Spanish table tennis witnessed a historic moment at Tarragona 2025, as Priego de Córdoba achieved a remarkable double victory, securing both the Copa de la Reina Iberdrola and the Copa del Rey. The women’s team, Museo de la Almendra Francisco Morales, and the men’s team, Real Cajasur Priego TM, claimed the titles in a competition that further cemented their dominance at the national level. The Copa de la Reina Iberdrola final was an intense marathon, lasting over 3 hours and 26 minutes, as Museo de la Almendra Francisco Morales edged out Universidad de Burgos – RM Terán 3-2 in a dramatic encounter. Tatiana GARNOVA played a crucial role, securing both the opening and decisive victories, while Jiaqi MENG added another key point. With this triumph, the team from Priego de Córdoba captured their second Copa de la Reina Iberdrola, following their previous victory in Jaén, overcoming last season’s runner-up finishes in the Copa, Iberdrola League, and Europe Cup. In the Copa del Rey, Real Cajasur Priego TM successfully defended their 2024 championship, securing their tenth title with a 3-1 victory over Leka Enea Irún in the final. Diogo CARVALHO emerged as the standout player, delivering two crucial wins, including the decisive point. Hampus SÖDERLUND also contributed with a key victory, further reinforcing the team’s legacy in Spanish table tennis. Their ten national cup triumphs, spanning from 1998 to 2025, underscore their consistent dominance over the years. In the semifinals, Museo de la Almendra Francisco Morales defeated UCAM Cartagena 3-1, while Universidad de Burgos – RM Terán secured their first-ever final appearance with a 3-1 win over Miró Ganxets Costa Daurada. In the Copa del Rey, Real Cajasur Priego TM booked their spot in the final with a 3-0 win over Arteal TM, while Leka Enea Irún advanced after a 3-1 victory against Santjosep.net – Sant Jordi. The awards ceremony was attended by Mario SOLER, Tarragona’s Sports Councillor; Estefanía SERRANO, Territorial Sports Representative of the Generalitat; Miguel Ángel MACHADO, RFETM President; and Daniel VALERO, RFETM Events Director. With this extraordinary double triumph, Priego de Córdoba has made history, solidifying its place as a powerhouse in Spanish table tennis at the 2025 Spanish Cup.
ETTU and JOOLA Partner to Elevate European Youth Table Tennis
The European Table Tennis Union is thrilled to announce a landmark partnership with JOOLA, which will become the title sponsor of the ETTU Europe Youth Series for the next two years (2025 and 2026). This agreement also includes sponsorship of the ETTU Development Camps, powered by JOOLA, reinforcing a shared commitment to nurturing young talent and strengthening table tennis development across Europe. Through this collaboration, young players will gain greater opportunities to compete and train in Europe, ensuring they have the necessary resources and infrastructure to reach the highest level. As part of the agreement, JOOLA will serve as the exclusive ball sponsor for both the Europe Youth Series and Development Camps and will provide additional material support to enhance the overall experience for participants. A Shared Vision for Youth Development “This partnership with JOOLA is a major step forward for European youth table tennis. By joining forces, we are not only enhancing the competitive landscape for young players but also creating the right conditions for them to develop and thrive. JOOLA’s commitment to our sport aligns perfectly with ETTU’s vision of strengthening the European table tennis ecosystem. Together, we will create more opportunities for the stars of tomorrow. We are delighted that JOOLA has chosen to join ETTU in building the future of European table tennis, capitalizing on the momentum generated by the Olympic Games in Paris,” said ETTU President Pedro MOURA. JOOLA Tischtennis GmbH Managing Director Rade MARKOVIC echoed this enthusiasm: “For us, this partnership brings a dual benefit. It increases our brand visibility across Europe while allowing us to invest in young players and provide them with more opportunities to develop within the European table tennis scene. It goes without saying how challenging it is to send a 13-year-old player to China for training. Through this collaboration with ETTU, we are ensuring that young talents have access to high-quality competitions closer to home.” MARKOVIC also highlighted the resurgence of European table tennis, led by young stars like the LEBRUN brothers and Truls MÖREGÅRD, who have put Europe back on the global table tennis map. “For the first time in a long while, Europe has young players competing at the highest level again. This is a significant step forward, and we want to continue supporting the next generation. Partnering with ETTU is the logical next step in that direction. ETTU has done an excellent job with the Europe Youth Series and Development Camps for years, organizing competitions across the continent and offering valuable playing experiences. This partnership not only enhances our visibility but also allows us to contribute to the sport’s growth.” Strengthening the Sport Across Europe Beyond supporting competitions and training initiatives, the agreement will also provide special conditions for Member Associations looking to purchase table tennis equipment, further strengthening the accessibility and development of the sport across Europe. This collaboration marks a significant milestone for youth table tennis in Europe, underscoring JOOLA and ETTU’s shared vision of fostering the next generation of champions.
