The first edition of the “Eurospins” project is underway on the Korean island of Jeju. From 11 to 22 December, ETTU’s forthcoming stars are taking part in the 2025 Joint Training Camp in Korea, featuring an intensive programme of daily practice sessions, semi-official friendly matches, and a cultural exchange programme. See the pictures here. Following a selection process and based on the availability of Europe’s top youth players, the European delegation travelled to Korea with four girls and four boys, accompanied by seven coaches. The delegation is led by ETTU Vice-President Jarek KOLODZIEJCZYK. The players participating in the camp are European and World Under-15 Champion Koharu ITAGAKI (Germany), this year’s European silver medallist and former champion Hanka KODET (Czechia), Under-19 European Championships quarterfinalists from Ostrava Julia LEAL (Portugal) and Nina SKERBINZ (Austria), Ladimir MAYOROV (Spain), Robert ISTRATE (Romania), European Top 10 winner and European bronze medallist Francesco TREVISAN (Italy), and European Top 10 bronze medallist Mark GERGELY (Hungary). The coaching staff consists of Jie SCHÖPP (Germany/ETTU), Anamaria SEBE (Romania/ETTU), Eduard MAYOROV (Spain), Jaroslav MIKESKA (Czechia), Toni RATO (Portugal), Oliver KOLBERT (Austria) and Natalia GRIGELOVA (Slovakia). “The main goal is to enable our leading youth players continuous practice at high intensity and quality, as most of the time they can meet Asian players only during official competitions,” explained ETTU Vice-President Jarek KOLODZIEJCZYK. “Our Korean hosts, under the tireless leadership of Mr LEE Jong-San, have prepared a fantastic environment for high-quality training with Asian partners. The Korean Table Tennis Association, the Korea Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, as well as the Korean Sports Promotion Foundation have all been involved in the support and organisation.” Together with their Korean partners, ETTU firmly believe the project is beneficial for both sides and hope to meet again in spring, this time in Europe. “The camp is also a unique opportunity for all of us to meet and work with some of table tennis’ greatest figures, as the Korean coaching team is led by Mr Joo Se Hyuk, the legendary defender and multi-medallist at all major world events. We have also been visited by numerous distinguished guests, including the Seoul 1988 Olympic gold medallist Mr Yoo Nam Kyu and the Chairman of the Jeju Sports Council, Mr Shin Jeen Seong,” added Vice-President KOLODZIEJCZYK. “On behalf of ETTU, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to the Korean Table Tennis Association for the fantastic cooperation, and on a personal level I am very much looking forward to the continuation of the ‘Eurospins’ project in the future.”
UCAM Cartagena Maintain Group D Lead
Spanish side UCAM Cartagena TM remain at the top of Group D in the ETTU Champions League Women after securing another convincing victory. Following their important away win over group top seeds Etival ASRTT, the Spanish champions delivered a dominant performance on home soil against TTC Novi Sad. Maria XIAO, QI Fei, and Tin-Tin HO needed little more than an hour to seal a straight-forward team victory against Aneta MAKSUTI, Valeria SHCHERBATYKH, and Reka BEZEG, further strengthening Cartagena’s position in the group standings. “I am happy for our team that we won today. We are going into the next match with confidence and positivity, hoping to repeat this result,” said Tin-Tin HO. Maria XIAO added further insight into the encounter: “Champions League matches are always tough, even though the result was 3–0. I think we had a very good start. I was well prepared for the match – I had played Aneta before and knew she is a very aggressive and dangerous player. I think I played well today, and that gave us confidence for the following matches. A good start was the key, and having QI Fei with us gives the team extra confidence.” With this success, UCAM Cartagena close the calendar year in the ETTU Champions League. The remaining two group encounters are scheduled for January, with Cartagena hosting Etival ASRTT on 13 January, before travelling to Serbia to face TTC Novi Sad four days later. Head coach Jesús CANTERO highlighted the broader importance of the victory: “We are very happy to win this match, especially because it was our first home match of the