, 9–11, 11–8, 11–7). Under-15 Girls’ Singles – BENJEGÅRD Continues Swedish Success Sweden’s Siri BENJEGÅRD captured the Under-15 Girls’ Singles crown after another impressive run through the knockout stage. She overcame Switzerland’s Michelle WU in the semi-finals 3–1 (7–11, 12–10, 11–2, 11–7), while Germany’s Amelie Guzi JIA defeated Czechia’s Adela BRHELOVA 3–0 (11–6, 13–11, 11–9). In the final, BENJEGÅRD remained composed under pressure, to seal victory 3–1 (11–9, 11–5, 6–11, 13–11) and the gold medal for Sweden. JIA took silver, with WU and BRHELOVA collecting bronzes. Under-13 Girls’ Singles – HU Strikes Gold for Switzerland Switzerland’s Enya HU claimed the Under-13 Girls’ Singles title with a string of strong performances. HU defeated Slovakia’s Barbora Melisa GUASSARDO 3–1 (9–11, 11–2, 11–9, 11–9) in the semi-finals, while Czechia’s Adela BRHELOVA produced a comeback to beat Swiss player Michelle WU 3–2 (4–11, 9–11, 11–3, 11–9, 11–7). In the final, HU maintained her composure throughout the tight exchanges to prevail 3–0 (12–10, 11–6, 12–10) and capture gold, with BRHELOVA taking silver. WU and GUASSARDO each earned bronze medals. Under-13 Boys’ Singles – HALLÉN Tops All-Swedish Final An all-Swedish showdown closed the Under-13 Boys’ Singles event, where Zac HALLÉN triumphed over Joel ISAKSSON in a five-game thriller. ISAKSSON had earlier defeated Germany’s Paul FLEMMING 3–1 (11–4, 14–16, 11–6, 12–10), while HALLÉN reached the final after a straight-games win over Austria’s Sung Bing CHEN (11–5, 11–8, 11–3). The final lived up to expectations, going the distance before HALLÉN sealed the win 3–2 (5–11, 11–5, 10–12, 11–9, 12–10). ISAKSSON claimed silver, with FLEMMING and CHEN completing the medal line-up. Sweden’s Emil ELLERMANN and Siri BENJEGÅRD emerged as the Under-15 Mixed Doubles champions. In the semifinals, the Swedish pair overcame Andrej BRECE and Barbora Melisa GUASSARDO of Slovakia. On the other side of the draw, Ondrej MORAVEK and Laura MARSICKOVA of the Czechia prevailed in a duel against Mikolaj PILCH and Lucja KOBOSZ from Poland. In the final ELLERMANN and BENJEGÅRD started strongly, taking the opening two games 11–6 and 11–7 before the Czech duo responded to level the score with 11–9 and 11–8. From there, the Swedes regained full control, winning 11–7 in the decider to seal a 3–2 victory (11–6, 11–7, 9–11, 8–11, 11–7). Germany celebrated a victory in the Under-13 Mixed Doubles as Jonathan KRAFT and Ksenja POZNIC produced a confident performance to overcome their compatriots Benno DETTMER and Kristin TUVE in the final. In an all-German duel KRAFT and POZNIC showed greater stability after a tight opening game, pulling away to secure the title 3–1 (10–12, 11–6, 11–5, 11–6). Filip NAGY and Bianka BACSOVÁ (Slovakia) as well as Kirill MANALAKI and Anna RADENBACH (Germany) clinched bronze.
Gorazd VECKO Dies at the Age of 53
The European Table Tennis Union joins ParalympicsGB and the entire table tennis community in mourning the passing of Gorazd VECKO, British Para Table Tennis Performance Director, who has died at the age of 53. Gorazd VECKO made an immeasurable impact on Para table tennis and the wider European table tennis family. Over nearly two decades, he played a leading role in transforming British Para sport and inspiring countless athletes and coaches with his vision, dedication, and passion for the game. Before joining British Para Table Tennis in 2009, Gorazd had already made history by coaching Mateja PINTAR to Slovenia’s first Paralympic gold medal in table tennis at the Athens 2004 Paralympic Games. His success continued in Great Britain, where he led the team through four Paralympic Games. Under his leadership, the squad achieved outstanding results – winning four medals at London 2012, three at Rio 2016 (including golds for Will BAYLEY and Rob DAVIES), seven at Tokyo 2020, and five more at Paris 2024. VECKO built much more than a medal-winning program; he established a family culture at the Sheffield high-performance base, fostering an environment of mutual respect, teamwork, and emotional support. This legacy continues to define the British Para table tennis setup today. Beyond his national role, Gorazd VECKO was a respected figure in European and global table tennis. He contributed to the sport’s development through his work with the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) and served as Vice-President of Table Tennis England. Within the ETTU community, he was known for his active engagement in Para programs and once led an ETTU Para Development Camp, where his experience and enthusiasm greatly inspired young coaches and athletes across Europe. In recognition of his exceptional service to British Para Table Tennis, Gorazd was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) by His Majesty King Charles III in 2023. The ETTU extends its deepest condolences to Gorazd’s family, friends, colleagues, and the players whose lives he profoundly shaped.
