The duels in Group A of Stage 2 of the ETTU Champions League Women have been completed, with top seeds KTS ENEA SIARKOPOL Tarnobrzeg living up to expectations and finishing at the top of the group. Saint-Quentin TT joined them in the quarterfinals after a crucial away victory in Spain. Saint-Quentin TT claimed a convincing 3–0 win over MIRÓ Ganxets Costa Durada, delivering three strong performances to secure second place in the group and, with it, a quarterfinal berth. The Spanish side also recorded one win in the group, having previously defeated the French club 3–1 at home, but it was Saint-Quentin who prevailed when it mattered most. The visitors took the lead through Linda BERGSTROM, who recovered after losing the opening game to defeat Olga VOROBEVA 3–1. BERGSTROM gradually imposed her rhythm and edged three closely contested games to put Saint-Quentin ahead. Andrea TODOROVIC gave the home team early hope by taking the first game against Polina MIKHAILOVA, but the French player responded decisively. MIKHAILOVA controlled the rallies in the following games, turning the match around to double the advantage for the visitors. Camille LUTZ then sealed the clean sweep with a straight-games win over Anastasia KOLISH. A tense opening game, won 17–15 by LUTZ, proved pivotal, after which she maintained her momentum to confirm a flawless team victory. Reflecting on the pressure of the encounter, LUTZ said: “It’s of course a relief. We knew we had to win 3–0 to be sure of qualifying. This match felt like a round of 16. We wanted to continue our journey in the Champions League, so we are super happy with this win.” MIRÓ Ganxets Costa Durada (ESP) – Saint-Quentin TT (FRA) 0–3
LEBRUN brothers inspire Nîmes/Montpellier victory (VIDEO)
Alliance Nîmes/Montpellier took an important step towards the Final Four of the ETTU Champions League Men, recording a 3–1 home victory over KS Dekorglass Działdowo in the opening leg of the quarterfinals, inspired by an outstanding performance from Felix LEBRUN. The French side made a flying start as Felix LEBRUN dominated Samuel KULCZYCKI in straight games to give the hosts an early advantage. Momentum continued with Alexis LEBRUN, who controlled his match against Hou YINGCHAO to double the lead. The Polish team responded in the third match, with Jakub DYJAS proving too strong for Antoine HACHARD to keep Działdowo in contention. However, Felix LEBRUN returned to the table to close the tie in style, overcoming Hou YINGCHAO in four games and securing a valuable 3–1 victory ahead of the return leg in Poland. “It was a very good win for my team. We expected a very tough match because normally PUCAR, DYJAS, KULCZYCKI and YINGCHAO form a very strong lineup. Honestly, we were happy not to see PUCAR when they arrived in Montpellier,” said the Alliance Nîmes/Montpellier coach Vincent AVRIL. “We played a very good match overall. Alexis and Felix were excellent against the Chinese defender, with truly impressive performances. Felix was extremely well prepared for his opening duel against KULCZYCKI, ready from the first point, and in the end it became quite a comfortable win. Alexis then faced the defender, and we know he is very strong against that style, so the second match was also relatively straightforward. In the third match, we expected a tough battle because DYJAS is probably their second-best player. Antoine had a so-so performance, but DYJAS played very well and deserved the win. Felix then returned for the fourth match and, after a very intense fight, managed to beat YINGCHAO. That point was extremely important , winning 3–1 is very different from winning 3–2 in the Champions League,” stated AVRIL. Coach AVRIL look forward return leg scheduled for February. “Now we need only two points in the second leg to qualify for the Final Four. We are extremely happy with this performance and with the level shown by all our players. We can’t wait for the return match and the chance to reach the first Final Four in the club’s history.” Alliance Nîmes/Montpellier (FRA) – KS Dekorglass Dzialdowo (POL) 3–1
Lille Metropole TT take clear advantage, AS Pontoise Cergy TT survived thriller
Lille Metropole TT made a strong start in the opening leg of the Round of 16 in the ETTU European Cup, claiming a convincing 3–0 home win over SKST Havirov. Romain BRARD gave the French side a dream start with a solid four-game victory against Michal BLINKA, overcoming the early setback to secure the first point. Amir Hossein HODAEI then delivered a dominant straight-games performance against Stepan BRHEL, extending Lille’s lead without difficulty. The hosts sealed the night in style as Tom CLOSSET controlled his match against Jakub MAKARA, completing the clean sweep and putting Lille Metropole TT in a strong position ahead of the return leg in Czechia. Lille Metropole TT (FRA) – SKST Havirov (CZE) 3-0 AS Pontoise Cergy TT claimed a hard-fought 3–2 home victory over SolexConsult TTC Wiener Neustadt in a tense encounter, decided only in the fifth and final match. Alexandre CASSIN gave