season. Most importantly, this victory allows us to close the most difficult part of the year in a very positive way and gives us even more confidence for what lies ahead. Finishing the year with a 3–0 win means a lot. Now everyone can enjoy a short holiday, but we must stay focused and keep fighting until the end. When you win nine matches in a row like this, it shows that we are doing things well. But the season is long, and we need to keep working the way we have until now.” He concluded: “We know the season will be long, but at this moment we have won all our matches, both in the Spanish League and in the Champions League. That is what matters. If we continue like this, we can achieve something big. This is the way forward.” UCAM Cartagena TM (ESP) – TTC Novi Sad (SRB) 3:0 MIRÓ Ganxets Claim Crucial Away Win in Saint-Quentin It was a successful night for Spanish clubs, as MIRÓ Ganxets Costa Daurada recorded an important away victory in France against Saint-Quentin TT. Guo RUICHEN was the backbone of the Spanish side’s success, delivering two key victories against Barbora VARADY and Linda BERGSTRÖM. Anastasia KOLISH added another vital point with a win over Polina MIKHAILOVA. Although VARADY gave the hosts the opening advantage with a straight-games victory over Olga VOROBEVA, MIRÓ Ganxets quickly shifted the momentum and took control of the encounter. Despite the result, Group A remains led by Poland’s KTS Enea Siarkopol Tarnobrzeg, who have recorded victories against both the Spanish and French teams. However, this away success places MIRÓ Ganxets Costa Daurada in a much stronger position in the race for the main draw. The Spanish club now face a demanding schedule, travelling to Poland this Saturday before closing their group campaign at home against Saint-Quentin TT on 16 January. Saint-Quentin TT (FRA) – MIRÓ Ganxets Costa Daurada (ESP) 1-3
Second Legs Set to Decide Quarterfinal Line-Up in ETTU Champions League Men
The 2025/26 ETTU Champions League Men returns this week with the decisive second legs of the Round of 16. After a dramatic opening series of matches packed with comebacks, upsets and stellar individual performances, Europe’s leading clubs now prepare for the final push towards the quarterfinals. Several favourites carry strong advantages into the return fixtures, while other ties remain finely balanced, promising another round of high drama as the road to the Final Four comes into sharper focus. Saarbrücken Back Home After Polish Thriller 1. FC Saarbrücken TT (GER) vs Dojlidy Białystok (POL) Second leg: 19 December, Saarbrücken The reigning champions return to Germany with a slender 3–2 advantage after a fierce battle in Białystok, where Dojlidy pushed the No. 1 seeds to the very limit. Patryk CHOJNOWSKI twice delivered for the hosts, including a stunning comeback win against Patrick FRANZISKA, but in the decisive fifth match Darko JORGIC found his top level to secure the away victory for Saarbrücken. Adding further strength for the decisive return leg, Paris 2024 Olympic Champion FAN Zhendong is set to reinforce the German champions, giving Saarbrücken an additional boost as they seek to defend their title. Borussia Düsseldorf Close to Quarterfinals After Statement in Spain Borussia Düsseldorf (GER) vs Real Club Cajasur Priego TM (ESP) Second leg: 18 December, Düsseldorf No. 2 seeds Borussia Düsseldorf return home with a 3–0 lead after a dominant performance in Priego. Anton KÄLLBERG, Dang QIU and Kanak JHA each delivered straight-match wins after overcoming early resistance from the Spanish hosts. With such a strong advantage and the return leg in Düsseldorf, the German giants are in a very strong position to secure another quarterfinal berth. Priego will need something extraordinary to challenge the six-time Champions League winners on German soil. Montpellier Aim to Finish the Job at Home Alliance Nîmes/Montpellier (FRA) vs SolexConsult TTC Wiener Neustadt (AUT) Second leg: 21 December, France Alliance Nîmes Montpellier took a 3–1 away win from Austria, underlining their status as one of the main contenders for the Final Four. Félix and Alexis LEBRUN proved decisive, combining for three points. Wiener Neustadt stayed competitive through Navid SHAMS’ win over Antoine HACHARD, but must now overturn a two-match deficit away from home. Montpellier will approach the second leg with confidence and a clear target: finish