The organisers of the European Para Championships 2027 have officially unveiled the full sports programme for the next edition of Europe’s largest multi-sport para event, which will take place in Geneva, Switzerland, from 2 to 15 August 2027. More than 2,000 athletes from across Europe are expected to compete for continental titles and qualification places for the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games during the two-week event, which will be hosted in and around the Palexpo complex. The programme will feature 12 sports: Compared with the inaugural edition held in Rotterdam in 2023, the Geneva championships will further expand the event’s multisport character, bringing together an even broader range of disciplines under one umbrella. For two weeks, Europe’s leading para athletes will compete side by side in a unique environment designed to showcase the strength and diversity of para sport while creating additional opportunities for visibility, collaboration and growth. “These European Para Championships bring together different sports and federations at a single event. It makes it possible to showcase their full range of capabilities,” said Eric KERSTEN, CEO of the European Para Championships. “More sports means more competition, more dynamism and a stronger platform for para sport in Europe.” The European Para Championships were launched in 2023 in Rotterdam, where more than 1,500 athletes from 45 countries competed across 10 sports. Geneva 2027 is expected to build on that success with a larger programme and an even greater international impact. Further details regarding competition schedules, venues and ticket sales will be announced by the organisers at a later stage.
ETTU extends application deadline for CES Level 1 Participation Coach Course
Following strong interest from across the European table tennis community, ETTU has extended the application deadline for the second edition of the ETTU CES Level 1 Participation Coach Course. The new application deadline is 15 June 2026. Following the successful completion of the inaugural edition, ETTU is pleased to continue its commitment to coach education by offering a comprehensive programme designed to support the development of participation coaches throughout Europe. The course fee is €1,500 and includes online lectures, practical sessions with top coaches, assessments and personalised feedback, 24/7 access to study materials, IT and administrative support, as well as an official ETTU Certificate upon successful completion. Please note that travel and accommodation costs for the 4–5 day practical session are not included in the course fee. To support coach development, ETTU will award eight half-scholarships, each covering 50% of the course fee. Admission requirements Applicants must provide: How to apply The course is limited to 20 participants, with places allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Applications should be sent to projects@ettu.org and must include: All applicants: Scholarship applicants (in addition to the above): Applicants who would only be able to attend with scholarship support are encouraged to indicate this clearly in their application. Course timeline The theoretical part of the course will begin on 15 June 2026 and will be delivered on a flexible, self-paced basis. The practical component is scheduled for August 2026, with the exact dates and venue to be announced at a later stage. The next step in the ETTU coaching pathway, the CES Level 2 Course, is planned for Autumn 2026. ETTU encourages all interested coaches and National Associations to take advantage of the extended deadline and join this important educational initiative aimed at strengthening grassroots and participation coaching across Europe. You can find more information about the programme here.
Triple dream completed: 1. FC Saarbrücken TT become German champions
