Top Spin Messina WatchesTogether lifted their third Men’s Italian Cup, adding to previous triumphs in 2019 and 2020, after a dramatic 3–2 final victory over Tennistavolo Sassari at Palascherma in Ancona. The Sicilian side received the trophy from Marche Councillor for Sport Tiziano CONSOLI, CONI Marche President Fabio LUNA, and Italian Table Tennis Federation President Renato DI NAPOLI. In the semifinals, Top Spin defeated Alfa Food Bagnolese 3–1, while Sassari overcame Muravera Tennistavolo Sardegna Prodotti Tipici by the same scoreline. Bagnolese secured third place with a 3–1 win over Muravera. The final opened with a tight doubles encounter, where Marco CAPPUCCIO / Andrea PUPPO edged Danilo FASO / Niagol STOYANOV in five games. Vladislav URSU quickly restored parity for Messina with a straight-games win over John OYEBODE, before STOYANOV put Top Spin ahead following a hard-fought victory against PUPPO. OYEBODE then leveled the match again after FASO was forced to retire due to fever, but URSU sealed the title with a commanding win over CAPPUCCIO. “We started the new year in the best possible way,” said Top Spin President Giorgio QUARTUCCIO. “Despite injuries and illness, the team showed great character. URSU’s two points were decisive, and STOYANOV’s win proved crucial. This trophy rewards our hard work and confirms our strength.” Top Spin Messina last lifted a national title in 2022, when they won the Italian Championship. Final TOP SPIN MESSINA – TENNISTAVOLO SASSARI 3–2 Match for Third Place ALFA FOOD BAGNOLESE – MURAVERA TENNISTAVOLO 3–0 Semifinals
Fan Zhendong Wins First Title in Germany as Saarbrücken Claim LIEBHERR Cup
Fan Zhendong celebrated his first title in Germany as 1. FC Saarbrücken TT lifted the LIEBHERR German Cup after a 3–1 victory over TTC RhönSprudel Fulda-Maberzell at the Pokal Final Four in Ulm/Neu-Ulm. In front of a record crowd of 5,200 spectators at the ratiopharm arena, Saarbrücken secured the Cup for the third time in club history, following previous triumphs in 2012 and 2022. The event was also watched live by a large television audience in Germany and internationally. Olympic champion Zhendong played a decisive role in the final, defeating Dimitrij OVTCHAROV and later Ruwen FILUS, both in straight games, setting the tone for Saarbrücken’s success. The Cup victory marks the first step in the club’s ambitious “triple mission”, with further title opportunities still ahead in the Table Tennis Bundesliga and the ETTU Champions League Men, where Saarbrücken will face GV Hennebont TT in the quarterfinals. “I am very happy to win this title,” said Zhendong. “It was my first Cup Final Four, and it was a special moment in my career. I hope to return to this event in the future.” Saarbrücken had earlier defeated TTF Liebherr Ochsenhausen in the semifinals, while Fulda reached the final after a narrow win over TTC OE Clarity-Telefonie Systeme Bad Homburg. Final Semifinals
Brunetti Castel Goffredo Clinch Eighth Women’s Italian Cup
At Palascherma in Ancona, Brunetti Castel Goffredo lifted their eighth Women’s Italian Cup, extending their dominance with a sixth consecutive title. In the final, they defeated Tennistavolo Norbello 3–1, receiving the trophy from Ancona Deputy Mayor Giovanni ZINNI and Italian Table Tennis Federation President Renato DI NAPOLI. Earlier in the competition, Castel Goffredo overcame Quattro Mori Cagliari 3–1 in the semifinals, while Norbello defeated Tennistavolo Sassari 3–1. Quattro Mori secured third place after a 3–1 victory over Sassari. The final opened with a dramatic doubles encounter, where Anastasiia KOLISH and Ana TOFANT edged Andreea DRAGOMAN and Nikoleta STEFANOVA in a fifth-game decider, settled at 6–4 following a sudden-death finish. In the first singles, Bernadette SZOCS produced an impressive comeback against TAN Wenling, recovering from two games down to claim a crucial 3–2 victory. DRAGOMAN then restored Castel Goffredo’s lead, closing a tense five-game battle against KOLISH after letting a 2–0 advantage slip. SZOCS sealed the title in the fourth match with a commanding straight-games win over TOFANT, handing Castel Goffredo yet another Italian Cup. “We had to fight tooth and nail,” said Castel Goffredo Technical Director Alfonso LAGHEZZA. “We faced difficulties, some of them unexpected, but the girls reacted