the job and confirm their place among Europe’s last eight. Dekorglass Działdowo Target Safe Passage After Impressive Start KS Dekorglass Działdowo (POL) vs SKST Havířov (CZE) Second leg: 18 December, Działdowo Last season’s quarterfinalists Dekorglass Działdowo opened their campaign with a 3–0 away victory in Havířov, but the scoreline hides how tight many of the games were. Jakub DYJAS, Tomislav PUCAR and Samuel KULCZYCKI all had to show composure in key moments to secure the sweep. With the return leg in Poland and a three-point cushion, Dekorglass stand on the brink of another quarterfinal appearance. Havířov, however, demonstrated that they can compete and will look to at least challenge for a morale-boosting second-leg result. Bogoria Strong Favourites After Dominant Win in Prague KS Orlen Bogoria Grodzisk Mazowiecki (POL) vs SF SKK El Niňo Praha (CZE) Second leg: 18 December, Poland Bogoria produced one of the most convincing away performances of the opening legs, defeating El Niňo Praha 3–0 in the Czech capital. With Miłosz REDZIMSKI, Marek BADOWSKI and Panagiotis GIONIS all delivering, the Polish club underlined their depth and ambition. The return leg in Grodzisk Mazowiecki sees Bogoria in a strong position to complete the task and reach the quarterfinals. El Niňo will need to produce something spectacular to turn the tie around against a team that has already shown full control over the matchup. Mühlhausen Travel to Czechia With Work Still to Do HB Ostrov z.s. (CZE) vs Post SV Mühlhausen 1951 e.V. (GER) Second leg: 19 December, Czechia Post SV Mühlhausen earned a 3–1 home win in the first leg, driven by two impressive performances from Marcos FREITAS and a key victory from Steffen MENGEL. Jiří VRÁBLÍK’s win kept HB Ostrov’s hopes alive. The German side enter the second leg with a valuable cushion, but Ostrov have already shown they can take points off their opponents. In front of their home supporters and with last season’s Europe Cup success still fresh, the Czech club will believe they can force a dramatic second-leg battle. Hennebont Look to Finish the Job in Brittany GV Hennebont TT (FRA) vs ASC Grünwettersbach (GER) Second leg: 21 December, France GV Hennebont delivered a highly impressive 3–1 away victory in Germany, overturning an early deficit after Hiroto SHINOZUKA’s win over Simon GAUZY. Vladimir SIDORENKO was the hero with two tight, high-pressure victories, while Lev KATSMAN dominated in straight games. With the tie now shifting to Hennebont, the French side have a strong platform to secure progression. Grünwettersbach, however, showed their quality in the first leg and know that an early win in the second leg could quickly change the momentum. Can Sokah Hoboken Finish the Fairytale – Or Will Orlicz Respond at Home? KS Bank Spółdzielczy Orlicz 1924 Suchedniów (POL) vs TTC Sokah Hoboken (BEL) Second leg: 21 December, Poland One of the biggest stories of the Round of 16 came from Belgium, where TTC Sokah Hoboken produced a stunning 3–0 win over last season’s Final Four side Orlicz Suchedniów. Rémi BETELU, Benjamin BROSSIER and Quentin ROBINOT all contributed in a night of high drama, capped by ROBINOT’s comeback from two games down. Seeded only 19th, Hoboken have put themselves on the brink of a historic quarterfinal place. However, the second leg in Suchedniów presents a very different challenge. Orlicz, with their experience and strong roster, will throw everything into the home match to overturn the deficit. This tie has all the ingredients to be one of the most intriguing second-leg battles. Everything to Play for as Final Four Dream Comes Closer With aggregate margins ranging from razor-thin to seemingly decisive, the second legs of the Round of 16 promise a mix of comeback attempts, statement wins, and high-pressure finishes. For
Stage 2: Champions Deliver, Contenders Rise as the Final Four Race Heats Up