1. FC Saarbrücken TT completed a historic season by securing their third title of the campaign and claiming the first treble in club history. In his final match for the club, FAN Zhendong led Saarbrücken to a 3-1 victory over Borussia Düsseldorf in the Liebherr TTBL Final4 final, securing the German championship title. Around 5,600 spectators attended the event over the weekend at the Süwag Energie Arena in Frankfurt, witnessing top-level table tennis and a memorable farewell performance from the Chinese superstar. Just two weeks after lifting the HYLO Champions League trophy and following their German Cup triumph in January, Saarbrücken added the Bundesliga title to complete a remarkable treble. It is the club’s second German championship after their first success in 2020. “I am very happy that I could help the team with two victories,” said FAN Zhendong. “Even when I was not at my best during parts of the season, the team was always there. That shows how strong this team really is.” FAN Zhendong shines in his farewell appearance The final carried special significance for FAN. The Olympic champion not only completed the mission for which he was signed last summer, but did so in his final appearance for Saarbrücken and against Borussia Düsseldorf, the club he will join next season. FAN once again demonstrated why his arrival had electrified the German Bundesliga. He remained unbeaten throughout the weekend, winning all four of his matches and captivating the crowd, many of whom celebrated every point he won with thunderous applause. Chants of “FAN Zhendong” echoed around the arena during the closing stages of the final. The Chinese star laid the foundation for Saarbrücken’s victory with a 3-1 win over Dang QIU in the opening match. Although the German international produced several strong passages and came close to taking a 2-1 lead in games, Fan proved too strong in the decisive moments. “Of course we are disappointed after losing the final,” said QIU. “We played a very good match, but against a team as strong as Saarbrücken everything has to be perfect, and today it wasn’t.” After Kanak JHA levelled the score for Düsseldorf with a convincing victory over Darko JORGIC, the third match became crucial. Patrick FRANZISKA rose to the occasion. One day after suffering a defeat against Bremen’s Kirill GERASSIMENKO in the semi-final, the German international produced an excellent display to beat Anton KÄLLBERG 3-1 and restore Saarbrücken’s lead. Had KÄLLBERG won, the final could have gone to doubles, where Düsseldorf would likely have held the advantage. Asked afterwards whether he would have liked the final to go to doubles, FRANZISKA smiled and replied: “No.” Borussia manager Andreas PREUSS remained optimistic at that stage: “In table tennis, anything can happen.” Fan ZHENDONG then completed the job with a 3-2 victory over Kanak JHA, sealing the championship and the treble. “I am incredibly proud of this team,” said FRANZISKA. “We were favourites in all three competitions, but the margins are so small. We managed to deal with the pressure. I joined Saarbrücken ten years ago, and if somebody had told me then that we would one day win the treble, I would never have believed it.” Congratulations also came from Borussia Düsseldorf coach Danny HEISTER. “They deserved it,” said HEISTER. “I cannot blame my team. We gave everything, but this time it was not enough.” The day before, Düsseldorf had survived a four-hour thriller against TTC Schwalbe Bergneustadt. After falling behind 1-2, the record champions fought back through Anton KÄLLBERG’s dramatic comeback victory over Benedikt DUDA before Dang QIU and Li YONGYIN secured the decisive doubles win. Saarbrücken booked their place in the final with a 3-1 victory over SV Werder Bremen. Fan ZHENDONG avenged his surprise defeat to Marcelo AGUIRRE from earlier in the season, while Darko JORGIC recovered from a two-game deficit against Mattias KARLSSON in a crucial encounter. For the first time, the German champion was decided through a Final Four format featuring semi-finals and a final over one weekend. Former European champion Timo BOLL praised the concept. “As a player I always enjoyed the Final Four format. It is excellent for the sporting level and also a great event for spectators.” The attendance figures reflected that enthusiasm, with approximately 5,600 fans attending throughout the weekend. Many spectators travelled from China specifically to watch Fan ZHENDONG compete. TTBL Managing Director Nico STEHLE described the event as a major success for the league. “With the Liebherr TTBL Final4 we wanted to bring together all the top players in one place and offer world-class table tennis over one weekend. We achieved that. Combined with attendance records, growing media reach and increasing international visibility, the league can look back on an excellent season.” Foto: BeLa Sportfoto Final 1. FC Saarbrücken TT – Borussia Düsseldorf 3-1 Semi finals Borussia Düsseldorf – TTC Schwalbe Bergneustadt 3:2 1. FC Saarbrücken TT – SV Werder Bremen 3:1
Brunetti Castel Goffredo secure 10th consecutive Italian Women’s title