very well. After losing the doubles, Bernadette’s comeback against TAN was fundamental. Her style is extremely difficult to face, especially with the heavy spin on long serves. We adjusted the tactics, and Bernadette managed the match brilliantly. Andreea also showed great character in the deciding game. We are very happy to win our eighth Italian Cup and now look ahead to our next goal, the Italian championship.” FINAL BRUNETTI CASTEL GOFFREDO – TENNISTAVOLO NORBELLO 3–1 Match for Third Place QUATTRO MORI CAGLIARI – TENNISTAVOLO SASSARI 3–1 Semifinals BRUNETTI CASTEL GOFFREDO – QUATTRO MORI CAGLIARI 3–1 TENNISTAVOLO NORBELLO – TENNISTAVOLO SASSARI 3–1
Linus MERNSTEN Named Denmark’s Coach of the Year at Sports Galla 2025
Danish national team head coach Linus MERNSTEN has been honoured as Coach of the Year 2025 across all sports in Denmark, a prestigious recognition announced on Saturday evening during Sports Galla 2025 in Herning. The award was presented in front of 10,000 spectators at the venue and witnessed by approximately one million viewers watching live on Denmark’s public service broadcaster, DR (Danmarks Radio and Television). MERNSTEN has served as Head Coach of the Danish National Table Tennis Team since 2014, playing a central role in Denmark’s steady rise on the international stage. Prior to his work in Denmark, he held national coaching positions in Sweden, Luxembourg, Spain, and England, building an extensive international coaching career. Denmark’s leading player Anders LIND (World No. 16) underlined MERNSTEN’s impact by stating that without him, he would likely have remained around No. 200 in the world rankings, highlighting the coach’s decisive influence on elite player development. This marks only the second time in history that a table tennis coach has received Denmark’s Coach of the Year award across all sports. The first came in 2002, when Peter SARTZ was awarded. In a special moment, MERNSTEN was informed of the award in advance at Michael MAZE’s restaurant “John and Woo” in Copenhagen, before the public celebrations during Sports Galla 2025.
In Memoriam: Joe VESELSKY (1918–2026)
The European and international table tennis community mourns the passing of Joe VESELSKY, ETTU Badge of Honor holder, who died on January 3 at the remarkable age of 107. Born in 1918 in Trnava, former Czechoslovakia, Joe VESELSKY’S life spanned more than a century of history, marked by resilience, courage, and an unwavering dedication to sport particularly table tennis, which remained a constant thread throughout his extraordinary journey. A gifted sportsman from an early age, VESELSKY rose to become a high-ranking table tennis player in his youth. Despite the upheaval of war and personal tragedy, table tennis remained both a passion and a platform through which he connected people and communities. After the Second World War, he went on to captain the Czechoslovak national table tennis team, representing his country at the highest level during a challenging political era. Joe’s life was profoundly shaped by history. At the age of 20, following Hitler’s invasion of Czechoslovakia, he joined the Resistance, surviving the war in the Carpathian Mountains. His parents and elder brother were murdered in Auschwitz, a loss that left an indelible mark on his life. For his bravery, he was later awarded the Order of the Slovak National Uprising. In 1949, Joe and his wife Katarina (Kathy) escaped the post-war political regime and emigrated to Ireland, where, despite having little English and no business background, he established a successful jewellery business. Ireland would become his lifelong home and the stage for his lasting contribution to table tennis. VESELSKY played a central role in the development of the sport in his adopted country, eventually becoming Life President of the Irish Table Tennis Association. His impact extended beyond the playing arena into administration and governance, where he was widely respected for his integrity, vision, and tireless service. In recognition of this legacy, the Joe VESELSKY Award was established to honour endeavour and achievement in table tennis administration within Ireland. His lifelong commitment to sport was also recognised internationally. In 2021, the Slovak government awarded him the Order of the White Double Cross for his