The 2025/26 ETTU Champions League Women opened its Stage 2 programme with high-intensity clashes, powerful statements from Europe’s leading clubs, and an early sense of which teams are ready to fight for a place in the newly introduced Final Four. Defending champions ttc berlin eastside, four-time winners KTS Enea Siarkopol Tarnobrzeg, ambitious UCAM Cartagena, and last season’s runners-up Metz TT all began strongly as the road toward the December’s matches. With only the top two teams from each group advancing to the quarterfinals, every match already carries significant weight. Group A: Tarnobrzeg In Full Command Top seeds KTS Enea Siarkopol Tarnobrzeg opened Stage 2 with complete authority. After a confident away win over MIRÓ Ganxets Costa Daurada, the Polish giants returned home and swept Saint-Quentin TT 3–0. Xiaoxin YANG, Ying HAN and Fu YU showed total control against the French side, placing Tarnobrzeg firmly at the top of the group. The fight for second place is now wide open, with Saint-Quentin and MIRÓ Ganxets meeting in a direct duel that could define the group. A French victory would give them a major advantage; a Spanish win keeps everything alive. GROUP A Group B: Metz Start Strong Last year’s finalists Metz TT began their campaign with a convincing 3–1 away victory over PGE Fibrain KU AZS Politechnika Rzeszów and home straight matches win over ASD Quattro Mori Cagliari. Charlotte LUTZ, Hana GODA, Mariia TAILAKOVA and Adina DIACONU form a formidable core that once again looks capable of a deep Champions League run. Having advanced from Stage 1, Rzeszów now face a demanding path. Next week is crucial for ASD Quattro Mori Cagliari, who must secure points to stay in contention. GROUP B Group C: ttc berlin eastside Make a Champion’s Statement Reigning champions ttc berlin eastside opened Stage 2 with a perfect week: a dominant 3–0 away win over Saint-Denis TT 93, followed by a 3–1 home victory against Linz AG Froschberg. Nina MITTELHAM, Miyuu KIHARA and Xiaona SHAN impressed in Paris, while at home Yuka KANEYOSHI secured two standout wins and SHAN added another commanding performance. As Berlin sit comfortably ahead, Linz and Saint-Denis now meet in a decisive match that will shape the battle for second place. GROUP C Group D: UCAM Cartagena Land a Crucial Blow in France In one of the week’s most closed fixtures, UCAM Cartagena T.M. delivered a vital 3–1 away win over Etival ASRTT, shifting momentum in a highly competitive group. Maria XIAO claimed two key victories, including the decisive point, while Daniela ORTEGA edged Christina KÄLLBERG in a dramatic five-game duel. Cartagena now return home with a chance to strengthen their position. For Serbian champions TTC Novi Sad, the upcoming encounter is essential: only a positive result keeps them within reach of the qualification line. GROUP D WHAT TO WATCH IN WEEK 2 Group A Group B Group C Group D
Metz Deliver Perfect Birthday Win for Hana GODA (VIDEO)
Following a successful start to the ETTU Champions League Women Stage 2 and a 3–1 away victory over Poland’s PGE Fibrain KU AZS Politechnika Rzeszów, French side Metz TT continued their strong run by defeating Italy’s ASD Quattro Mori Cagliari at home. Last season’s runners-up in the ETTU Champions League Women, and finalists twice in the past three years, the French club once again demonstrated their quality with an impressive team performance. Egypt’s 18-year-old prodigy Hana GODA (World No. 23) gave Metz the perfect start, overcoming China’s Hengyu MA to put the hosts in front. The lead was extended in an all-Russian encounter, as Mariia TAILAKOVA (European ranking No. 154) defeated Elizabet ABRAAMIAN (European ranking No. 126), strengthening the position of the No. 2 seeds. The tie was sealed in an all-Romanian clash, with Europe’s No. 26 Adina DIACONU defeating No. 111 Tania PLAIAN in straight games. “The Italian team is very strong and has quality players, which makes this victory even more valuable,” said DIACONU. “We are happy with our performance, and especially pleased that we could celebrate Hana’s 18th birthday in this way. We tried to give her the best present possible with this win.” Reflecting on facing her national teammate, DIACONU added that PLAIAN is still in the process of returning from injury. “Tania and I have been teammates in the national team for many years, and we know each other very well. She is coming back slowly after a recent injury.” Metz TT – ASD Quattro Mori Cagliari 3–0 PHOTO: Let’s go METZ
LINZ AG Froschberg and SPG LINZ Seeking Head Coach