the French side the perfect start, overcoming Patrick SKERBINZ in four games to put the hosts in front. The visitors responded through Piotr CYRNEK, who delivered a commanding straight-games win against Flavio MOURIER to level the tie. Momentum then swung back and forth in the third match, where Peter HRIBAR edged Thomas LAROCHE in a close five-game battle to hand Wiener Neustadt a narrow advantage. Pontoise Cergy answered immediately as Alexandre CASSIN returned to the table and produced another strong performance, this time defeating Piotr CYRNEK in four games to keep the tie alive. Everything came down to the final match, where Flavio MOURIER rose to the occasion with a confident straight-games victory over Patrick SKERBINZ, sealing a dramatic 3–2 win for the French club and rewarding the home crowd after a closely contested night. AS Pontoise Cergy TT (FRA) – SolexConsult TTC Wiener Neustadt (AUT) 3–2
Borussia Düsseldorf strike first with away win in Mühlhausen (VIDEO)
Six-time ETTU Champions League winners and holders of six European Cup of Champions titles, Borussia Düsseldorf, launched their quarterfinal campaign in impressive fashion with a 3–0 away victory over Post SV Mühlhausen 1951 e.V. The tie opened with a high-intensity encounter in which Kanak JHA edged Gaoyuan LIN in five games. After dropping the opening two games, LIN responded strongly to level the match, but JHA showed nerves of steel in the decisive fifth game to give Düsseldorf an early breakthrough. Momentum swung further in the visitors’ favour in the second match, where Dang QIU also needed five games to overcome Steffen MENGEL. After building a two-game lead, QIU allowed his opponent back into the contest, but regained control at the crucial moment to secure the second point for the German club. The victory was sealed in straight games by Anton KÄLLBERG, who delivered an authoritative performance against Marcos FREITAS. Despite two extremely tight games, the Swedish international held his nerve in the key moments to close out the tie and complete the clean sweep for Düsseldorf. “Yes, we are unbelievably happy to beat Mühlhausen 3–0. It was a great job from all the boys. The first match was crucial — Kanak played an amazing match against Lin, really outstanding. After that win, we felt a bit less pressure. Dang also had a big match. He led 2–0, then lost a bit of focus, but in the end he secured the second point. Anton was very good today as well against Marcos, and he closed out the tie with a strong performance. A fantastic 3–0 overall. Li Yongyin was here too, and we had really good practice sessions together. It was a great team performance from start to finish. We will take this confidence with us, drive home, and start preparing for the second leg,” said Danny HEISTER, coach of Borussia Düsseldorf. Post SV Mühlhausen 1951 e.V. (GER) – Borussia Düsseldorf (GER) 0–3
Reigning champions HB Ostrov open knockout stage with away win in Toruń
The reigning ETTU Europe Cup champions, Czechia’s HB Ostrov z.s., began the knockout phase in convincing fashion, securing a 3–1 away victory over Energa Manekin Toruń in Poland. The hosts took an early lead as Dimitrije LEVAJAC edged Pavel SIRUCEK in a tense five-game encounter, showing resilience to give Toruń the opening point. However, the Czech side responded immediately through Vladislav URSU, who controlled the key moments to defeat Konrad KULPA in four games and level the match. Momentum swung decisively in HB Ostrov’s favour when Tomas TREGLER delivered a composed straight-games win against Stepan VOLKOV, putting the visitors ahead. The contest was sealed in the fourth match, where URSU once again proved decisive, overturning a two-game deficit to outlast LEVAJAC in a dramatic five-game battle and secure the victory for the defending champions. With this result, HB Ostrov z.s. confirmed their intent to defend the title, taking a valuable advantage from the first leg of the knockout phase. “It was a very difficult match for us, but we had full confidence in Vladislav URSU. He is very experienced and played the decisive shortened fifth game with a very cool head. Dimitrije LEVAJAC was definitely the biggest challenge for us. We followed his performances in the Polish league and knew he would be very strong at home, which makes this victory even more valuable. The atmosphere in the hall was excellent, and we have taken the first important step towards promotion,” said Dmitrij PROKOPCOV, coach of HB Ostrov. Energa Manekin Toruń (POL) – HB Ostrov z.s. (CZE) 1–3 Roskilde Bordtennis BTK 61 secured a 3–1 home victory over ASC Grünwettersbach, taking a valuable advantage from the first leg. The Danish side built their success on two strong performances from Jens LUNDQVIST, who edged Divyansh SRIVASTAVA in five games before sealing the win with a four-game victory over Tobias HIPPLER. Tobias RASMUSSEN also played a key role, showing resilience to overcome Ricardo WALTHER in another five-game battle. Grünwettersbach’s sole point came through HIPPLER, who delivered a dominant straight-games win against Anders ERIKSSON. Roskilde Bordtennis BTK 61 (DEN) – ASC Grünwettersbach (GER) 3–1