services to sport, while the ETTU Badge of Honor acknowledged his outstanding contribution to European table tennis. He was awarded with the BoH at the Congress in Zadar 2025. Even in later years, Joe remained intellectually and socially active. Known as Ireland’s oldest student, he attended courses at Trinity College Dublin, which awarded him an Honorary Degree in 2016, alongside distinguished figures such as Professor Peter HIGGS. Joe VESELSKY’S life stands as a testament to the unifying power of sport, the endurance of the human spirit, and the values that table tennis seeks to promote across generations. He is survived by his children Peter and Kate, and by a legacy that will continue to inspire the table tennis community in Europe and beyond. Funeral Service to celebrate Josef’s life will be held on Wednesday 7th January at 10am in the Victorian Chapel, Mount Jerome Crematorium, Harold’s Cross, DUBLIN D6WHY98. For those who cannot attend, the service can be viewed online using this link . Photo: Courtesy of the Irish Table Tennis Association
Top Greek Names and Festive Atmosphere Mark the Start of the Christmas Girls’ Training Camp in Greece
A historic moment for Greek table tennis is unfolding at the Peace and Friendship Stadium, where the Hellenic Table Tennis Federation (HTTF) has launched its first-ever training camp exclusively for girls, aimed at strengthening female participation in the sport. The Christmas Girls’ Training Camp officially began on January 2, welcoming the new year in a warm and festive atmosphere. Twelve selected young athletes, born between 2012 and 2015, arrived full of enthusiasm, quickly embracing this special initiative and the carefully prepared welcome by the federation. Blending high-level training with a celebratory spirit, the camp will run until Monday, January 5 and represents a key milestone in the federation’s three-year development program, supported by both the European Table Tennis Union and the International Table Tennis Federation. Greece is currently participating in the first phase of the program through the National Project. The opening day delivered powerful images. Greek legend Kallinikos KREANGA personally welcomed the athletes alongside the federation’s administrative staff. Former champions Despoina DANDOULA, Maria MIROU, and Archontoula VOLAKAKI were introduced as part of the coaching team, reconnecting the young generation with the sport’s recent history. A special moment followed during the first training session, attended by national team players Katerina TOLIOU, Malamatenia PAPADIMITRIOU, and Ioanna GERASIMATOU, who shared advice and encouragement with the girls. Later, members of the men’s national team — Giannis SGOUROPOULOS, Giorgos KONSTANTINOPOULOS, and Tasos RINIOTIS — visited the camp, greeting the participants and offering words of motivation. The event was officially opened in the presence of HTTF Chair Panagiotis TZOVOLOS, General Secretary Giorgos VRETTAKOS, Technical Committee President Katerina SPANOU, who coordinated the camp, and Special Secretary Ioanna MORAITOU. Addressing the athletes and their families, TZOVOLOS emphasized the importance of early development and encouraged the girls to view the camp as a celebration. He also conveyed greetings from Greece’s top player Panagiotis GIONIS, who could not attend but sent signed autographs. KREANGA was welcomed with prolonged applause. He urged the young athletes to enjoy the game, reminding them that “table tennis is a sport where complaining has no place.” He signed autographs and gifted each participant a commemorative towel bearing his name. A festive setting filled the hall, with light pink event T-shirts, Christmas gifts, mugs, posters, sweets, and music enhancing the atmosphere. The camp is led by Technical Advisor and former Greek champion Chrysoula TOURSOUNIDOU, assisted by Varvara PAVLAKI, supported by an all-female coaching staff that also includes Christina FILI. Additional activities such as Pilates, athletics, first aid sessions, and holiday-themed entertainment further enrich the experience, with all contributors volunteering their time. Members of the women’s national team, including Elisavet TERPOU, as well as Balkan champions George STAMATOUROS and Konstantinos KONSTANTINOPOULOS, are also expected to take part during the camp.