Brunetti Castel Goffredo continued their domination of Italian women’s table tennis by securing a remarkable tenth consecutive national championship and the 23rd title in club history. The reigning champions sealed the crown with a convincing victory over Tennistavolo Sassari, winning 3-0 away in the first leg before completing the job with a 3-1 success on home soil in the return match. On their way to the final, Brunetti Castel Goffredo overcame ASV TT Südtirol 3-0 and 3-1 in the semi-finals, while Tennistavolo Sassari advanced after Tennistavolo Norbello withdrew from the competition. The first leg of the final was dominated by the champions. Bernadette SZOCS and Nicole ARLIA both recorded straight-games victories over Tatiana GARNOVA and Elena ROZANOVA respectively. Andreea DRAGOMAN added the decisive third point after winning the opening two games against Irina CIOBANU. Although CIOBANU fought back to take the third game, DRAGOMAN recovered from a 6-9 deficit in the fourth to close the match and give Castel Goffredo a commanding advantage. The second leg began with a surprise as CIOBANU defeated DRAGOMAN in straight games to give Sassari the perfect start. However, the home side quickly regained control. SZOCS leveled the score with a convincing victory over ROZANOVA before ARLIA battled past GARNOVA in a hard-fought five-game encounter. SZOCS then completed an outstanding evening by defeating CIOBANU to seal the title. “We are very happy with this result,” said technical director Alfonso LAGHEZZA. “It crowns a triumphant season during which we won every match. DRAGOMAN’s defeat against CIOBANU surprised us a little because it was a point we were counting on, but the two players had faced each other several times this season and Andreea had always won. Sooner or later, a setback can happen. “However, we kept fighting as a team, as we always do. ARLIA had a very difficult match against GARNOVA and we had to adjust our tactics. SZOCS entered the court with tremendous competitive energy and a winning mentality. In an atmosphere like tonight’s, with a large crowd and such an important occasion, she wanted to show her strength. “In the end, we celebrated together. Our president Franco SCIANNIMANICO knows how to make these occasions special. This championship means a lot to us because it is our tenth consecutive title. This season fills us with pride. We will keep the same team for next year. Bernadette and Andreea are now part of the family, they feel at home here and are happy to stay.” Final First Leg Tennistavolo Sassari – Brunetti Castel Goffredo 0-3 Second Leg Brunetti Castel Goffredo – Tennistavolo Sassari 3-1
SPO Rouen crowned French champions for the first time in history
SPO Rouen captured the first French Pro A Men title in club history after edging GV Hennebont 3-2 in a dramatic final played in front of a packed Kindarena on 29 May. In only the second edition of the French championship final played as a single-match event, regular season winners GV Hennebont came within one match of the trophy before Rouen produced a remarkable comeback in front of their home supporters. Hennebont made the perfect start through Vladimir SIDORENKO. The Russian international fully justified his favourite status against French international Lilian BARDET, dominating the opening game before showing impressive composure in the crucial moments of the next two games to secure a straight-games victory and put Hennebont ahead. With Rouen trailing 0-1, all eyes turned to the clash between two members of France’s victorious 2025 European Team Championships squad, Thibault PORET and Simon GAUZY. The encounter lived up to expectations. PORET edged the opening game before building confidence and taking a two-game lead. GAUZY responded strongly to claim the third game and force a tense fourth. Both players had opportunities to close the match before PORET converted his fourth match point to level the final at 1-1. The third match proved equally dramatic. China’s Qihao ZHOU and Spain’s Alvaro ROBLES traded games throughout a high-quality encounter before ZHOU prevailed in the deciding game to restore Hennebont’s advantage. With the title within reach for Hennebont, SIDORENKO returned to the table to face PORET. Inspired by his earlier victory and driven on by the home crowd, the Frenchman produced one of the finest performances of his career. PORET edged a dramatic opening game before taking full control of the match, defeating the Russian star in straight games and once again bringing Rouen level. Everything came down to the decisive fifth match between Simon GAUZY and Lilian BARDET. BARDET made a fearless start, racing into a two-game lead and moving Rouen within one game of a historic triumph. GAUZY fought back brilliantly, winning the next two games to force a decider. However, backed by the passionate Kindarena crowd, BARDET held his nerve in the decisive game to secure the winning point and spark celebrations among the Rouen supporters. The victory crowned an outstanding season for SPO Rouen, who claimed their first-ever French Pro A Men championship title in front of their home fans. PHOTO: FFTT / Rémy Gros SPO Rouen – GV Hennebont 3-2