LINZ AG Froschberg and SPG LINZ are looking for an experienced Head Coach to lead their professional table tennis programme. The clubs operate a high-performance tournament system focused on top-level national and international competition, with the clear goal of developing players to world-class level and promoting table tennis through modern, attractive formats. The Head Coach will be responsible for managing and further developing training operations at the highest national level, planning and delivering individual and team sessions, creating training and tournament schedules, and supporting the development of young talents. Coaching at national and international events and close cooperation with the sports management and tournament organisation are also key parts of the role, as well as building and leading a professional team of coaches and support staff. Candidates should hold a top-level coaching licence (e.g. A-licence or equivalent) and bring several years of experience as a professional or national coach, with proven success in player development and competition coaching. Leadership, organisational strength, strong communication skills, resilience, and a passion for table tennis are essential. Very good English is required; additional languages are an advantage. Applications (CV, cover letter, references) should be sent to: robert.renner@mail.com
Draw for the WTT Finals Hong Kong 2025
Only 16 men, 16 women, and 8 mixed doubles pairs have been invited to the prestigious WTT Finals Hong Kong 2025, taking place from 10–14 December. The Men’s Singles draw opens with several high-profile European clashes. France’s Alexis LEBRUN will face Germany’s Dang QIU, while an all-Scandinavian duel features No. 4 seed Swede Truls MOREGÅRD against Denmark’s Anders LIND. Another highlight sees Félix LEBRUN renew his rivalry with Brazil’s Hugo CALDERANO, just five months after their dramatic Ljubljana final. Germany’s Benedikt DUDA meets former WTT Champions winner LIN Yun-Ju, and France’s Simon GAUZY will take on Japan’s Tomokazu HARIMOTO. The opening round also includes a headline showdown between three-time WTT Finals champion Wang Chuqin and rising star Sora MATSUSHIMA, fresh from his WTT Frankfurt triumph. In Mixed Doubles, Spain’s María XIAO and Álvaro ROBLES arrive as the world No. 7 pair, following a standout season highlighted by a semifinal run at the Singapore Smash 2025 and their title at WTT Contender Muscat 2025. Only eight pairs worldwide qualified for the Finals, placing the Spanish duo among the sport’s elite. Xiao and Robles have been drawn into a highly competitive Group 2, where they will face: Each pair will play three matches from 10–12 December, with the top two advancing to the semifinals on 13 December and the final scheduled for 14 December.
OLÁH Cruises to Finlandia Open Title With Los Angeles 2028 Already on His Mind
Finland’s top player Benedek OLÁH claimed the men’s singles crown at the traditional Finlandia Open, held at the Kisakallio Sports Institute in Lohja. In the final, OLÁH defeated Denmark’s Dominykas SAMUOLIS in straight games, 3–0 (11–9, 11–5, 11–3). “Preparation was a bit tricky, as I had a fever earlier in the week and was still recovering from jet lag after returning from the United States. By Friday the fever had settled, but at times it felt like I couldn’t see the ball properly or hear anything,” OLÁH reflected after the victory. Earlier on Sunday, OLÁH swept aside Sweden’s Obada TABBAKH in another 3–0 win (11–3, 11–7, 11–2). His tightest challenge came in Saturday’s quarter-final, where Sweden’s Noa DAHLSTRÖM pushed him to a deciding fifth game before Oláh narrowly prevailed. “On Saturday I still felt a bit foggy, but on Sunday the game really clicked. I’m very pleased with that.” A Rio 2016 Olympian, OLÁH currently competes professionally across four leagues in the United States, Poland, Spain and Saudi Arabia. After missing out on Tokyo and Paris, he remains determined to return to the Olympic stage. “I’ll try to earn a bit of money over the next couple of years and then make a real push for Los Angeles.” The Finlandia Open win marks the third title of his career, and his second in Kisakallio after triumphing there in 2023. In the bronze-medal match, Finland’s Alex NAUMI defeated Norway’s Khai LAM 3–0 (11–6, 11–5, 11–3). Naumi narrowly missed out on the final, having held two match balls in his semifinal against SAMUOLIS before losing in a tight fifth game. In the women’s final, Luxembourg’s Vivian SCHOLTZ overcame Denmark’s Maja HANSEN 3–0 (11–6, 11–2, 11–9). Belgium’s Julie VAN HAUWAERT secured the bronze medal. This year’s Finlandia Open featured 169 players from 27 countries, with a remarkable 777 matches contested. Results and photo gallery.