Sweden and Czechia Shine in the Under-15 Team Events, Germany Dominate the Under-13 Titles
The closing stages of the JOOLA Europe Youth Series in Czechia brought an exciting show of Europe’s rising table tennis stars, with Sweden, Czechia, and Germany sharing the team titles across the Under-15 and Under-13 events. Sweden Take Under-15 Boys Crown Sweden 1 captured the Under-15 Boys team title with a convincing 3–0 victory over Germany in the final. Emil ELLERMANN and Sigge Sang LEIGERT led the Swedish side with confident performances in both singles and doubles, maintaining composure and precision throughout the match. Germany fought hard through Ben Luca KÖHLER and Jonathan KILIAN, but could not disrupt Sweden’s rhythm and momentum. In the battle for bronze, Sweden 2 claimed third place after a hard-fought 3–1 victory over Austria. Zac HALLÉN and Joel ISAKSSON produced composed and consistent performances in both singles and doubles, showing maturity in decisive moments. Despite determined play from Sung Bing CHEN and Seung CHEN, Austria could not overturn the Swedish dominance. Czechia Triumph in Under-15 Girls Team Final In the Under-15 Girls Team Event, Czechia 1 celebrated a dramatic 3–2 victory over Sweden to secure the title after a thrilling and closely contested final. Adela BRHELOVA gave Czechia a perfect start with a straight-games win, before Sweden’s Siri BENJEGÅRD levelled the score to keep the contest alive. The Czech duo BRHELOVA and Laura MARSICKOVA then combined superbly in doubles to regain the lead, but Sweden again struck back through BENJEGÅRD in a tense fourth match. In the deciding encounter, MARSICKOVA delivered a composed and confident performance to overcome Alicia ENBOM and seal the championship for Czechia. Germany’s Lotta Rothfuss and Ksenija POZNIC and the mixed pairing of Anastasija ZIBUNOVA (Latvia) and Barbora Melisa GUASSARDO (Slovakia) clinched the bronze medals, finishing third and fourth in their respective groups. German Supremacy in Under-13 Events Germany 1 emerged as the Under-13 Boys team champions, defeating Germany 2 by 3–1 in an all-German final. Kirill MANALAKI was instrumental in the champions’ success, combining with Benno DETTMER for decisive singles and doubles wins. Although Paul FLEMMING and Koki PÜSCHEL of Germany 2 opened strongly, Germany 1 soon took control, and MANALAKI sealed the triumph in the final singles match, confirming the team’s impressive campaign. Germany 3 beat 3–1 Czechia 4ion in the match for third posit. Joel ROHALY and Manoj SANKARA were decisive for the German side, securing key wins in both singles and doubles. Despite a strong opening from Tomas Simek, Czechia could not sustain their momentum, leaving Germany 3 to finish proudly on the podium. In the Under-13 Girls Team Final, Germany 1 produced a dominant 3–0 win over Germany 3 to take the gold medal. The pair of Chenhao CHEN and Dana HASPEL displayed total control from start to finish, winning both singles and the doubles in straight matches. Their cohesion and precision throughout the event marked them as clear champions. in the match for third position Germany 4 earned a convincing 3–0 victory over Czechia 1. Hannah SCHLAUCH and Pia KALTENSCHNEE delivered assured performances in both singles and doubles, rounding off their campaign with confidence and style.
Eurotalents Development Camp III Set for Vrsar in December
The next Eurotalents Development Camp III will take place in Vrsar, Croatia, from 17 to 23 December 2025. The camp, organised by the European Table Tennis Union in cooperation with the Croatian Table Tennis Federation, will bring together Europe’s most promising young talents for a week of intensive training and development. Key deadlines are as follows: 31 October for wildcard applications, 10 November for entries submission, and 17 November for cancellations without full charge. National associations are invited to send their entries and any wildcard requests directly to the ETTU Projects team.