Perfect Stage 2 sees Metz TT top Group B (VIDEO)
Metz TT concluded Stage 2 of the ETTU Champions League Women at the top of Group B with a flawless record of four victories. Their final success came on the road against ASD Quattro Mori Cagliari, confirming the French club’s place in the quarterfinals. In the ultimate match in the Group Cagliari will meet PGE Fibrain Ku AZS Politechnika Rzeszow. One round before the end Italian side recorded only one win out of three matches, whilst Polish club failed to score. In Cagliari, Metz TT once again underlined their strength with a convincing 3–0 away win. The visitors set the tone immediately as Adina DIACONU delivered a solid performance against fellow Romanian Tania PLAIAN, controlling the rallies throughout to secure a straight-games victory. Metz doubled their lead thanks to Charlotte LUTZ, who showed great composure in the decisive moments, particularly in the tight second game, to overcome Hengyu MA without dropping a game. The hosts responded with determination in the third match, where Miriam CARNOVALE claimed the opening game against Sarah DE NUTTE. However, the experienced Luxembourg international remained patient and consistent, turning the match in her favour to close it out in four games and complete the clean sweep for Metz TT. “We are very happy to have won all our group matches. It was a tough group, but we managed to perform very well under pressure, especially in the difficult matches. For now, we have achieved our goal of progressing from the group stage, and we are ready for the quarterfinals,” said DIACONU.”Tonight’s match may have looked easy on the scoreboard, but I think our tactical approach was very good, and that helped us a lot. We also played with less pressure, knowing that we were already qualified, but we still fought hard for the win.” ASD Quattro Mori Cagliari (ITA) – Metz TT (FRA) 0–3
SF SKK El Nino Praha, STK Vyhne and ASD Marcozzi Cagliari take first-leg advantage
The knockout phase of the ETTU Europe Cup Men got underway tonight with three matches played across Spain, Slovakia and Italy. Czechia’s SF SKK El Nino Praha secured a valuable advantage ahead of the return leg at home with a convincing away victory in Spain, controlling the tie from start to finish. Tomas KONECNY set the tone with a dominant straight-games win over Marc DURAN. The turning point followed in the second match, where David REITSPIES edged Francesc CARRERA in a hard-fought five-game encounter to double the lead. Yevhen PRYSHCHEPA then sealed the result in style, defeating Joan MASIP in straight games to complete a clean sweep for the visitors. “Today we expected a tougher fight, but only David faced real difficulties against Carrera. I started very well against Duran, playing consistently and with good intensity. Pryshchepa was tactically excellent against Masip, preventing him from playing his game or finding the right rhythm. David was a bit too passive at the start, but after adjusting his serve he found his rhythm. In the fifth set he was down 1–3, stayed focused, and won five points in a row to close the match,” explained KONECNY. Enoli Borges Vall – SF SKK El Nino Praha 0-3 In Slovakia, STK Vyhne recorded a 3–1 home win against Dojlidy Białystok, bouncing back after conceding the opening match. Patryk CHOJNOWSKI gave the visitors the early lead with a four-game win over Boguslaw KOSZYK, but the hosts responded decisively. Adam KLAJBER leveled the score with a composed straight-games victory against Piotr CHODORSKI, before Filip SZYMANSKI produced a commanding performance to overcome Piotr MICHALSKI. Returning to the table, KOSZYK redeemed himself by defeating CHODORSKI in four games, securing the first-leg advantage for STK Vyhne. STK Vyhne – Dojlidy Białystok 3-1 ASD Marcozzi Cagliari edged Real Club Cajasur Priego TM 3–2 in a tightly contested encounter, with the outcome decided only in the final match. The visitors took an early lead as Carlos MACHADO overcame Federico VALLINO in four games. Marcozzi responded through Carlo ROSSI, who showed resilience after dropping a dramatic opening game to defeat Hampus SODERLUND 3–1 and level the tie. The hosts then moved in front thanks to Jeet CHANDRA, who delivered a solid four-game win against Alejandro CALVO, putting Cagliari within touching distance of victory. Priego TM kept their hopes alive as SODERLUND returned to the table to beat VALLINO in straight games, forcing a decisive fifth match. In the decider, ROSSI produced a solid performance, defeating MACHADO in straight games to seal a hard-fought victory for ASD Marcozzi Cagliari. ASD Marcozzi Cagliari – Real Club Cajasur Priego TM 3–2
Wins for KTS Enea Siarkopol Tarnobrzeg, Linz AG Froschberg and UCAM Cartagena T.M (VIDEO)
