The 2026/27 ETTU Champions League Women is set to begin, bringing together Europe’s strongest clubs and many of the world’s top players for another season of elite club competition. Last season marked a milestone in the history of the competition, with the introduction of the Final Four format for the very first time. It was KTS Enea Siarkopol TARNOBRZEG who lifted the trophy, and the Polish club now returns as the No. 1 seed with the goal of defending its European title. The reigning champions once again boast an impressive line-up led by Ying HAN, Fu YU, Xiaoxin YANG and Zhuojia HE, with young talents Patrycja CZECH and Minyi TIAN adding further depth. Among the strongest challengers is No. 2 seed Metz TT, featuring a balanced squad headed by Charlotte LUTZ, Izabela LUPULESKU, Hana GODA, Lea RAKOVAC and Sarah DE NUTTE. Germany’s TTC Berlin eastside, seeded No. 3, once again presents a formidable team with Nina MITTELHAM, Natalia BAJOR, SHAN Xiaona and Sabina SURJAN, while No. 4 Etival ASRTT relies on the experience of SHAO Jieni, Christina KÄLLBERG and Liu YANGZI. Spain is also strongly represented. No. 5 UCAM Cartagena TM features Maria XIAO, Anna HURSEY, HO Tin-Tin and Daniela ORTEGA, while No. 13 Son Cladera TTC Mallorca fields Katarzyna WEGRZYN, Adina DIACONU, Arina SLAUTINA and Paulina VEGA. French hopes will also rest with No. 6 Saint-Quentin TT, led by Linda BERGSTRÖM, Barbora VARADY, ZHANG Mo and Camille LUTZ, while Austrian champions Linz AG Froschberg (No. 7) count on Tatiana KUKULKOVA, Lilou MASSART and Sara TOKIC. Croatian champions STK Dr. Časl Zagreb, seeded No. 14, return with an ambitious squad featuring Margaryta PESOTSKA, Britt EERLAND, Japanese star Miu HIRANO, Tsai Yun-En and Kotomi OMODA. The competition begins with Stage 1, featuring the clubs seeded from No. 7 to No. 14. The eight teams are divided into two groups of four, with each group played in a single round-robin format. Only the winner of each group advances to Stage 2, while the remaining teams continue in the Europe Cup. The two Stage 1 group winners then join the six directly qualified clubs in Stage 2, creating one group of eight teams. The clubs play a single round-robin over seven rounds, with every team facing each of the other seven once. The stakes are particularly high at this stage. After seven rounds, the clubs finishing first and second qualify directly for the Final Four. The teams ranked third to sixth move on to Stage 3, while the seventh- and eighth-placed clubs are eliminated from the competition. Stage 3 provides the final route to the Final Four. The third-placed team from Stage 2 faces the sixth-placed team, while the fourth-placed club meets the fifth-placed side. Both play-offs are decided in a single match, with the third- and fourth-placed teams having the right to host. The two winners complete the Final Four line-up. For the second consecutive season, the campaign will culminate in the Final Four, following the successful introduction of the format last season. The Stage 2 winner will face the winner of the 4th vs 5th play-off in one semi-final, while the Stage 2 runner-up will meet the winner of the 3rd vs 6th encounter in the other. The semi-finals and final are played as single matches to determine the 2026/27 ETTU Champions League Women winners.
