There is a growing sense of belief inside Lille Métropole TT as they prepare for the opening leg of the ETTU Europe Cup Men semi-final against Real Club Cajasur Priego TM. For coach Mathis PRODHOMME, the feeling is clear, the team is arriving at the right moment. “The team’s form is pretty good, the momentum is there,” PRODHOMME said. “We had a tough season in our league, but our run in the European Cup has been fantastic so far.” Lille’s path to the semi-finals has been anything but routine. While the Round of 16 against SKST Havirov was relatively controlled, the quarter-final against STK Vyhne pushed them to their limits. “In the Round of 16, the players were solid, we weren’t really troubled,” PRODHOMME explained. “But in the quarter-finals, a few matches won in golden sets could have turned the tide. It was much closer.” The second leg in particular tested the team’s character. “It started badly; we lost the first match. But the guys fought hard to come back and win the second leg.” That comeback says a lot about this Lille side young, hungry, and unwilling to give up. Now, with a place in the final within reach, Lille are not hiding their ambitions. “Our expectations are high; we’re going to try to reach the final and give it our all,” said PRODHOMME. At the same time, he is clear about what defines his team. “Our strengths are our great team spirit, a fairly young team, and a real desire to perform. Of course, the fans will also be there at home to support us.” Facing Real Club Cajasur Priego TM, Lille expect another step up in difficulty. “We’re expecting a tough match against a very good team. Every match will be important; it will come down to the details.” Preparation is already focused on those margins. “We’re going to focus on tactics; we still have a few details to iron out.” And when it comes to what will make the difference, PRODHOMME does not hesitate: “It will come down to courage, tactics, and the will to win. I hope we can bring all of that together.” Interestingly, this semi-final also brings an element of unpredictability. “I don’t think we’ve ever played them before,” PRODHOMME admitted. That lack of direct experience adds another layer to the tie, where adaptation and in-match decisions could prove decisive. While Lille’s European campaign has been impressive, their domestic season has been more demanding. Still, they have achieved their primary objective. “We managed to stay in Pro B; we’re safe. Now we’re focusing on the European Cup. Then we’ll start working on next year.” With momentum on their side, strong team unity, and a clear belief in their identity, Lille Métropole TT approach the semi-finals ready to embrace the challenge. In matches where “every detail” will matter, they are counting on courage, discipline, and the energy of their home crowd to push them one step closer to the final.
PLAIAN: “Our power is team spirit” as ASD Quattro Mori Cagliari target Europe Cup final
There is a quiet confidence around ASD Quattro Mori Cagliari as they prepare for the opening leg of the ETTU Europe Cup Women semi-final against SKST Plus Hodonin. It’s not just about results, it’s about momentum, belief, and a team that clearly enjoys fighting for each other. Tania PLAIAN’s words reflect both confidence and clarity. “I think we are having very good shape in this moment and we are very excited to play the ETTU Cup semi-final,” PLAIAN said. “Elizabet just won her first WTT title and this means that she is really well prepared in this moment. About me, I feel that I am almost 100 percent recovered after hip surgery and it means I can play at a high level. We all are working hard to win this match.” Cagliari’s path to the semi-finals came through a challenging tie against Fenerbahce Sports Club, one that tested both their quality and mental strength. “The previous match… was really hard because Ece HARAC and Sibel ALTINKAYA are really strong players,” PLAIAN explained. “The first leg we had ABRAAMIAN and we won 3-0, but it was not easy at all.” The second leg brought a different kind of pressure, with the Italian side missing their leading player. “In the second leg, at home, we didn’t have Elizabet and of course we had a little bit of pressure because we wanted so much this victory. I think my match against ALTINKAYA was the key match, and I am happy I managed to win it.” Facing Hodonin, preparation has taken a slightly different direction, with limited previous encounters between the teams. “We are preparing the matches because we never played against these players,” PLAIAN noted. “We are trying to find some good tactics, but for us the most important thing is being united and supporting each other. For us, team spirit is the most important thing.” She also underlined the importance of consistency in execution: “Of course, playing the ball on the table every time is necessary.” The semi-final brings a new level of uncertainty, something the team is fully aware of. “For sure it will be very tough because it’s a semi-final, so this means Hodonin is a strong team,” she said. “The difference compared to previous matches is that we don’t have so much information because we never had the chance to play against them, so it will be interesting.” Although the teams met in the past, PLAIAN points out that little can be taken from that encounter. “We played