MIRÓ Ganxets Costa Daurada are stepping into uncharted territory as they prepare for the Europe Cup Women semi-finals a historic moment for the Spanish club and a challenge they are ready to embrace. They will meet Linz AG Froschberg. Their path to the last four was anything but easy, but it was convincing. After a strong 3-0 win away in Zagreb, they confirmed their place in the semi-finals with a 3-2 victory at home against STK Dr. Časl. Even though only two points were needed in the second leg, the team stayed competitive until the very end, showing both quality and character. “It was fantastic,” said the club President Joan Carles VIRGILI when reflecting on the quarter-final. “The tie was decided on their field, and the return at home was more of a formality.” “It was a very important win for us,” Andrea TODOROVIC reflected. “ČASL is a strong team with experienced players, so it meant a lot that we managed to control the match and not let it become more complicated. It was a great way to enter the semi-finals.” Players like Olga VOROBEVA, Guo RUICHEN and Andrea TODOROVIC have all played key roles throughout the campaign. “It is true that Andrea was very important in both matches in the last round,” President VIRGILI explained. “But overall, all the players who took part in the Champions League and Europe Cup contributed. In the last round, all three fulfilled their roles very well.” Preparation, however, comes with its own challenges. MIRÓ Ganxets Costa Daurada do not train together on a daily basis. With players spread across different countries and competing in various leagues, they only come together for matches. “It’s not easy to really judge our form,” TODOROVIC explained. “We are all playing in different leagues and constantly travelling. But when we come together, we give everything and that’s what matters.” That shared commitment has been enough to carry them this far and it will be crucial again in the next round. Waiting for them in the semi-finals is Linz AG Froschberg a team with a strong reputation and a long history of success in both the Austrian league and European competitions. With players like Britt EERLAND, Suthasini SAWETTABUT, Ivana MALOBABIC, and Andrea PAVLOVIC, Linz bring depth, experience, and a variety of playing styles. “We definitely expect a different kind of challenge now,” TODOROVIC said. “This is the semi-final, and Linz is a very strong team. They have a lot of experience at the international level, so we know it won’t be easy.” But for MIRÓ Ganxets Costa Daurada, there is also a sense of freedom. “Reaching the semi-finals is already a historic result for our club. We go into this match motivated, but without pressure ready to give our best and see what happens.” Against a team like Linz, preparation will be key especially with such a mix of playing styles on the other side of the table. “They have everything, defensive players, offensive players, different styles. So we need to be ready for all of that,” she explained. “But in the end, the most important thing is our own game. If we are prepared, motivated, and calm, I believe we can play a good match and then anything is possible.” Despite the logistical challenges, the team spirit remains one of their biggest strengths. “The atmosphere is really good,” TODOROVIC said. “Even though we don’t spend much time together, we support each other and stay connected. When we meet for matches, that energy is there.” For MIRÓ Ganxets Costa Daurada, simply reaching this stage is already a milestone. But the ambition does not stop here. “Well… reaching the final would be a dream come true,” the President said.” Now we need our supporters to make our dream a reality in the short history of our club, which has only been around for 12 years.” Domestically, the team continues to perform strongly in the Spanish league, currently sitting among the top teams. While those results help build confidence, the players see European competition as a completely different challenge. “Winning in the league gives you confidence, of course,” she said. “But European matches are something else. Every match is its own story.”
Young Talents Take Centre Stage in Sarajevo at JOOLA EYS Bosnia and Herzegovina Open
The JOOLA Europe Youth Series continues its journey with the Bosnia and Herzegovina Open, where some of Europe’s most promising young players will gather in Sarajevo from 21 to 25 April. See the pictures here. Set to take place at the Arena Hotel Hills in Ilidža, the tournament will once again bring together a vibrant mix of emerging talents, all looking to test themselves on the international stage and take another step forward in their development. This year’s event features a entry list with players arriving from all over Europe. From the host nation Bosnia and Herzegovina to countries like Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, England, Georgia, Germany, Hungary, Moldova, Montenegro, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Spain, Türkiye, Scotland and AIN, the level of competition promises to be both high and unpredictable. The mixed team event will once again play a key role in the early stages of the tournament. With teams combining boys and girls, the format brings a special dynamic to the competition. The action begins with team events, before moving into singles and doubles competitions in both U13 and U15 categories. Over five days, players will compete across multiple stages, building towards the final matches on 25 April.