New Sports Hall in Madeira named after Marcos FREITAS
The Madeira Island, known as the birthplace of Cristiano RONALDO, had already recognized its most famous footballer by naming its airport after him—Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport. Now, the island extends this tradition of honoring its sports icons by naming a new sports venue after Marcos FREITAS, one of the greatest Portuguese table tennis players. This parallel between Cristiano RONALDO and Marcos FREITAS highlights how Madeira continues to celebrate its most accomplished athletes, acknowledging their impact on the international stage and inspiring future generations. This initiative reinforces Madeira’s reputation as a land of champions, recognizing those who have brought pride to the region through their outstanding achievements. The new Gimnodesportivo Sports Hall in Estreito de Câmara de Lobos has been named after Marcos FREITAS, the Portuguese star who was born there and started his career representing the local club. The inauguration ceremony took place this Saturday and was attended by prominent figures from the sports and political scene, including the President of the Portuguese Table Tennis Federation, Fernando MALHEIRO, the President of the Regional Government of Madeira, Miguel ALBUQUERQUE, the Interim President of Câmara de Lobos Municipality, Sónia PEREIRA, and the President of GD Estreito, Sónia SILVA. Marcos FREITAS expressed his gratitude for this tribute, saying: “This is a great honor. This truly is the recognition of a long career and the great achievements I have accomplished.” GD Estreito President Sónia SILVA emphasized the significance of opening this facility in a parish “where athletes are king,” expressing confidence that the sports hall will contribute to the development of new talents. Likewise, Sónia PEREIRA, interim president of Câmara de Lobos Municipality, described the tribute as “well-deserved recognition for Marcos FREITAS, an ambassador of our region who has carried the name of Câmara de Lobos beyond borders.” During the ceremony, Marcos FREITAS gifted Miguel ALBUQUERQUE a signed jersey and a table tennis racket, while he himself received a token of appreciation from the Portuguese Table Tennis Federation, presented by Fernando MALHEIRO. Throughout his career, Marcos has collected multiple medals in the European Games, European Championships, and Europe Top-16 tournaments, solidifying his place among the sport’s elite. In the European Games, Marcos FREITAS won a gold medal in the team event in Baku in 2015. He later secured a silver medal in the singles event in Kraków-Małopolska in 2023 and a bronze medal in the team competition in Minsk in 2019. In the European Championships, he became a gold medalist in doubles in Gdansk-Sopot in 2011 and later added another gold in the team event in Lisbon in 2014. He earned silver medals in the singles event in Ekaterinburg in 2015 and in the team event in Luxembourg in 2017 and Nantes in 2019. His career also includes multiple bronze medals: in doubles in Saint Petersburg in 2008, in the team event in Gdansk-Sopot in 2011, in singles in Warsaw in 2020, and in the team event in Malmö in 2023. FREITAS was also junior and cadet champion at the European Youth Championships in singles and reached the seventh position at the World Rankings in 2015. In the prestigious Europe Top-16 tournament, he claimed the gold medal in singles in Lausanne in 2014. He also won silver medals in singles in Baku in 2015 and Thessaloniki in 2021, as well as a bronze medal in Montreux in 2024.