against each other in 2021 in Novi Sad, but they didn’t have these players at that moment. I remember I won 3-1 and 3-0, but our team lost 3-2. Now it will be different because we also have different players.” Despite clear ambitions, Cagliari are determined to keep expectations under control. “We don’t want to have expectations because this will put pressure on the team,” PLAIAN said. “But of course we want to repeat the performance from 2023, when we won the Cup.” She believes the team’s identity remains their biggest advantage. “Our main strength is that we are young players with a lot of fighting spirit and, as I said before, our power is team spirit.” Preparation for the semi-final has been intense, with the core group working closely together. “We know that a semi-final is always hard and we have to prepare as well as possible to arrive in good shape,” PLAIAN explained. “We are working every day together, me, MA Hengyu and Miriam CARNOVALE in the hall with coach Curcio, and we will prepare as good as possible.” Alongside their European campaign, ASD Quattro Mori Cagliari have also been battling in the Italian league, but their play-off hopes have now come to an end. “We lost 3-0 against Sudtirol Bolzano,” Tania PLAIAN explained. “Two matches finished 3-2, very, very close, and my match against Gaia MONFARDINI was 3-1 but also very close… so we will not play the play-off unfortunately.” With form, confidence and unity on their side, ASD Quattro Mori Cagliari head into the semi-final driven by a clear philosophy stay together, fight for every point, and let the results follow.
WINTER: The best decision of my table tennis career
Since December 2024, Sabine WINTER’S career has followed only one direction sharply upwards. The key to this development lies in an extraordinary decision she made at that time: a complete transformation of her playing system. Since then, her results have spoken for themselves. The latest highlight, a bronze medal at the prestigious World Cup in Macau, has propelled her to a new career-high in the world rankings. As of today, the 33-year-old, who was ranked No. 60 just 16 months ago, has entered the Top 10 for the first time, now standing at World No. 9. In this DTTB interview, Sabine Winter speaks about her new milestone and her success at the World Cup. Your third-place finish at the World Cup in Macau earned you the points needed to break into the Top 10. As of today, you are World No. 9 for the first time how does that feel? “I would never have thought it possible. It all feels completely crazy.” Not even after the Singapore Smash, where you became the first non-Asian player to reach the semi-finals of a Grand Smash tournament? “Before the change, I would never have believed it. After the Singapore Smash, I allowed myself to think about it for the first time, but I quickly stepped away from that and focused again on my main goal: to continue developing my new playing system and to get the very best out of it while I am still able to compete at the highest level.” So for you, the journey itself is the main focus? “I definitely want to keep the joy of experimenting. I really enjoy figuring out what works and what doesn’t, in order to optimise my system and become even more dangerous for my opponents.” Enjoyment and development are one side, what role do results play for you? “When results come from that, like the bronze medal at the World Cup or reaching the Top 10, it’s fantastic and of course gives me even more motivation to keep going.” In December 2024, you started a very unusual experiment for a professional athlete completely changing your playing system. Was that the key to your success? “The complete transformation of my system, including switching to an anti-topspin rubber on the backhand, which I integrated into my uncompromising attacking game, initially felt like a big risk. In the end, it turned out to be the best decision of my table tennis career.” After winning the Europe Top 16, finishing runner-up at WTT Champions Montpellier and third at the Singapore Smash, winning bronze at the World Cup is the highlight of your career so far. How do you place this achievement? “It is the biggest success of my career so far. The World Cup may not be stronger than a Grand Smash in terms of field but it is the World Cup. Everyone wants to win it. And unlike WTT events, it only takes place once a year. To be completely honest: it feels crazy to be flying home from Macau with a bronze medal. It makes me very proud and very happy.” You are only the second German player after your former teammate Petrissa SOLJA in 2015 to achieve this. “Peti is a very good friend – we also became European doubles champions together in 2013. I am very happy and proud to be the one following her with this medal.” The schedule is very tight. Have you had the chance to properly celebrate your success? “I will celebrate properly later. There are always new challenges waiting. But as a reward, I will take two or three days off to let everything sink in. That’s something that often gets overlooked.” What role does your environment play in your success? “As with all athletes, a very big one. The World Cup success is a great opportunity to say a big thank you to everyone who supports and has supported me, here in Macau, but also in training halls and behind the scenes.”