LEHTLAAN and AVAMERI Claim Latvian Open 2026 Titles in Riga
Estonia enjoyed a successful conclusion to the Latvian Open 2026 in Riga, with Pert Marten LEHTLAAN and Airi AVAMERI claiming the Men’s and Women’s Singles titles respectively. Held from 6 to 9 August, the four-day international tournament featured competition in Men’s Singles, Women’s Singles, U21 Men’s Singles and U21 Women’s Singles, bringing together players from across Europe. In the Men’s Singles, LEHTLAAN completed an impressive campaign by taking the title ahead of Denmark’s Dominykas SAMUOLIS. Lithuania’s Ignas ŠIŠANOVAS finished third, with his compatriot Martin FRIZEL in fourth place. Denmark’s Erik HØIER took fifth position, followed by Finland’s Lassi LEHTOLA, Latvia’s Daniels KOGANS and Sweden’s Peter ALESTEDT. Men’s Singles – Top 8 Estonia had further reason to celebrate in the Women’s Singles, where Airi AVAMERI secured the title ahead of Georgia’s Anastasia CHKHARTISHVILI. Denmark’s Emma VENDELBO completed the podium in third place, while Finland’s Marina DONNER finished fourth. Estonia’s Reelica HANSON was fifth, Lithuania’s Marija MIKALAUSKYTĖ sixth, the Netherlands’ Dobrila JORGUSESKA seventh and Denmark’s Sofie Khanh-Linh ECKEROTH eighth. Women’s Singles – Top 8 The U21 competitions also highlighted several players who went on to make their mark in the senior events. Denmark’s Dominykas SAMUOLIS claimed the U21 Men’s Singles title before continuing his strong run all the way to the Men’s Singles final. Cyprus’ Sharpel ELIA finished runner-up, while eventual senior champion Pert Marten LEHTLAAN of Estonia and Sweden’s Peter ALESTEDT took the two bronze-medal positions. In the U21 Women’s Singles, Lithuania’s Marija MIKALAUSKYTĖ emerged victorious ahead of Greece’s Styliani TZARIDOU. Denmark’s Emma VENDELBO and Emma ECKEROTH completed the podium with bronze medals. The performances across the four events showed a strong crossover between the U21 and senior competitions. LEHTLAAN followed his U21 bronze with the Men’s Singles crown, while SAMUOLIS added senior silver to his U21 gold. VENDELBO and MIKALAUSKYTĖ were also among the leading performers in both age categories. Beyond the action at the tables, the tournament earned positive feedback from the participating delegations. Swedish delegation coach Mattias EKDAHL praised the organisation and the practical arrangements in Riga. “The tournament was very well organised, and the overall arrangements worked very smoothly. Having the competition venue and the hotel located close to each other is a major advantage. We have had a very positive experience in Riga and are already looking forward to returning for next year’s edition,” said EKDAHL. All results from the Latvian Open 2026 are available here. Photos from the competition are available here.
Eleven Young Players Earn Eurotalents 2027 Selection at Terni Development Camp
The ETTU Eurotalents Selection Camp II has concluded in Terni, Italy, with 11 promising young players earning selection for the Eurotalents 2027 Programme following a week of training and evaluation. Held from 26 July to 1 August at the National Italian Training Centre, the camp brought together Europe’s most talented players born in 2014 or later, nominated by their respective Member Associations. The programme combined intensive training sessions with continuous assessment by the ETTU coaching staff, with the highest-rated participants securing direct places in the 2027 Eurotalents Programme. A total of six boys and five girls were selected: Boys Girls According to the Eurotalents programme regulations, players selected through the camp retain their Eurotalents status until they age out of the Under 13 category and are not required to attend future selection camps, although they remain welcome to participate in future camps for training and development. The camp in Terni featured five days of intensive practice under the guidance of ETTU Coach Zvonimir KORENIC, together with local Head Coach Emmanuele DELSANTE, assistant coaches and physical coach Massimo OLIVERI. Participants trained at the National Italian Training Centre, one of Europe’s leading table tennis development facilities, which offers more than 30 tables across three connected halls. The Eurotalents Programme remains one of ETTU’s flagship development initiatives, identifying and supporting Europe’s most promising young players as they begin their journey towards international success.
Bidding Process Opens for 2027 ETTU Ranking Inclusion Events
The European Table Tennis Union (ETTU) has officially launched the bidding process for the 2027 ETTU Ranking Inclusion Events, inviting Member Associations to submit applications to host tournaments that will be included in the European ranking calendar. Associations interested in organising a Ranking Inclusion Event are encouraged to complete and submit the official application form. The deadline for applications is Monday, 24 August 2026. A key innovation for the 2027 season is the introduction of the possibility to include Under 19 events within the Ranking Inclusion system. To be eligible, U19 competitions must be organised as part of an Open Event, while regional events will not qualify for inclusion. ETTU also encourages organisers to stage U19 events alongside Men’s Singles and Women’s Singles competitions within the same tournament. The successful integration of U21 events with senior competitions has received excellent feedback from players, coaches and organisers, and ETTU aims to build on that success by extending the concept to the U19 category. The initiative is expected to create more competitive opportunities for young players while strengthening their pathway to senior-level competition. Following the evaluation of all applications, ETTU will work together with the selected host associations to finalise tournament dates in accordance with the overall ETTU competition calendar and to confirm the final competition system. ETTU looks forward to receiving applications and working with future hosts of the 2027 Ranking Inclusion Events.