Germany’s Secures First Ever European Podium at the ITTF Mixed Team World Cup
The third edition of the ITTF Mixed Team World Cup concluded in Chengdu today, with China claiming the GUOLIANG-SÖRLING Trophy in a tournament that showed the growing depth and diversity of table tennis ahead of the format’s Olympic debut at LA28. Germany claimed the bronze medal with an 8-7 victory over Korea Republic China defeated Japan 8-1 in the final to secure their third consecutive Mixed Team World Cup title, demonstrating their dominance in the format that will make its Olympic debut at the Los Angeles 2028 Games. The semifinals saw China overcome Korea Republic 8-3 in the morning session, whilst Japan defeated Germany 8-3 to set up the final. Germany claimed the bronze medal with an 8-7 victory over Korea Republic in a thrilling encounter, capping off an impressive tournament that saw them reach the podium. Germany have now become the first-ever European team to reach the podium at a ITTF Mixed Team World Cup. Germany entered the match with confidence, having already defeated Korea Republic by the same scoreline in Stage 2. This time, however, they made a crucial tactical adjustment: Qiu DANG was assigned to both the Mixed Doubles and Men’s Doubles, while Patrick FRANZISKA took over the Men’s Singles, a strategic choice given Dang’s previous 0-3 loss to Woojin JANG. Qiu DANG and Annett KAUFMANN surged ahead with two dominant games against Nayeong KIM and Ganghyeon PARK. Attention then shifted to the Women’s Singles, a repeat matchup from Stage 2: Sabine WINTER vs. Eunhye LEE. WINTER’S clever use of anti-spin controlled the opening game 11-5, repeatedly forcing LEE into hesitation over the spin content. Though Lee struggled early in the second, she suddenly found her timing and reversed the momentum to win 11-9. The decider was tense: LEE led 10-9 but missed a sitter; WINTER responded with two unforced errors, handing Lee a dramatic 12-10 victory and a 2-1 match win. Germany slipped further behind in the Men’s Singles, where FRANZISKA endured a poor start against Woojin JANG, losing 5-11. He stabilised to take the second 11-7, but Jang tightened his countering play to claim the decider 11-7 and extend Korea Republic’s advantage. The tide shifted again in the Men’s Doubles, with DANG and Benedikt DUDA stepping up under pressure. After dropping the first game, they crushed the second 11-3 against Junsung Oh and PARK. The final game became a nerve-shredding duel, PARK producing late fireworks once more, but Dang and Duda edged it 11-9 with two spectacular rallies to seal the 2-1 win and pull Germany level. With the match locked at 6-6, everything hinged on the Women’s Doubles: Sabine WINTER and Nina MITTELHAM vs. Eunhye LEE and Hyojoo CHOI. Germany snatched the opening game, Korea responded instantly, and the tie stood at 7-7 overall heading into the final showdown. The last game became a showcase of German precision. Capitalising on an early error from Lee, WINTER and MITTELHAM shifted into a flawless rhythm, racing to an 11-1 victory.
Germany Reached Semifinals of the ITTF Mixed Team World Cup Chengdu
The Stage 2 phase concluded in Chengdu with China, Japan, Germany and Korea Republic securing their places in the semifinals. The final round delivered high drama across the tables, with Korea ending Croatia’s breakthrough run, China finishing unbeaten, and Germany edging a thriller to confirm their spot among the last four. Germany clinched a Stage 3 berth with an 8–5 win over Hong Kong, China. Dang QIU and Annette KAUFMANN opened with a solid Mixed Doubles victory, followed by a composed win from WINTER over Doo Hoi Kem. Hong Kong rallied through Chun Ting WONG, who stunned Benedikt DUDA in Men’s Singles, but Germany immediately restored control when QIU and DUDA defeated the World No. 1 pair in Men’s Doubles. WINTER and KAUFMANN closed out the match in Women’s Doubles to complete a confident German performance. Croatia’s remarkable campaign came to a close despite another spirited display. Ivor BAN and Hana ARAPOVIĆ squeezed out a point in Mixed Doubles, while Lea RAKOVAC and Tomislav PUCAR claimed strong singles wins to bring Croatia level at 5–5. From there, Korea took full control: KIM anf CHOI swept the Women’s Doubles, before OH and PARK secured the decisive Men’s Doubles point, sealing Korea’s progression to the semifinals. Already assured of qualification, China rotated their squad but still proved too strong. World No. 1 pair Man KUAI and Shidong LIN opened with a straight-games win, while Yidi WANG recovered from a slow start to edge Linda BERGSTRÖM. Sweden hit back through a dominant display from Anton KALLBERG, but China closed the match efficiently in the Women’s Doubles, with Man KUAI and Manyu WANG sealing their unbeaten Stage 2 campaign. France produced the upset of the tournament, overturning a 1–5 deficit to defeat second seeds Japan 8–7. Japan dominated early, with Mima ITO and Hiroto SHINOZUKA sweeping the Mixed Doubles and Satsuki ODO edging Prithika PAVADE, putting France in deep trouble. Then came the turnaround. Felix LEBRUN launched the comeback with a spectacular 3–0 win over Tomokazu HARIMOTO, before joining brother Alexis to sweep the Men’s Doubles and push France ahead 7–5. Japan forced a decider through Women’s Doubles, but Jia Nan YUAN and PAVADE held firm in the final game, completing a stunning French victory.