From Jeju to Havířov: Eurospins Camp Continues to Unite European and Korean Youth
For the second time, young Europeans aged 13 to 16 are practicing in a joint Eurospins camp with their peers from South Korea. Last December it was in Asia, in the beautiful Jeju Island, this time the players met in Havířov in Czechia. And the Koreans are very satisfied with the environment in the National Training Center. This was confirmed in an interview by the Secretary General of the Korean Table Tennis Association, KIM Minseok. How do you like the conditions in this training center? “I have to say that we are very pleasantly surprised. The conditions are really excellent. There are enough tables, perfect lighting and a high-quality surface. Overall, the environment is at a very high level. We have ten young players from South Korea here and they are all very satisfied. It is not just about the hall itself, but also about the overall facilities, hospitality and other available services. The entire complex looks very professional and creates ideal conditions for a training camp that lasts approximately ten days.” What do you think about the cooperation project between ETTU and the Korean Table Tennis Association? “We consider this project to be very beneficial, both for European and Korean young players. First of all, I would like to thank the initiators of the whole event: the ETTU Executive Board and the ETTU Vice President Jaroslaw Kolodziejczyk, as well as the members of the Korean Table Tennis Association for the initiative and implementation of this project. The European coaches welcomed us very warmly, which we greatly appreciate. This experience is extremely important for our young players. In South Korea, the players have a similar level and train together every day, so it is difficult for them to objectively assess their own performance. Thanks to this international project, they have the opportunity to confront the European style of play and better understand their level in a global context. Moreover, we perceive that the level of European table tennis, especially among men, has increased significantly in recent years. Therefore, it is very valuable for us to observe how European players develop their skills, how the coaches work and what conditions are available for them.” Do you think it is sufficient that the players meet for approximately 10 days once every six months? “Unfortunately, more frequent meetings are not possible due to the busy international calendar. However, we consider the format of joint training lasting 8-10 days to be very suitable and effective. Unlike short events, longer concentration allows not only high-quality training, but also better understanding of the players, comparison of performance and adaptation to different playing styles. European players can be inspired by the Korean approach, and Korean players can adopt some elements of European training. This mutual exchange of experience is one of the greatest values of the entire project.” Do you plan to continue this project in the future? “Yes, definitely. We would like this project to become an annual tradition. We are planning another meeting in Korea in September, where we will discuss the continuation of cooperation. At the same time, we would like to keep the date in Europe during the Easter period, when the players have school holidays, which makes the organisation easier. Of course, we will also adapt to our possibilities. The goal is to create a stable and long-term program that will be beneficial for both parties. I would like to emphasize that although the project was initiated by specific individuals, it is a joint effort of multiple organisations and partners.” More pictures here.
ETTU celebrates 25 years of partnership with LIEBHERR
The European Table Tennis Union (ETTU) proudly marks 25 years of partnership with LIEBHERR, one of the world’s leading technology companies and a long-standing supporter of European table tennis. “For a quarter of a century, LIEBHERR has been a trusted and valued partner of the European Table Tennis Union. Their commitment has played an important role in strengthening the prestige of our flagship events and supporting the continued growth of table tennis throughout Europe. Long-term partnerships built on shared values are essential for the sustainable development of sport. Together with LIEBHERR, we look forward to building on this strong foundation and continuing to elevate European table tennis, inspiring new generations of athletes and bringing our sport closer to fans across the continent,” said ETTU President Pedro MOURA. The collaboration began at the European Championships in Zagreb in 2002 and has since developed into one of the most recognised and enduring partnerships in European sport. Over the years, LIEBHERR has served as Title Sponsor of the European Championships on 15 occasions, including Zagreb 2002, Courmayeur 2003, Aarhus 2005, Belgrade 2007, St. Petersburg 2008, Stuttgart 2009, Ostrava 