Prospectus Published for 2026 European Individual Championships in Ljubljana
The official Prospectus for the 2026 European Individual Championships has now been published. The Championships will be staged in Ljubljana, Slovenia, from 11 to 18 October 2026, with the Slovenian Table Tennis Association organising the event under the authority of the European Table Tennis Union. Matches will take place at the Arena Stožice, while the same complex will also host the official practice hall. Practice will be available from 9 October. Europe’s leading players will compete for continental titles in Men’s Singles, Women’s Singles, Men’s Doubles, Women’s Doubles and Mixed Doubles. The preliminary rounds will begin on 11 October, with the main draw starting on 13 October. Finals in the doubles events are scheduled for 16 and 17 October, while the singles champions will be crowned on 18 October. The prospectus also outlines the qualification system, entry quotas based on the 2025 European Team Championships, additional qualification places earned through the 2025 and 2026 European Under 21 Championships, competition format, accommodation options, hospitality arrangements and all key administrative deadlines. Entries are now open through the ETTU Online Entry System, with the entry deadline set for 31 August 2026. Accommodation requests must be submitted by 7 September, travel details by 21 September, and entry modifications may be made until 6 October at 12:00 CEST. An important sporting incentive is also highlighted in the prospectus, as the results of the Championships will contribute directly to the European Mixed Team Ranking, which will determine qualification for the Mixed Team event at the 2027 European Games and the associated continental Olympic qualification pathway. The complete prospectus, including all technical, competition and organisational details, is now available here.
Bidding Process Opens for the 2027 JOOLA Europe Youth Series
ETTU has officially opened the bidding process for the 2027 JOOLA Europe Youth Series, inviting Member Associations to submit applications to host one of the events on next year’s calendar. To support prospective organizers, ETTU has published the 2027 Directives for Organizers, 2027 Sport Specific Information, and the 2027 Application Form, providing detailed information on organizational requirements, competition format and the application procedure. Please find here the relevant documents. The deadline for submitting applications is Monday, 24 August 2026. The preferred dates for the 2027 Europe Youth Series events have already been included in the ETTU Calendar. However, as the ITTF has not yet published the 2027 Youth Calendar, each applicant is requested to propose two additional alternative date options when submitting its bid. Following the selection of the successful hosts, ETTU will work closely with the respective Member Associations to finalize the event dates, taking into account the overall ETTU competition calendar. Once available, the final ITTF/WTT Youth Calendar will also be considered to ensure the best possible coordination of the international youth competition schedule. Member Associations requiring further information are invited to contact the ETTU Competition Department. Application deadline: 24 August 2026.
Qualification Pathway Approved for the Mixed Team Event at the 2027 European Games
The ETTU Executive Board has adopted the qualification pathway for the Mixed Team Event at the 2027 European Games in Istanbul. The European Games will feature 16 mixed teams, with the gold medal-winning team earning the continental quota place for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. The Games programme will also include the Singles events, which will count towards both the ETTU European Ranking and the ITTF World Ranking. To provide every Member Association with a fair opportunity to take part in the Olympic qualification pathway, the 16 places will be allocated as follows: The European Mixed Team Ranking will also be used to determine the seeding for the Qualification Event. ETTU has established a dedicated European Mixed Team Ranking to provide a transparent and equitable qualification pathway for all Member Associations. As no World Mixed Team Ranking currently exists, this new ranking will be used throughout the European Games qualification pathway and will be published monthly, starting in August 2026. Full details of the ranking system are available in the attached document. To provide clarity for Member Associations ahead of the 2026 European Championships in Ljubljana, direct qualification to the Mixed Team Event at the European Games will be based on the European Mixed Team Ranking published in November 2026, which will include the results of the European Championships. The remaining four places will be decided through the Mixed Team Qualification Event. The confirmed dates of the event are pending the publication of the ITTF calendar. All National Olympic Committees not directly qualified will be eligible to enter the Qualification Event.