Cajasur Priego chasing final spot in Spain as Lille challenge awaits
After surviving a real rollercoaster in the quarter-finals, Real Club Cajasur Priego TM now find themselves just one step away from the final of the ETTU Europe Cup. Standing in their way is Lille Métropole TT – another team full of ambition, and one that promises a very different kind of test. For Robert Robert GARDOS, the timing couldn’t be much better. “I feel good. I have fewer matches now, so I can really focus on the important ones,” GARDOS said. “The French league is finished, in Poland there are just the play-offs left, and in the US we’ve also finished the play-offs. So now the focus is fully on Europe and I hope we can reach the final.” If there’s one thing Cajasur bring into this semi-final, it’s experience under pressure. Their tie against HB Ostrov z.s. had everything, momentum swings, tight matches, and in the end, a golden match to decide it all. Even after building an advantage in the first leg, they were pushed to the limit away from home. “We didn’t play our best, but we kept fighting,” GARDOS said. “That was the key, we never gave up.” And when it mattered most, they delivered. While GARDOS is one of the most experienced players in the competition, he is the first to say this run hasn’t been about individuals. “Of course, experience helps, but the team is more important,” he explained. “Priego enjoyed a very strong Champions League campaign with several important wins. Ultimately, the strength of the team is more important than individual experience, and we have players like MACHADO who bring many years at the top level.” That balance between experience and team spirit has been one of Cajasur’s biggest strengths so far. Looking ahead, there are no illusions about what’s coming. “It will be a very difficult match. It’s a semi-final,” GARDOS said. “We want to play a strong first leg and give ourselves a real chance for the second match at home, where we are very strong with our supporters.” And if the quarter-finals are anything to go by, this tie could go all the way again. “It will be a big fight. Both teams want to make history for their clubs.” Domestically, things are also on track, with Cajasur still leading the Spanish league, even if there are a few matches left to play. Right now, everything is about Europe. With momentum, belief, and the confidence of having already come through one major test, Cajasur head into the semi-finals knowing exactly what is required.
Roskilde ready to embrace long-awaited semi-final challenge against El Nino Praha
For Roskilde Bordtennis BTK 61, the Europe Cup Men semi-finals are more than just another stage in the competition they are the realization of a long-held ambition. After years of pushing for a breakthrough, the Danish side has finally reached the last four, where they will face SF SKK El Nino Praha in what promises to be a highly competitive tie. “We have dreamed of a semi-final in the ETTU Cup for many years and now we are here,” said Alan BENTSEN. “The players are in good shape, and this is something special for all of us.” Roskilde’s path to the semi-finals has been built on both quality and resilience. After a commanding 3-0 home victory against AS Pontoise Cergy TT, they faced a tougher challenge in France, eventually losing the second leg 3-2, but crucially doing enough to progress. Even when the momentum shifted, the team showed maturity. “In the return match, we kept our heads cool even when we fell behind,” BENTSEN explained. “The players showed real mental strength.” Key contributions came from Jens LUNDQVIST and Tobias RASMUSSEN, who once again delivered when it mattered most, underlining the depth within the squad. Entering the competition as the No. 13 seed in the ETTU Champions League Stage 1 at the beginning of the season, Roskilde have already exceeded expectations with impressive wins over ASC Grünwettersbach and AS Pontoise Cergy TT. “I have always felt that the Europe Cup suits our level well,” BENTSEN noted. “If everything goes right, we can compete in the decisive matches and now we are there.” With four players capable of stepping up, the Danish side has found a balance that allows them to compete with Europe’s stronger clubs. “Jens and Tobias have played particularly well this season, but we have four strong players who can all perform.” Standing in their way are SF SKK El Nino Praha a team Roskilde knows well, having faced them last season. “We lost to them last year, but we are a bit stronger now,” said BENTSEN. “And a semi-final is a completely different situation.” The Czech side, featuring players such as Tomas KONECNY, David REITSPIES, and Yevhen PRYSHCHEPA, brings experience and consistency, making this clash finely balanced. Roskilde’s strong European run is mirrored by their domestic form. The team has also reached the semi-finals of the Danish league, with ambitions to go even further. “In the Danish league, we have also played our way into the semi-finals, and the goal is to reach the final,” BENTSEN said. “These matches are very important for us as preparation for the Europe Cup.” The challenge against El Nino Praha will not be easy but for a team that has already shown composure under pressure and the ability to rise when it matters, the semi-final represents not just a test, but an opportunity. And one they are ready to take.