2010, Schwechat 2013, Ekaterinburg 2015, Budapest 2016, Luxembourg 2017, Alicante 2018, Nantes 2019, Warsaw 2020 and Linz 2024. In recent years, LIEBHERR has continued to support major European table tennis events across different sponsorship roles, including as Major Sponsor at Malmö 2023 and Zadar 2025. The company will continue this involvement at the upcoming European Individual Championships in Ljubljana, Slovenia, underlining its long-term commitment to the sport. Reflecting on the long partnership, Bernhard KÖSLER, LIEBHERR Group Communication & Brand Management, highlighted the significance of the collaboration. “Over the past 25 years, the partnership between LIEBHERR and the European Table Tennis Union has proven to be both valuable and enduring. Throughout this time, we have passionately supported the sport – from nurturing young talent to backing major international tournaments. We take particular pride in the achievements of German and Austrian players, especially when they win medals or become European champions, as LIEBHERR proudly sponsors both men’s and women’s national teams.” LIEBHERR has also played an important role in ETTU’s premier individual event, the Europe Top 16 Cup, contributing in particular to the visibility and prestige of elite European competitions. “LIEBHERR’S involvement in table tennis has significantly enhanced the brand’s visibility, especially through title sponsorship of prestigious events like the European Championships. This engagement has helped us reach new markets and strengthen our presence in established ones. Beyond brand recognition, our sponsorship reflects LIEBHERR’S sense of social responsibility.” The longevity of the partnership is rooted in strong shared values between the sport and the company. “Table tennis is a global sport that embodies dynamism, precision, fair play, and strategic thinking – all qualities that resonate with LIEBHERR’S corporate values. Our company has experienced dynamic growth, and our products are renowned for their quality and accuracy. Table tennis, as a sport that promotes health, inclusivity, and fairness, aligns perfectly with the principles that guide our family business.” Looking ahead to the European Individual Championships in Ljubljana, LIEBHERR sees continued opportunities to support the sport’s growth and expand its reach. “We are committed to fostering the ongoing growth of European table tennis by helping the sport reach new audiences and continually raising the bar for both athletic and organisational excellence. We believe that the synergy between top-level sport and technological innovation will continue to drive progress for both table tennis and the LIEBHERR brand.” At the end, Bernhard KÖSLER, LIEBHERR Group Communication & Brand Management, stated: “Looking ahead, we are excited to keep supporting the development of European table tennis and to create many more unforgettable sporting moments together.” About the LIEBHERR Group The LIEBHERR Group is a family-run technology company with a highly diversified product programme. The company is one of the largest construction equipment manufacturers in the world. It also provides high-quality, user-oriented products and services in a wide range of other areas. The LIEBHERR Group includes over 150 companies across all continents. LIEBHERR was founded by Hans Liebherr in 1949 in the southern German town of Kirchdorf an der Iller. Since then, the employees have been pursuing the goal of achieving continuous technological innovation, and bringing industry-leading solutions to its customers.
Webinar Social Media Conduct for Umpires and Referees attracts strong interest
As part of a new initiative, the ETTU Umpires and Referees Committee hosted a webinar dedicated to social media conduct for match officials, drawing significant interest from across the community. With the visibility of table tennis continuing to grow, so too does the exposure of umpires and referees. The landscape has changed considerably compared to 10 or 15 years ago, making it increasingly important to address how officials engage with social media. The webinar therefore focused on sharing experiences, as well as providing practical guidance and best practices. Kerstin DUCHATZ, Mark BECKMANN and Mircea STEFF offered valuable insights, discussing the challenges officials face online. Particular attention was given to the nature of social media interactions, where comments can often be more extreme than in face-to-face situations. The speakers also presented strategies for handling such situations in a professional and composed manner. Clear recommendations were outlined, including key do’s and don’ts. Participants were advised to avoid engaging with posts, whether by commenting, liking, or disliking and to refrain from any social media activity during tournaments. The webinar gathered more than 80 participants, generating active discussion and a wide range of questions, all of which were addressed during the session.