Registration Open for the 2026 World Table Tennis for Health Festival in Shanghai
Registration is now officially open for the 2026 World Table Tennis for Health Festival, which will take place from 20 to 25 October in Shanghai, China, marking the event’s historic debut in Asia. The Festival will bring together participants from around the world for a unique celebration of table tennis, health, and inclusion. The programme features the World Parkinson’s Table Tennis Championships, the World Alzheimer’s Table Tennis Championships, the World Table Tennis for Health Congress, and a variety of health-focused side activities. Ahead of the Festival, a Pre-Event Training Camp will be held on 17–18 October, offering participants the opportunity to prepare for the competition and become familiar with the venue before the main event begins. As part of the Festival, organisers are also inviting researchers, healthcare professionals, coaches, and practitioners to contribute to the World Table Tennis for Health Congress by sharing their research and practical experience with an international audience. See the details here.
In Memoriam: Isabelle BEUMIER
The European Table Tennis Union mourns the passing of Isabelle BEUMIER, one of the most respected figures in international officiating and a long-serving member and former Chair of the ETTU Umpires and Referees Committee. Isabelle dedicated decades of her life to table tennis, making an outstanding contribution to the development of referees and umpires across Europe and beyond. “Isabelle was one of the most dearest personalities in international table tennis. We will all miss her passion and dedication to our sport, but, above all, her kindness to all of us. May she rest in peace,” stated ETTU President Pedro MOURA. The following tribute has been prepared by her colleagues from the ETTU Umpires and Referees Committee, who had the privilege of working alongside her for many years. “After serving as Deputy Chair of the ETTU Umpires and Referees Committee from 2014 to 2016 and from 2020 to 2024, Isabelle was appointed Chair of the Committee in 2016, a position she held with distinction until 2020. Throughout these years, she shaped the future of officiating in European table tennis with exceptional professionalism, vision and dedication. As an International Referee and Blue Badge Umpire, BEUMIER officiated at the highest level of our sport. She served as an umpire at the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro in 2016, was appointed Deputy Referee at the ITTF World Championships in Düsseldorf in 2017, and later served on the Referee Team at the European Games in Kraków 2023. These prestigious appointments reflected the confidence that both the ETTU and the ITTF placed in her expertise, professionalism and leadership. Throughout her career, she represented the ETTU at numerous international competitions, championships, educational seminars and development programmes, always demonstrating the highest standards of professionalism, fairness and integrity. These appointments represent only a small part of Isabelle’s outstanding international career. Over many years, she fulfilled numerous roles at ETTU and ITTF events around the world, serving as umpire, referee, deputy referee, instructor and mentor. Her experience, expertise and dedication made her one of the most respected match officials in international table tennis, leaving an enduring legacy that extends far beyond the positions and events listed here. Under her leadership, the ETTU URC strengthened education programmes, promoted the development of young officials and created new opportunities for referees and umpires to progress onto the international stage. Isabelle was also a passionate advocate for women in officiating. She actively encouraged and mentored female umpires and referees, helping them gain confidence, develop their skills and pursue international careers. For many aspiring female officials, Isabelle was more than a mentor she was proof that commitment, excellence and leadership know no gender. She firmly believed that diversity and equal opportunities would strengthen the officiating community and worked tirelessly to make that vision a reality. Whether acting as referee, instructor, mentor or committee chair, Isabelle was always willing to share her knowledge, support colleagues and inspire others to achieve their full potential. For countless officials across Europe, Isabelle was their first mentor, their strongest supporter and the person who encouraged them to believe that an international career was within reach. Her influence can be seen in every generation of European match officials who have benefited from her guidance, patience and encouragement.” Paying tribute to Isabelle, the current ETTU Umpires and Referees Committee Chair, Werner THURY, said: “Isabelle was a role model for referees across Europe and around the world. Through her dedication, passion, and commitment, she paved the way for countless young referees