BTDK named Sports Association of the Year 2026 in Denmark
Table Tennis Denmark has been named Sports Association of the Year 2026 in Denmark. The award was presented during the General Assembly of the Danish Sports Confederation and the Danish Olympic Committee. Table Tennis Denmark was shortlisted alongside the Danish Golf Association and the Danish Motor Sports Federation, but the final vote among the country’s 63 sports associations went in favour of table tennis. The federation received the recognition after recording more than a 10 percent increase in membership, particularly among young players. Over the past year, Table Tennis Denmark has also educated 150 new youth coaches, helping clubs across the country prepare to welcome even more new members. The association was additionally praised for its sporting results, as well as its continued efforts to expand activities for players over the age of 60. As part of this initiative, ten new clubs for senior players have been established throughout Denmark. “It is well deserved that Table Tennis Denmark is the Sports Association of the Year 2026,” said Hans Natorp, President of the Danish Sports Confederation. “It is an association that works strategically in many different areas, both in talent development and in creating opportunities for special groups within society, and we can clearly see the results.” The award also included a prize of 100,000 Danish kroner, approximately 15,000 euros. Danish Table Tennis Federation President Henrik VENDELBO expressed great pride after receiving the award. “Thanks to all our volunteers and clubs who have worked so hard. This recognition is the result of a tremendous amount of work both within the federation and in the clubs,” said VENDELBO. The award was presented to the Danish federation by Thomas BACH, Deputy President of the Danish Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee.
Felix WETZEL inspires dramatic comeback as Wels defend Austrian title
Felbermayr Wels successfully defended the Austrian Men’s Bundesliga title after an extraordinary final thriller in Wiener Neustadt, overturning a 0-2 deficit against regular season winners Panaceo Stockerau to secure the championship by the narrowest possible margin. After the match ended level at 3-3, the title was decided on sets and points ratio. With both teams tied at 13-13 in sets, Wels clinched the crown thanks to a superior points difference of 232-229. “The tension and the quality of the matches — this was a great advertisement for table tennis. We are especially happy to take revenge on Stockerau after losing the Cup final,” said Wels coach David HUBER. The decisive moment came at 22:33 when Zhao ZHAOYAN defeated Mykhailo LOVHA 3-1 in the final match of the evening, securing the crucial equalizer at 3-3 and delivering the fifth Austrian title for Wels. Earlier in the final, Panaceo Stockerau looked firmly in control. Youssef ABDELAZIZ saved three match points against Zhao ZHAOYAN before winning the decider 6-5, while LOVHA defeated Maciej KOLODZIEJCZYK to give Stockerau a 2-0 advantage. As in the semi-final against Wiener Neustadt, Felix WETZEL became the turning point for Wels. The German player first fought back from 1-2 down to defeat Khalid ASSAR in the decider 6-2, recording his first-ever victory over the Egyptian star. WETZEL then teamed up with KOLODZIEJCZYK to win the doubles match against ASSAR and ABDELAZIZ 3-1 and level the overall score. ABDELAZIZ restored Stockerau’s lead with a 3-1 win over KOLODZIEJCZYK, but Zhao ZHAOYAN, who joined Wels only in January, sealed the title in the closing match. Austrian legend and former World Champion Werner SCHLAGER presented the trophy to the defending champions. The final also marked the farewell of two key Stockerau players. Mykhailo LOVHA will move to Havirov, while Youssef ABDELAZIZ is set to continue his career in France. Coach David SERDAROGLU will return to the Austrian Cup winners. Austrian Men’s Bundesliga Final Felbermayr Wels – Panaceo Stockerau 3-3 (13-13 games, 232-229 points)