NI Xia Lian, ETTU Ambassador, on Her Journey, Legacy, and Bridging Continents Through Table Tennis
In the world of table tennis, few names command as much respect and admiration as NI Xia Lian. A player of extraordinary longevity and grace, NI’s journey from the bustling City of Shanghai to becoming one of Luxembourg’s most beloved athletes is a testament to perseverance, passion, and unwavering dedication. Now, with her recent appointment as an ETTU Ambassador, NI embarks on a new chapter—one that transcends the boundaries of sport and focuses on connection, promotion, and strengthening ties between Continents. In an exclusive interview, she shares her story, reflections, and aspirations for the future. When asked about her new role as ETTU Ambassador, NI’s gratitude and enthusiasm shine through immediately. “I appreciate very much the opportunity to work with ETTU. They have placed their trust in me, and that is a great honor. As a player, I have gathered vast experience and built strong relationships over the years. My personality is warm—I love making people happy, and ETTU has given me the perfect platform to do just that. I will give my best to make the most of this cooperation,” NI shares with heartfelt sincerity. Her appointment is not just symbolic—it’s strategic. With her deep-rooted connections in China’s media landscape and a following of over six million fans across various platforms, NI’s influence offers the ETTU access to new audiences. “Europe has one of the strongest table tennis circuits globally. The competition here is fierce and exciting—something that fans in China don’t always get to witness. My goal is to introduce this passion and intensity to China and to the world, sharing the beauty of European table tennis with millions who love this sport globally.” Born in Shanghai, Ni started playing table tennis at just 7 years old. By her teenage years, she was already a member of the Chinese national team. Her early career was marked by tremendous success, including gold medals in team and mixed doubles at the 1983 World Table Tennis Championships. But NI’s story didn’t end there—it took an unexpected turn. She moved to Germany in 1989 and later settled in Luxembourg in 1991. What followed was a career defined not just by victories, but by resilience and reinvention. Competing for Luxembourg, NI made history, participating in five Olympic Games from 2008 to 2024. Remarkably, at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, she became the oldest table tennis Olympian at the age of 58. In 2021, she secured a bronze medal in women’s doubles at the World Table Tennis Championships with Sarah DE NUTTE, marking a historic achievement for Luxembourg. Her impressive career also includes multiple European Championships medals, with a silver in doubles in 2000 and bronze in doubles in 2018. She further cemented her legacy by winning the Europe Top 12 tournament three times in a row (1996, 1997, and 1998), along with capturing the Europe Cup of Champions title in 2002. She also triumphed in the Champions League, securing victories in 2008 and 2010. “Every step of my journey has taught me something new. From my early years in China to finding a home in Luxembourg—each experience has shaped who I am today. NI’S impact goes far beyond the table. In Montreux, during the CCB Europe Top 16 Cup, she not only competed but also worked behind the scenes to promote the event on a global scale. She brought representatives from CCTV Han YANG, Chang Sheng MEI from Sunflower and M&U International Mo WANG. In addition, the former three-time winner of this competition provided live commentary on douyin, connecting millions of Chinese fans to European table tennis. “Media is essential for the growth of our sport. I cherish these connections and see the media not just as professionals, but as friends. I want to use every opportunity to share Europe’s passion for table tennis with the world. It’s a win-win for everyone,” she says. Despite her growing responsibilities off the court, NI isn’t ready to hang up her paddle just yet. “Especially in China, people want to see me continue playing as long as possible. Their support motivates me to keep going. I will try my best, though I know I can’t fight nature forever,” she says with a smile. While many see her as a successful businesswoman, NI offers a different perspective. “I wouldn’t call myself a businesswoman. I don’t believe in working purely for money. My approach is all about building friendships—genuine connections with people who share my passion for the sport. We help each other, and that’s what makes every project meaningful,” she explains. With an enormous following and millions of viewers for her videos, NI’s influence extends far beyond sports. Among her followers are influential businesspeople, but also