In a Portrait – Johanna GRECH: Size Does Not Define Your Future
At 58 years of age, Johanna Grech continues to live table tennis with the same intensity that first drew her to the sport decades ago. Today, she serves as Deputy President of the ETTU Gender Equality Committee, where her work focuses on advocacy, inclusion and creating fair opportunities for women across European table tennis. Coming from Malta, one of Europe’s smallest table tennis nations, Grech believes that limitations are often more internal than external. “The greatest obstacle is often ourselves,” she says. “Participating in different roles – as a player, an official or a coach, comes down to mindset and determination.” That mindset was shaped early. Her journey began in a family garage, a modest setting that ignited a lifelong passion. From there, she progressed to the National League and earned the honour of representing Malta on some of the sport’s biggest stages: World Championships, European Championships, the Games of the Small States of Europe and the European Mixed League. Her international path also took her to Italy, where she competed for three seasons. Between 1983 and 2007, Grech was a constant presence in international competition, a period she describes as formative not only for her sporting career, but for life itself. Over more than two decades, she held the title of national champion, while also securing podium finishes for Malta at the Small States Games and in the European Mixed League. Some of her most meaningful experiences came at World and European Championships, where competing against larger nations brought both challenges and lessons. “Some of my proudest moments came while competing at the World and European Championships. Representing Malta, I celebrated both victories and the unique challenges of being from a country with limited resources and fewer opportunities for international exposure. Facing larger European nations taught me resilience, and my determination helped me leave a meaningful mark for Malta in the sport, but this was not enough, I knew that as a player I reached my MAX. I searched for more opportunities within the sport.” That realization opened new paths. GRECH transitioned into administrative and governance roles, serving on Malta’s National Council, being elected to an ITTF Committee, and later becoming a full member of the Technical Committee from 2005 to 2007. These roles allowed her to influence the sport’s development while upholding principles of fairness and equality. Her commitment deepened when she became Secretary General of her National Council, focusing on strengthening the domestic table tennis community. Election to the National Olympic Committee of Malta followed, further expanding her ability to support sport at a national and international level. Today, GRECH remains active both on and off the court. As a coach at a local Table Tennis Centre, she works closely with young players, passing on not only technical knowledge, but values shaped through decades in sport. At the same time, her role within the ETTU Gender Equality Committee allows her to advocate for inclusion and visibility across Europe. “My role as Deputy President of the Gender Equality Committee of the ETTU allows me to champion inclusion, fair play, and create opportunities for women from every corner of Europe who wish to join one of the world’s oldest sports. Through these positions, I strive to make table tennis more accessible and welcoming, supporting anyone who dreams of participating, regardless of their background or previous experience. Table tennis helped me grow as a person. The discipline, teamwork and perseverance I learned through the sport still guide me in everything I do.” GRECH continued: “Table Tennis is a sport that helped me grow as a person, strive for my dreams, and achieve results both on the table and beyond. Throughout my journey, the values learned through intense training, competition, and teamwork have profoundly shaped my character and outlook. The discipline and perseverance fostered by the sport have not only brought success in matches but also instilled life skills that continue to guide me in every aspect of my personal and professional life as a director in the National Olympic Committee and as deputy President of the Gender Equality Committee of the European Table Tennis Union.” Her message to future generations, especially to women coming from smaller countries, is clear and unwavering: “Size does not define your future.” Are Things Better for Men? Alongside stories like GRECH’S, the Gender Equality Committee continues to gather data to better understand the reality for female players. A short survey conducted during the European Championships in Zadar collected around a dozen responses from players, a small sample, but one that still offers insight. One recurring theme concerned competition schedules, with women often playing early in the day while men’s finals conclude events. At national level, respondents felt that male players are still, in many cases, slightly better supported than female players. Encouragingly, perceptions were more positive when it came to ETTU competitions, suggesting progress at the European level. While the results are indicative rather than definitive, the Committee sees this as a starting point. As Johanna Grech’s journey illustrates, meaningful change often begins small – but with persistence, it grows.
How is women’s table tennis developing in Europe?
As part of ETTU’s ongoing commitment to inclusion and development, an analysis of gender-related data submitted by 41 of ETTU’s 58 registered Member Associations in 2025 provides insight into participation trends across European table tennis. The findings highlight encouraging progress in some areas, while also pointing to where further efforts can make a difference. The Gender Equality Committee collected information relating to participation by gender across playing, officiating, coaching, governance and administrative roles. The aim was to better understand membership structures and identify opportunities to support greater gender balance across European Table Tennis. Where we stand today Across the Member Associations that responded, women currently represent around 20% of registered players. When participation is analysed on a per-association basis giving equal weight to each Member Association the figure rises slightly to just over 21%. This confirms that while female participation is present across Europe, it remains uneven and continues to be an important area for development. It should be noted that all responding Member Associations allow members to self-identify their gender at registration, and none apply verification checks. Positive signs at youth level