Olympiacos extend dynasty while Panathinaikos women end 52-year wait for Greek title
Olympiacos SFP in the men’s division and Panathinaikos AO in the women’s division were crowned Greek champions for the 2025/26 season after confirming their dominance in the A1 National League playoffs held at the Peace and Friendship Stadium on 21 and 22 May. Olympiacos continued their remarkable era in Greek table tennis by winning a fifth consecutive national title. The club has now collected 11 championships in the history of the A1 League and 19 overall in the men’s top division. Even more impressively, Olympiacos completed the season undefeated across 17 matches. The title-winning squad featured Truls MÖREGÅRDH, Giorgos STAMATOUROS, Giannis SGOUROPOULOS, Tomislav PUCAR and Tasos RINIOTIS, while Dimitris SOTIROPOULOS and Petros MORALIS were also part of the roster. The team was led once again by long-time coach Giorgos CHRISTOFORAKIS. “I’d say this year’s championship went much the same way as last year’s, when I was also with Olympiacos. It’s always difficult, of course, to win titles, and I’m very happy about the one we’ve just won. I enjoy playing here. I think the level of play is good, and of course, there’s always room for improvement. I believe that Greek players can improve even more by working hard every day. It’s nice to watch them and nice to face them,” said Truls MÖREGÅRDH, the World No. 2, two-time Olympic silver medallist in Paris, World Championships men’s singles runner-up and European team champion with Sweden. Panathinaikos once again secured silver in the men’s competition, while AO Xilokastro celebrated an outstanding achievement by winning bronze medals in their very first season in the top national division. In the women’s competition, Panathinaikos celebrated a historic triumph by winning the national title for the first time in 52 years and only the fourth time overall. The club suffered just one defeat during the playoffs, against Olympiacos, in a match that had no impact on the final standings. Panathinaikos relied on Katerina TOLIOU, Nikoleta STEFANOVA and Ioanna GERASIMATOU in the decisive matches, while Ana TOFANT and Vasiliki TZIMOU also contributed throughout the campaign under coach Nikos ZERVAS. “It’s an amazing feeling. I know this championship comes after 52 years, so I’m very proud and very happy. The team performed very well this season, and it’s not just the wins that count. It’s the emotions, the matches, the team spirit — everything was exceptional from the first day to the last. We really had an amazing year,” said Nikoleta STEFANOVA, the 2003 European women’s team champion and winner of multiple European Championship medals. The successful season for Panathinaikos women also included a bronze medal at the 2026 Europe Trophy. In the women’s A1 League standings, AEK finished second, while Olympiacos, champions of the previous four seasons, claimed bronze. Men’s A1 Playoffs Olympiacos – AO Xilokastro 4-2Panathinaikos – AEK 4-0AO Xilokastro – AEK 4-3Olympiacos – Panathinaikos 4-0Panathinaikos – AO Xilokastro 4-0AEK – Olympiacos 0-4 Women’s A1 Playoffs Panathinaikos – Pera Athens 4-0AEK – Olympiacos 4-3Pera Athens – Olympiacos 1-4Panathinaikos – AEK 4-1AEK – Pera Athens 3-4Olympiacos – Panathinaikos 4-1 Final Standings Men’s A1 League Women’s A1 League
Dramatic finals close another successful JOOLA Europe Youth Series stop in Portugal
The 2026 JOOLA Europe Youth Series Portugal Open concluded today in Albufeira after five days of intense competition at the Pavilhão Desportivo de Olhos de Água, where Europe’s young talents once again delivered high-quality performances, dramatic battles and emotional finals. Czechia’s Adela BRHELOVA secured two titles in Albufeira. In the Under 15 Girls Singles final, BRHELOVA defeated Portugal’s Maria RUIVO in a five-game encounter. After narrowly losing the opening game, the Czech player produced an impressive comeback to claim the trophy. Earlier in the semi-finals, BRHELOVA had overcome Portugal’s Matilde SOUSA in another five-game battle, while RUIVO defeated fellow Portuguese player Irina SILVA. SOUSA and SILVA finished the event with bronze medals. BRHELOVA also dominated the Under 13 Girls Singles event, defeating Lithuania’s Kaja TVOROGAL in straight games in the final. TVOROGAL had earlier beaten Spain’s Carmen GOMEZ in the semi-final, while BRHELOVA advanced after overcoming Germany’s Dana HASPEL. GOMEZ and HASPEL concluded the competition with bronze