to build international careers. I had the privilege of learning from her. Her leadership of the ETTU URC was truly outstanding and left a lasting impact on our sport. But above all, I will miss Isabelle as a dear friend. Thank you, Isabelle, for allowing me to work alongside you, for your guidance, and for the friendship we shared. Your legacy will live on in the many people whose lives you touched.” These words reflect what so many of us feel today. Beyond her remarkable achievements and her outstanding service to European table tennis, Isabelle will be remembered for her kindness, generosity, warmth and humanity. She brought people together, believed in developing others and created a spirit of friendship within our officiating family that will endure for years to come. “On behalf of the entire ETTU Umpires and Referees Committee, we extend our deepest condolences to Isabelle’s family, friends and everyone who had the privilege of knowing and working alongside her. Her contribution to European table tennis cannot be measured only by the events she officiated or the positions she held. It lives on in the standards she established, in the officials she mentored and in the community she helped build. Thank you, Isabelle. Your dedication, friendship and legacy will forever remain a part of the ETTU Umpires and Referees family,” the Umpires and Referees Committee expressed in the tribute.” The European Table Tennis Union joins the ETTU Umpires and Referees Committee in extending its sincere condolences to Isabelle’s family, friends and loved ones, as well as to everyone in the Belgian and international table tennis community who had the privilege of knowing and working with her. Her contribution to our sport will never be forgotten, and her legacy will continue to live on through the many officials whose careers she helped shape.
Olympiacos Reinforce Ambitions with Star-Studded Squad for 2026/27
Fresh from another successful domestic season, Olympiacos S.F.P. have unveiled formidable men’s and women’s squads for the 2026/27 campaign, blending world-class international stars with established Greek champions and emerging young talent. The Piraeus club enters the new season after claiming the Greek Men’s A1 League title with a perfect 17 victories from 17 matches, while the women’s team finished third after ending the season level on points with runners-up AEK. The men’s team is headlined by Slovenian ace Darko JORGIC and Swedish star Truls MOREGARDH, who will be joined by an experienced Greek core featuring Ioannis SGOUROPOULOS, Anastasios RINIOTIS, Georgios STAMATOUROS and veteran Ioannis VLOTINOS, alongside rising talent Petros MORALIS. JORGIC is looking forward to experiencing Greek club table tennis for the first time. “I’ll be playing a few matches for Olympiacos. I’ve always been a Red Star fan, so I know what it means to play for Olympiacos as a brother club. I’m really happy that, for the first time, I’ll have the chance to play in Greece. “After eight seasons in the German Bundesliga, I’ve decided to move to other leagues. My main focus is training and international tournaments, so Greece and Poland were the right choices for me. I honestly can’t wait for everything to begin, to experience the atmosphere and see what it’s like to compete there. I’m very excited and looking forward to my first match in the Greek league.” Olympiacos were outstanding throughout last season, winning every one of their 17 league encounters while compiling an impressive individual match record of 68 wins from 74 matches. The squad also reflects both the club’s present and future. Fifteen-year-old Petros MORALIS has already celebrated a Greek league title with Olympiacos despite his young age and is regarded as one of the country’s brightest prospects. At the other end of the spectrum stands Ioannis VLOTINOS, one of the legends of Greek table tennis, whose remarkable career includes a record 14 Greek national singles titles. The women’s team combines experience and continuity with the addition of another familiar face. Maria CHRISTOFORAKI, Despina DANDOULA, Aliki KIOUFI, Evelina MERAMVELLIOTAKI, Georgina POTA, Elisavet TERPOU and Ukrainian international Margaryta PESOTSKA are joined by former Greek international Archontoula VOLAKAKI. A special milestone awaits PESOTSKA, who enters her fifth season with Olympiacos. During her time with the club she has become the most successful player in the history of the women’s team, recording an extraordinary 110 appearances and 106 victories, an outstanding 96.4 per cent winning record. Her performances last season once again underlined her importance, as she won 22 of her 23 singles matches to help Olympiacos finish level on points with second-placed AEK. With Olympic medallists, European stars, Greek legends and exciting young talents all wearing the red-and-white colours, Olympiacos once again appear ready to challenge for domestic honours while further raising the profile of the Greek league on the European stage.