Quattro Mori Cagliari Lifts Their First Italian Women’s Super Cup
The eighth edition of the Italian Women’s Super Cup brought a historic first: Quattro Mori Cagliari claimed their maiden title, handing Brunetti Castel Goffredo their first-ever defeat in the competition’s history. At the PalaTennistavolo “Elia Mazzi”, the Sardinian team triumphed 45–37, 45–40 in their debut appearance and received the trophy from FITeT Sports Activities Coordinator Matteo QUARANTELLI. The victory marks Quattro Mori’s first domestic title and second major success overall, following their 2023 Europe Cup triumph. For the first time, the relay format was introduced, with pairs of players alternating every five points and each set played up to 45 points. Led by Pauline CHASSELIN (France), MA Hengyu (China), and Miriam CARNOVALE (Italy), Quattro Mori dominated the opening game and surged to a commanding 25–11 lead in the second. Castel Goffredo, featuring Bernadette SZŐCS (Romania), Nicole ARLIA, Andreea DRAGOMAN (Romania), and Nikoleta STEFANOVA, mounted a spirited comeback from 16–30 to 39–40, but CHASSELIN closed out the match with composure. “It went just as we had hoped—but not quite as we had imagined,” said coach Stefano CURCIO. “I had never won in Castel Goffredo before, so bringing home a trophy is incredibly exciting. The first set was very close; in the second, after our fast start, the opponents fought back, but we kept pushing and won. Pauline was our driving force—she showed her quality in every point. Ma, only 18 and competing outside China for the first time, played superbly and constantly encouraged her teammates. Miriam was excellent too; after falling behind against ARLIA, she managed to recover—that was a key moment. When the match ended, she burst into tears, showing how much she cares about this team. We truly won as a team, and that’s what makes me proud. After the Europe Cup, we were missing a victory in Italy—now it’s here, and it feels fantastic.” Result: Brunetti Castel Goffredo – Quattro Mori Cagliari 37–45, 40–45 First game: Second game:
ETTU Executive Board Appoints Senga THOMSON as Welfare Officer
The ETTU Executive Board has appointed Senga THOMSON as the new ETTU Welfare Officer. Serving in a voluntary and advisory capacity, the Welfare Officer acts as a key point of contact for any concerns related to harassment, abuse, or general well-being. The role focuses on promoting safeguarding principles across European table tennis and ensuring that anyone in need of advice or support is directed to the appropriate channels. “I am honoured to take up such an important role with the European Table Tennis Union. I look forward to using my experiences to ensure all member associations feel safe, respected and supported within the sport,” said ETTU Welfare Officer Senga THOMSON. Through this appointment, ETTU reinforces its commitment to maintaining a safe, respectful, and supportive environment for all athletes, officials, and members of the European table tennis community.
JOOLA Europe Youth Series Czech Open Set to Begin in Plzeň
The 2025 JOOLA Europe Youth Series Czech Open will take place from 22 to 26 October 2025 in Plzeň, Czechia. The event will bring together many of Europe’s most promising young players, with events in U13 and U15 Boys’ and Girls’ Teams, Singles, and Mixed Doubles. Germany leads the U15 Boys’ Team seeding with Kirill MANALAKI and Benno DETTMER, followed by a second German pair, Paul FLEMMING and Koki PÜSCHEL, also among the top contenders. Poland’s Ignacy UTYLSKI and Adrian NOWAKOWSKI are seeded third, while Croatia’s Šimun MILOŠEVIĆ and Matija ZOHIL complete the top four. The host nation fields four teams, led by Filip BEDNÁŘ and František TLUSTÝ as Czechia 1. In the U15 Girls’ Teams, Czechia 1 heads the entry list with Kristýna KONEČNÁ and Linda RATAJSKA on home soil. Germany’s strong depth is visible again, with Kristin TUVE and Anna RADENBACH (Germany 3) seeded second, followed by Anna KÜHN and Sofia HOPPENWORTH (Germany 2). Other notable entries include several Czech teams featuring rising players such as Amálie SEDLÁČKOVÁ and Bára CUPÁKOVÁ. The U13 Boys’ event will feature a remarkable international mix. The top-seeded pair Jimi KOIVUMÄKI (FIN) and Maksims RUSINOVS (LAT) headline as Finland/Latvia 1 with a combined total of over 4200 ranking points. They are followed by Sweden 2 — Joel ISAKSSON and Zac HALLÉN — and Sweden 1 with Emil ELLERMANN and Sigge Sang LEIGERT. Austria’s Chen Sung Bing and Chen Seung JIN are seeded fourth. For the hosts, Czechia 1 (Richard Feber Jr. and Tomáš Matuška) will aim to make an impression, while Croatia, Denmark, and Poland all field multiple squads in this category. In the U13 Girls’ Teams, Czechia 1 is top-seeded with Adéla BRHELOVÁ and Laura MARŠIČKOVÁ, who enter as heavy favourites with the highest combined ranking points of the tournament. The second seed is the Slovakia/Latvia combination of Barbora Melisa GUASSARDO and Anastasija ZIBUNOVA, followed closely by Sweden’s Siri BENJEGÅRD and Alicia ENBOM. Germany, Denmark, and the Netherlands complete the list with balanced young rosters. Team events begin on Wednesday, 22 October, followed by the singles and mixed doubles events from Friday to Sunday.