children—future stars who draw inspiration from her journey. Reflecting on her departure from China decades ago, NI acknowledges that her journey wasn’t always understood at first. “When I left China, many people didn’t understand. But now, they see my role differently. I want to be a bridge—someone who brings the East and West closer together through sport, friendship, and mutual understanding,” she shares. Her efforts haven’t gone unnoticed—NI remains the only foreigner in history to receive a national award during China’s National Day. “I’m incredibly proud to represent Luxembourg and bring its name to China. Many people thought Luxembourg was just a city in Germany, but now they want to visit and learn more about the country,” she says proudly. From her face on airport billboards across China to her role as a symbol of connection and understanding, NI Xia Lian has achieved far more than sporting greatness. She’s a global ambassador, a mentor, and a bridge between cultures. As she steps into her role with the ETTU, her mission is clear: to inspire, connect, and elevate table tennis—bringing the heart of European competition to every corner of the world. “At the end of the day, it’s all about sharing love, respect, and joy through sport. That’s what makes every effort worth it,” NI concludes. She also already holds an ETTU
Champions League Women’s Semifinalists Confirmed as METZ TT Secures Final Spot
The Champions League Women semifinal lineup is now complete. In the final quarterfinal match, METZ TT secured their place in the penultimate stage after overcoming ETIVAL A.S.R.T.T in an away match. Following a 3-1 victory in the opening leg, METZ clinched a 3-2 win in the second leg to confirm their advancement. Adina DIACONU, Mariia TAILAKOVA, and Sarah DE NUTTE all recorded crucial wins for METZ, while Liu YANGZI and Christina KALLBERG secured points for ETIVAL. Reflecting on the hard-fought victory, Adina DIACONU shared her thoughts:“It was a very intense match. We played them in the playoffs of the French league as well, so we’ve had many matches against them. Today, I think we really fought for every point, and we deserved this win. I’m very happy with my victory against Shao, because she’s a very good player and proved it recently in the Top 16. We had a very good tactical approach for all the matches today. I’m really happy about tonight—we deserve it, we gave our best, and now we’ll enjoy this qualification for the Champions League semifinals this weekend.” Opening legWith this result, METZ TT joins KTS ENEA SIARKOPOL TARNOBRZEG (Poland), ttc berlin eastside (Germany), and SAINT-QUENTIN TT (France) in the Champions League Women’s semifinals. ETIVAL A.S.R.T.T – METZ TT 2-3 Opening leg METZ TT – ETIVAL A.S.R.T.T 3-1
VÍLCHEZ and XIAO Crowned Spanish Champions in Tarragona
The Palau d’Esports Catalunya in Tarragona hosted the Spanish National Table Tennis Championships, where Miguel Ángel VÍLCHEZ and María XIAO claimed the titles. VÍLCHEZ, from La Zubia (Granada), secured his first title, completing his journey after winning in all youth categories. María XIAO, meanwhile, clinched her fifth national title, her second consecutive victory in Tarragona, after a closely contested 4-3 final against Sofía-Xuan ZHANG. With this victory, XIAO continues to cement her legacy in Spanish table tennis, securing her fifth absolute title. The UCAM Cartagena TM player had previously won this championship in 2014, 2015, and 2016. Born in Calella (Catalonia), XIAO has once again demonstrated her consistency and dominance on the national stage. In the men’s tournament, VÍLCHEZ triumphed in the final against Juan PÉREZ (4-1), who came into the match in excellent form after reaching the round of 16 at the European Championships. The Andalusian player defeated Carlos MACHADO (4-1) in the semifinals, while PÉREZ eliminated Daniel BERZOSA (4-3). The biggest surprise came in the quarterfinals when BERZOSA upset Álvaro ROBLES (4-3). The men’s doubles final featured a family showdown, with brothers Alberto and Diego LILLO facing off for the title. In the end, Alberto LILLO and Miguel NÚÑEZ won 3-1 against Diego LILLO and Ander CEPAS. CEPAS, a member of the Equipo Promesas Paralímpicas Verallia and a medalist at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, continues to show his talent across competitions, now adding a medal at the Spanish National Championships, reinforcing table tennis’s inclusivity. In the women’s doubles, María BERZOSA and Sofía-Xuan ZHANG claimed gold after a dramatic comeback from 1-2 and 5-7 in the final against Elvira Fiona RAD and Jana RIERA (3-2). The mixed doubles event made history, as siblings María and Daniel BERZOSA became the first brother-sister pair to win this category since 1999, defeating Iker GONZÁLEZ and Martina SANS (3-0) in the final.