medals. Germany celebrated success in the Under 15 Boys Singles event, where Tien Nghia PHONG produced a commanding performance to defeat Finland’s Jimi KOIVUMÄKI in the final without dropping a game. KOIVUMÄKI had reached the final after defeating Germany’s Jonathan KRAFT, while PHONG overcame Spain’s Alexander MALOV in the semi-finals. Another German triumph came in the Under 13 Boys Singles competition, where Kirill MANALAKI defeated Ukraine’s David DROBOV in four games to secure the title. MANALAKI advanced to the final after defeating Spain’s Daniel CASQUERO, while DROBOV overcame Italy’s Pietro CAMPAGNA in a dramatic five-game semi-final. The mixed doubles events also produced exciting finals. In the Under 15 Mixed Doubles competition, Czechia’s Oliver OLEJNIK and Laura MARSICKOVA defeated Germany’s Tien Nghia PHONG and Lotta ROTHFUSS in a thrilling five-game final to capture the title. OLEJNIK and MARSICKOVA had earlier defeated Finland’s Jimi KOIVUMÄKI and Belgium’s Temperance TANG in the semi-finals, while PHONG and ROTHFUSS advanced after overcoming Spain’s Alexander MALOV and Teresa CARRASCO VIEITO. In the Under 13 Mixed Doubles final, Italy’s Pietro CAMPAGNA and Serena ROSSATI defeated Germany’s Kirill MANALAKI and Dana HASPEL in another dramatic five-game battle. The German pair had reached the final after defeating Portugal’s Vicente CARDOSO and Maria MARQUES in the semi-finals, while CAMPAGNA and ROSSATI overcame Lithuania’s Mindaugas STONYS and Kaja TVOROGAL.
KTS Enea Siarkopol Tarnobrzeg’s winning spirit shines again in historic Final 4 triumph
KTS Enea Siarkopol Tarnobrzeg once again confirmed its status as the dominant force in European women’s club table tennis by lifting a historic fifth Champions League Women trophy on home soil. After already winning the title in 2019, 2022, 2023 and 2024, the Polish powerhouse crowned the first-ever ETTU Champions League Women Final 4 in Tarnobrzeg with another memorable triumph, defeating France’s Metz TT in the final after overcoming reigning champions ttc berlin eastside in the semi-final. Throughout the weekend, Tarnobrzeg combined experience, mental strength and remarkable team spirit — qualities repeatedly highlighted by coach Zbigniew NĘCEK after the victory. “Today the French team played very well, but for our club the most difficult final was back in 2019, when we believed we had almost no chance against Zagreb. In the end, however, we managed to win the title, and that victory remains very special for us,” said NĘCEK. According to the experienced coach, handling pressure became one of the decisive factors in the final. “Our players wanted to win this final very badly, and that is why they started the matches with a certain amount of stress. However, thanks to their high level and strong mentality, they managed to overcome that pressure and eventually play their best table tennis,” explained NĘCEK. The Tarnobrzeg coach reserved special praise for Ying HAN, who opened the final with a crucial victory over Hana GODA. “The most difficult task today was for Ying HAN, because she played the opening match against the number one player from the French club, but she managed it perfectly. I also cannot say which player was the best today, because we are one team. It is not only about the players at the table, but also the reserve players, our staff and the incredible support we receive from the spectators.” NĘCEK also underlined the importance of HAN inside the club beyond her performances at the table. “We also have excellent cooperation with Ying HAN. She has been playing here for 14 years, so she feels very comfortable in Tarnobrzeg, and our cooperation is at the highest level. She also helps the other players as a coach, not only as a player. Ying has a very warm and positive character, and that spirit inside the team helps us achieve success.” The emotional atmosphere surrounding the club and the strong connection inside the team were evident throughout the entire Final 4 weekend. “They are wonderful players, and I truly love working with them. That comes straight from my heart,” said NĘCEK. Tarnobrzeg’s journey to the title began with a commanding semi-final victory over ttc berlin eastside, where Zhuojia HE, Xiaoxin YANG and Ying HAN all secured straight-games victories to send the hosts into the historic final. In the title match against Metz TT, HAN recovered from losing the opening game against Hana GODA before HE and YANG completed the triumph that secured another golden chapter in Tarnobrzeg’s remarkable European story.