Jersey launches fundraising campaign to rebuild TT Centre after Storm Ciarán
The Jersey Table Tennis Association has launched a fundraising campaign to rebuild its home venue following the devastation caused by Storm Ciarán in November 2023. The storm destroyed the island’s dedicated table tennis centre, leaving a significant gap in both sporting infrastructure and community life. For many, the Jersey Table Tennis Centre was far more than a playing hall – it was a place where young players discovered the sport, friendships were formed, and a strong sense of belonging was created. In response, the association has set a target of £120,000 to rebuild the Geoff Reed Table Tennis Centre, with strong progress already made. More than £100,000 has already been raised, and construction plans are underway, with hopes of reopening the new facility by September 2026. Despite the loss of their home base, the Jersey table tennis community has remained resilient. Clubs have adapted to challenging conditions, continuing to train, compete, and achieve success, while players, coaches, and volunteers remain united in their determination to restore their centre. The rebuilding project aims not only to replace a physical structure, but to revive a vital hub for sport and community engagement on the island. The association is calling on the wider table tennis family and supporters to contribute to the campaign, emphasizing that every donation will help rebuild opportunities, reconnect the community, and strengthen the future of table tennis in Jersey. Donations can be made via: https://jerseygiving.je/donate/jersey-table-tennis-association or by contacting the fundraising team at: jttafundraising@gmail.com
Saarbrücken to host HYLO® Champions League Men Final 4 for the next two editions
The European Table Tennis Union (ETTU) Executive Board has confirmed Saarbrücken as the host city for the next two editions of the HYLO® Champions League Men Final 4, continuing a partnership that has already proven highly successful. Since the introduction of the Final 4 format in 2024, Saarlandhalle Saarbrücken has quickly become the natural home of this premier club event. From the very first edition, the format brought a fresh energy to the competition, gathering Europe’s top four teams in an exciting, fan-focused setting. The decision to return to Saarbrücken for the next two seasons reflects the trust in the organisers, who have consistently delivered high-quality events both on and off the table. Strong crowds, excellent conditions, and a welcoming environment for teams and fans alike have all contributed to the event’s growing reputation. ETTU President Pedro MOURA highlighted the importance of building on this momentum: “Coming back to Saarbrücken is a guarantee of success. The Champions League is the pinnacle of our club competitions. The city and the club are reliable partners and we are looking forward to the continuing grow of this partnership for the next years.” Over the past editions, thousands of spectators have filled Saarlandhalle, creating a lively and unique atmosphere supported by both local fans and visitors from across Europe. “We are very proud that the Champions League Final Four will continue to be held in Saarbrücken in the coming years. We would like to thank everyone involved – especially the ETTU for their great trust. At the same time, being selected again underlines that the event has developed into a true institution in European table tennis, which we are particularly pleased about. Our sincere thanks also go to the Saarland state government for supporting us in this project year after year. The 2026 edition will be sold out, and we hope that we will once again be sold out on both days in the following two years, during which we have the privilege of hosting the event,” stated 1. FC Saarbrücken TT Team Manager and Head of Organization Nicolas BARROIS. With another edition just around the corner this May, and the next two years already secured, Saarbrücken will remain at the center of Europe’s top club competition as the HYLO Champions League Men’s Final 4 continues to develop and attract growing attention.
URSU and CHIRIACOVA lead the way at Moldovan National Championships
The 2026 Moldovan National Championships showcased the country’s leading talents, with Vladislav URSU and Alexandra CHIRIACOVA claiming the singles titles and underlining their dominance on the national stage. In the men’s singles event, Vladislav URSU confirmed his status as one of Moldova’s top players, securing the national title ahead of Andrei PUTUNTICA. The bronze medals went to Denis TERNA and Cezar COZMOLICI, both reaching the semifinals after strong performances throughout the competition. In the women’s singles, Alexandra CHIRIACOVA stood out with a commanding run to gold. She finished ahead of Olga BLIZNET, while Alina PULUCCIU and Valeria CRAVCENCO shared third place on the podium. Vladislav URSU further highlighted his excellent form by adding two more titles to his tally. He teamed up with Andrei PUTUNTICA to win the men’s doubles and partnered Alexandra CHIRIACOVA to secure the mixed doubles crown, completing a highly successful campaign. In the women’s doubles, Alexandra CHIRIACOVA continued her winning streak alongside Ecaterina SIREAC, as the pair claimed the title after a strong performance in the final. Moldova Men’s Singles Women’s Singles Men’s Doubles Women’s Doubles Mixed Doubles
STANOJKOVSKI and NIKOLOV extend dominance in Skopje
Kristijan STANOJKOVSKI and Amelia NIKOLOV claimed the singles titles at the National Closed Championships of North Macedonia, held in Skopje on 21-22 March. STANOJKOVSKI confirmed his long-standing dominance by securing his 15th national title, defeating Luka STOJCHEV in the final. Venko STOJANOV and Aleksandar RIKALOSKI completed the podium with bronze medals. In the women’s singles, NIKOLOV continued her impressive run, overcoming Sara STOJANOVSKA in the final to celebrate another milestone in her career. The bronze medals went to Sofija HASANU and Sara STOJANOVSKA. The doubles events, played a day earlier, further highlighted the dominance of the leading players. STANOJKOVSKI added the men’s doubles title alongside Aleksandar JAKIMOVSKI, while NIKOLOV triumphed in women’s doubles partnering Sara STOJANOVSKA. In mixed doubles, Amelia NIKOLOV and Filip MLADENOVSKI secured the title, completing a highly successful championship for the top players. North Macedonia Men’s Singles Women’s Singles Men’s Doubles Women’s Doubles Mixed Doubles