Excitement Builds for the 24th Raiffeisen Youth Championships and Andro Youth Challenge Trophy in Linz
From April 17 to April 21, 2025, the vibrant city of Linz will host one of Europe’s premier youth table tennis events — the 24th Raiffeisen Youth Championships alongside the Andro Youth Challenge Trophy at the renowned Tips Arena. This international team and individual tournament will bring together rising talents from across the globe, competing in age categories from U11 to U19. Designed for young players aged 11 to 19, this prestigious tournament warmly welcomes national teams, regional selections, and club teams. More than just a competition, the event offers a valuable platform for young athletes to gain international experience, foster friendships, and share their passion for table tennis with peers from different countries. Over the years, this tournament has been the starting point for numerous successful professional players, offering those outside of national teams or elite selections a rare opportunity to show their skills on an international stage. The tournament’s structure guarantees an engaging and fair playing experience for all participants, regardless of their skill level. Here’s how the competition will unfold: Teams and players eager to be part of this event can download the registration form from the official website: froschberg.at/linz-austriayouth-championships. Completed forms should be submitted via email to: youth.championships@froschberg.at.
Table Tennis Wales Seeks Visionary Leader for Head of Performance Pathway Role
Table Tennis Wales (TTW), the national governing body for table tennis in Wales, is looking for an inspiring and visionary leader to shape the future of the sport. As the Head of Performance Pathway, this pivotal role will drive excellence and guide athletes—including para players—towards international success at the Commonwealth Games, Olympic Games, and beyond. Key Responsibilities The successful candidate will: What TTW Is Looking For The ideal candidate will possess: Why Join Table Tennis Wales? This is a unique opportunity to lead the strategic vision for table tennis in Wales, working with a passionate team to foster a high-performance culture. The role offers the chance to influence athlete development at the highest level and drive international success. How to Apply Interested candidates should submit: Application Deadline: Friday, 7th March 2025Interviews: Tuesday, 25th March 2025 Send your application to hr@cobalt-hr.co.uk with the subject line:Head of Performance Pathway Application – [Your Full Name] For more information, contact Owen Rodgers at: owen.rodgers@tabletennis.wales
Round Three of the Europe Cup Women Concludes, All Quarterfinalists Confirmed
Round Three of the Europe Cup Women has concluded, and all the quarterfinalists are now known. In the quarterfinals, the four best teams from the Europe Cup will be joined by clubs that finished third in their respective groups during Stage Two of the Champions League.
Ying HAN and Alexis LEBRUN Crowned Champions in Montreux
Ying HAN of Germany and Alexis LEBRUN of France claimed the titles at the 2025 CCB Europe Top 16 Cup in Montreux, emerging victorious after two thrilling finals. HAN overcame Romania’s Elizabeta SAMARA in the women’s event, while LEBRUN dethroned Slovenia’s Darko JORGIC in the men’s final. This victory marks HAN’s third title at the prestigious event, while LEBRUN secured his first. In the women’s event, semifinalists were Germany’s Xiaona SHAN and Sabine WINTER. In the men’s competition, Truls MOREGARD of Sweden and Patrick FRANZISKA of Germany were halted at the penultimate stage. FINAL Alexis LEBRUN of France – Darko JORGIC of Slovenia 3-1 (11-8, 10-12, 11-9, 11-9) Alexis LEBRUN ended Darko JORGIC’s impressive reign after three consecutive titles, though the Slovenian champion didn’t give up his crown easily. In a fiercely contested match, both players pushed each other to the limit, showing the very best of table tennis to a fully packed Omnisports venue in Montreux. For his victory, alongside the silver trophy, LEBRUN received a standing ovation from the 1,800-strong crowd, who celebrated his triumph by singing La Marseillaise after the match. “Playing against Darko in Montreux is incredibly tough. He has delivered outstanding performances here year after year, so I knew I had to beat the king,” LEBRUN said after the match. “I had a tough draw, but I played a great tournament, and I’m really happy I succeeded.” The final was packed