One of the most encouraging findings appears in youth categories. Among U19 players, female participation reaches almost 28% on average per Member Association, suggesting that more girls are entering the sport than in previous generations. This points to the positive impact of grassroots initiatives and youth programmes, even though further efforts are still needed to move closer to balanced participation. Retaining women in the sport remains a challenge While youth participation shows promise, female representation decreases in older age categories. Among veteran players, women account for around 17% on average per association. This highlights the importance of not only attracting girls to table tennis, but also creating environments and pathways that support long-term engagement and continued participation throughout adulthood. Beyond playing: pathways into roles and leadership Female representation is lower in roles such as coaching, officiating and governance. Based on the data provided, women represent approximately 24% of coaches on average per association and account for around 23% of board members Some associations report higher percentages of female coaches, including Estonia, Latvia and Guernsey. Others, such as Italy and the Netherlands, stand out in absolute numbers of female coaches despite having overall female player participation close to the European average. This suggests that increased female coaching representation is not solely driven by a larger female playing base and may reflect different development or recruitment approaches. At governance level, the average association board in Europe consists of around 10 members, with approximately three women, although significant variation exists between Member Associations. Female representation is notably higher in administrative and professional roles within Member Associations. On average, women account for around 44% of association staff, suggesting that organisational environments within European table tennis are closer to gender balance than playing, coaching and officiating pathways. Officiating: challenges and opportunities Across the responding associations, nearly 2,200 national umpires are registered, with an average of around 70 per association. Of these, 345 are women, representing a relatively low proportion. Given that officiating is accessible across genders and abilities, this area presents a clear opportunity to further increase female participation. At international level, 496 international umpires are registered, with 87 identifying as female. Latvia and Azerbaijan report higher-than-expected numbers relative to their size, although overall figures remain low. Policy context and awareness At the time of data collection, no ETTU Member Association reported having a formal Transgender and Non-Binary Policy in place. However, all associations expressed interest in the work currently being developed by Table Tennis England, which is undergoing consultation and review. Member Associations were also asked whether completing the survey changed their initial assessment of gender equality within their organisation. Only a small number indicated a change, suggesting that awareness alone does not automatically translate into reassessment. Looking back: what has changed since 2020? While the data collected in 2025 differs in scope from that gathered in 2020, a comparison of common indicators ,including players, coaches, employees, board members and umpires, offers useful context. Across these comparable categories, female representation has remained broadly stable over the past five years, with no major structural shift at the European level. Different realities across Europe The data highlights significant differences between Member Associations. Some report relatively balanced participation and strong female representation across roles, while others face greater challenges due to size, history or structural factors. Looking beyond total numbers helps identify positive examples and opportunities for shared learning across Europe. Moving forward together Overall, the 2025 data provides a valuable snapshot of gender participation in European table tennis today. It confirms that progress is being made in certain areas, while also reinforcing the need for continued focus on retention, visibility and leadership pathways for women and girls in the sport. By continuing to share data, experiences and best practices, ETTU and its Member Associations can work together to build a more inclusive and sustainable future for table tennis across Europe. Sally HUGHES & Galia DVORAK
GEORGIOU Elected President of the Cyprus National Paralympic Committee
The newly elected President of the Cyprus National Paralympic Committee (CNPC) is Andreas GEORGIOU, who also serves as President of the Cyprus Table Tennis Association (CyTTA). The Cyprus Table Tennis Association is a founding member of the CNPC and has played a leading role in the promotion and development of Paralympic sport and the Paralympic movement in Cyprus. Throughout his mandate within CyTTA, GEORGIOU has been a strong supporter of Para table tennis, enabling Cypriot athletes to participate in international Paralympic competitions organised under the auspices of the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF). In addition to his extensive experience in sport and his achievements within table tennis, GEORGIOU has served in several international roles, including as a member of the ITTF Nominations Committee, a member of the ETTU Youth Committee, and as Europe’s representative on the Executive Board of the Commonwealth Table Tennis Federation. His long-standing involvement with the CNPC includes serving as a Board Member from 2014 to 2016, General Secretary from 2016 to 2020, and subsequently as General Secretary of the Cyprus Olympic Committee (COC) from 2020 to 2024. The Cypriot table tennis community has welcomed the election with pride, recognising it as an important acknowledgment of the sport’s contribution to the development of Paralympic sport in the country. Following his election, GEORGIOU expressed his gratitude to his colleagues for their trust and support, while also acknowledging those who supported other candidates. He called on the entire sporting community to support the new CNPC Executive Board in its mission to further strengthen Paralympism in Cyprus and to continue supporting CNPC athletes who proudly represent the country on the international stage. GEORGIOU also extended his thanks to the ETTU and ITTF for their continued trust and support.
The draw for the ETTU Europe Cup
Following a weekend filled with fierce battles across the European club scene, the draw for the ETTU Europe Cup was conducted today. The draw took place in Luxembourg.