El Niňo Praha face familiar rival in Europe Cup semi-final
Czech clubs remain firmly in the race for silverware in the ETTU Europe Cup, with last year’s runner up SF SKK El Niňo Praha now just one step away from the final. Their semi-final opponent will be a familiar one Roskilde Bordtennis BTK 61, a team they have met several times in recent years. But while past encounters often leaned in favour of the Czech side, this time the feeling is slightly different. “In the past, we were the favourites against Roskilde. This year, it’s not so clear,” admitted coach Petr KAUCKÝ. “They have a very strong team and they are definitely in the semi-finals for a reason.” The Danish side arrives stronger than before, having reinforced their squad ahead of the season. The addition of experienced Swedish player Anders ERIKSSON has brought extra quality and balance, making Roskilde a more complete and dangerous opponent. For El Niňo, that means there is little room for complacency. With both teams evenly matched, the semi-final is expected to be decided by fine margins, something KAUCKÝ is well aware of. At the same time, the Czech side sees a potential advantage in the structure of the tie. “Playing the second leg in Prague could be very important for us,” he explained. “Our hall is quite specific, and if it comes down to a Golden Match, that could really help us.” The approach for the opening leg is therefore clear, stay close, stay competitive, and bring the tie back home in a strong position. “We want to go to Denmark and get as many points as possible.” El Niňo Praha have grown into the competition. They came through the Round of 16 against Enoli Borges Vall with confidence, and followed it up with another solid performance in the quarter-finals against TTC Sokah Hoboken. With a strong lineup expected, including David REITŠPIES, Tomáš KONEČNÝ and Yevgen PRYSHCHEPA, the Czech side has both experience and quality at its disposal.
Hodonín face tough challenge against Cagliari in Europe Cup Women semi-final
After reaching last season’s final, SKST Plus Hodonín are back in the semi-finals of the ETTU Europe Cup Women – and once again dreaming of going all the way. This time, their path to the final goes through ASD Quattro Mori Cagliari, a team that has been one of the standout performers this season. “I think the chances are open,” said coach Jaroslav MIKESKA. “The Italians are probably the favourites, but we will play in our strongest lineup and we definitely want to advance.” Hodonín come into this tie full of confidence after one of the most dramatic quarter-finals of the competition. Against TTC Novi Sad, everything went down to the very last moment. Both teams won one leg each, pushing the tie into a golden match. Under pressure, Hodonín kept their composure. Zhang BINYUE and Karin GROFOVÁ stepped up when it mattered most, securing the wins that sent the Czech side through. It was a tie that showed not only quality, but also character. Cagliari bring a strong and experienced lineup, something Hodonín fully recognise. “MA Hengyu, Elizabet ABRAAMIAN and Tania PLAIAN are players you have to respect,” MIKESKA said. “But we also have a good team.” The Czech champions will rely on their key trio – Zhang BINYUE, Karin GROFOVÁ and Markéta ŠEVČÍKOVÁ, hoping their balance and fighting spirit can make the difference. Preparation for the semi-final has been straightforward and focused. Rather than looking for outside help, Hodonín have relied on their own analysis of Cagliari’s matches throughout the season. “We didn’t contact Hana MATELOVÁ,” MIKESKA explained. “We are working with what we have seen from Cagliari during the season.” With experience from last year and confidence from a dramatic quarter-final, Hodonín know what it takes to compete at this stage. At the same time, they are aware that this will be another close battle.
A new look for ETTU Champions League
ETTU is proud to present a new visual identity for the Champions League Men and Women heading into the 2026/27 season, marking an important step in the evolution of the most prestigious club competition. The updated branding, including a redesigned logo and refreshed visual elements, reflects the ambition to modernise the competition’s image while preserving its heritage. The new look has been developed to strengthen the overall presentation of the Champions League to fans, clubs, and partners. While the Men’s and Women’s Champions League remain under the same competition scope, each will feature its own distinct visual identity. The logos differ in form and colour, helping to give both competitions a clearer and more individual presence. This approach recognises their shared foundation, while allowing each to develop its own identity and progress in parallel, with both sides contributing to raising the overall standard of the competition. This evolution represents more than a visual update. It underlines ETTU’s ongoing commitment to the growth and professionalisation of the competition, ensuring that the Champions League continues to reflect the highest standards of European table tennis. ETTU president Pedro MOURA, commented the following: “The introduction of the new visual identity for the ETTU Champions League marks an important milestone in the continued development of our flagship club competitions. While respecting the rich history and tradition of the Champions League, this new branding reflects our ambition to present a modern, dynamic and globally appealing product.” The new look will debut at next month’s Men’s and Women’s Final Four events, maximising exposure ahead of the new season. The men’s competition will continue as the HYLO ETTU Champions League Men, reflecting the ongoing partnership with HYLO, but presented with the new visual identity, whilst we aim to bring in a new title sponsor for the women’s competition as we enter this new chapter. This new implementation allows growth in all areas of the Champions League, playing a significant role in strengthening the identity and commercial appeal of the competition, staying relevant in an increasingly digital and media-driven world, making it more recognisable across broadcasts, social media and global marketing. For clubs, a stronger brand image associated with a prestigious, modern competition can elevate their own brand appeal, helping them expand international fan bases and commercial opportunities.
Lille ready to fight for the final: “It will come down to courage, tactics and the will to win”
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.”