with electrifying rallies and lightning-fast exchanges, keeping spectators on the edge of their seats. “His service was exceptional today. He also managed to block my topspin on several occasions, forcing me to adjust my positioning and forehand placement to break through his defense,” LEBRUN explained. Reflecting on his journey in Montreux, LEBRUN acknowledged the tournament’s challenges: “It’s not easy to maintain the same level throughout. There are no easy rounds here—you face the best in every match. Winning one game is tough, but winning four in a row is incredibly hard. I managed it once at the European Championships in Linz, and now I’ve done it again here. I’m so happy.” Elizabeta SAMARA of Romania – Ying HAN of Germany 2-3 (6-11, 9-11, 11-9, 11-8, 4-11) Ying HAN retained her unbeaten status in Montreux, capturing the crown after a breathtaking final in the women’s event against Elizabeta SAMARA. HAN, who was unable to defend her title in 2024 (from 2022 and 2023) due to a torn Achilles tendon, made a remarkable comeback at the 2025 edition. The world-class defensive specialist returned to Montreux in outstanding form, marking her return to competition after a one-year hiatus with a truly dominant performance. After impressive victories over Portugal’s Fu YU and Jieni SHAO, HAN carried her confidence into the semifinals, where she defeated fellow German Sabine WINTER. In the final, she faced a fierce challenge from SAMARA. The first two games went in HAN’s favor, showing her trademark defensive brilliance. However, SAMARA remained patient and fought back, leveling the match at 2-2 with her relentless attacks. In the decisive fifth game, HAN withstood the pressure, demonstrating her resilience and sealing the victory in spectacular style. Overjoyed after her victory, HAN reflected: “It was an incredibly tough match. SAMARA kept getting better and played very cleverly tactically. I attacked well early on, but in the third and fourth games, she turned that into her own points. I tried to stay calm and focus more on my defense—and it worked. Now, I’m just overjoyed.” SEMIFINALS Xiaona SHAN of Germany – Elizabeta SAMARA of Romania 1-3 (11-9, 10-12, 8-11, 3-11) Elizabeta SAMARA’s 15th appearance at the CCB Europe Top 16 Cup turned out to be her most successful yet. After securing third place in 2018, the Romanian star surpassed her previous best and reached the final today. Xiaona SHAN, who impressively defeated top seed Bernadette SZOCS in the previous round, struggled to find answers against SAMARA’s sharp and consistent play. “It’s always difficult to play against Nana. She’s strong against left-handers, but I remember the last match we played—she was leading 7-0, but I still managed to win. Last year at the WTT Champions, I was down 0-2 and trailing 6-10 in the fifth game, but I came back to win 13-11. That’s why I expected a long match today, and I wasn’t shaken after losing the opening game. I was leading most of that game, so I still felt in control,” SAMARA explained. “I’m really happy with my performance. Honestly, when I arrived here, my main goal was just to avoid losing in the opening round and take it match by match. Everyone wants to win here, but I don’t feel any extra pressure,” she added. Despite defeat Xiaona SHAN maintained high spirits. “That was a big opportunity for me in the second game. The missed serve cost me the 2-0 lead and probably the entire match. But I also have to admit that SAMARA played very well today, using a lot of clever tempo changes that caused me problems. On the bright side, I take home third place and, more importantly, the realization that after my long injury, I was finally able to play a really strong tournament again.” Ying HAN of Germany – Sabine WINTER of Germany 3-1 (8-11, 11-4, 11-7, 11-9) The duel between two German player went according to seedings. Ying HAN halted Sabine WINTER’s brave run from the qualifications to book her place in the final. “I just wanted to enjoy the match and the atmosphere today, no matter the outcome. Winning, of course, makes it even better. But Sabine also played a very strong tournament,” stated Ying HAN. Sabine WINTER said: “I usually perform well against defensive players, so I believed I had a good chance today. But Ying played exceptionally well and adjusted her tactics compared to our previous encounters. In the end, it was a good tournament for me. It also confirmed that my decision to try the anti-topspin rubber wasn’t completely wrong—though I still have a lot to learn.