In the Group D in ETTU Champions League Women Stage 2, UCAM Cartagena T.M have mathematically secured first place in the group, even though one fixture is still to be played. The Spanish side lead the standings with three wins from three matches, collecting six points, and can no longer be overtaken. Their position at the top was confirmed following the 3:1 victory over Étival ASRTT in Leg 2, which completed a perfect head-to-head record against the French team. With Etival ASRTT also on six points but having already completed all their matches, UCAM Cartagena hold the decisive advantage and remain out of reach regardless of the outcome of the final encounter. Étival ASRTT (FRA) finish the group phase in second place, while TTC Novi Sad occupy third position. Novi Sad are yet to play their final match against UCAM Cartagena, but even a victory would not be sufficient to alter the positions at the top of the table. As a result, UCAM Cartagena T.M progress as group winners, with Étival ASRTT advancing as runners-up, while TTC Novi Sad conclude their European campaign in the group stage. Tonight the hosts took an early lead as Fei QI overcame Liu YANGZI 3–1, setting the tone with controlled play in the key moments. Tin Tin HO then extended Cartagena’s advantage, defeating Jieni SHAO 3–1 to put the Spanish side firmly in control. Étival responded through Christina KALLBERG, who delivered a solid straight-games win over Daniela ORTEGA to keep the tie alive. However, any hopes of a comeback were short-lived. Returning to the table, Fei QI produced a dominant display, beating Jieni SHAO 3–0 to seal the match for UCAM Cartagena. “I am very happy with the team today to get the win. We competed well as a team and had a good performance. We are looking forward to the quarter final,” said Tin Tin HO. UCAM Cartagena T.M (ESP) – Etival ASRTT (FRA) 3:1 Linz AG Froschberg keep quarterfinal hopes alive with straight matches win over champions ttc berlin eastside Linz AG Froschberg recorded a convincing 3–0 home victory over the reigning champions, ttc berlin eastside, keeping their quarterfinal hopes alive. The Austrian side bounced back after two defeats in Stage 2 at home against Saint-Denis TT 93 and away to ttc berlin eastside in Germany. This result ensures that Linz AG Froschberg remain in contention for the knockout phase. The final Group C encounter, between Linz AG Froschberg and Saint-Denis TT 93 on Sunday, will decide second place in the group, with the winner advancing to the quarterfinals. TTC Berlin eastside concluded Stage 2 at the top of the standings with three wins and one defeat. On the table, Britt EERLAND set the tone for the hosts with a confident straight-games victory over Mia GRIESEL. Suthasini SAWETTABUT then extended Linz’s lead, recovering from the opening game to defeat Natalia BAJOR in four games. In the final match, Ivana MALOBABIC completed the clean sweep for the Austrian team, coming back from an early deficit to overcome Josephina NEUMANN 3–1 and seal an important win for Linz AG Froschberg. “We are very satisfied because this result gives us a better chance for the next match against the French team. Berlin did not come with their strongest lineup, but as we know, every player from Berlin can perform at a high level. Mia, for example, was part of the team that won the title last year, so her level is no surprise,”stated EERLAND.”We knew we had to give our best fight, and of course we wanted to win. Everyone was very sharp, very focused, and we all shared the same main goal, to make the next match against the French team a bit easier for us. So we will prepare now for that match and hopefully take our chance.” Linz AG Froschberg (AUT) – ttc berlin eastside (GER) 3–0 Tarnobrzeg finish Stage 2 unbeaten after fourth Group A victory in France Top seeds KTS Enea Siarkopol Tarnobrzeg recorded their fourth victory in Group A, finishing Stage 2 unbeaten at the top of the standings. The Polish club once again proved too strong for Saint-Quentin TT, following up their 3–0 home win with a 3–1 away success in France. Only one match remains to be played in the group, with MIRÓ Ganxets Costa Daurada set to host Saint-Quentin TT in three days’ time. The Spanish side have registered one win from three encounters, while the French club remain without a victory. In tonight’s match, Tarnobrzeg took the lead through Fu YU, who defeated Polina MIKHAILOVA in four games. Saint-Quentin briefly drew level as Linda BERGSTROM edged Xiaoxin YANG in a dramatic five-game contest, but that proved to be the hosts’ only point. Ying HAN then restored the advantage for the Polish team with a commanding straight-games win against Camille LUTZ, before Xiaoxin YANG returned to the table to defeat MIKHAILOVA in three games and seal the victory for the visitors. “I’m pleased with the players’ good form, and I hope we can perform even better in the matches to come,”said Coach NĘCEK. Saint-Quentin TT (FRA) – KTS Enea Siarkopol Tarnobrzeg (POL) 1–3
Busy week ahead in ETTU Club Competitions
European club table tennis enters a decisive phase this week, with a packed schedule across the ETTU Champions League Men, ETTU Champions League Women, the ETTU Europe Cup and the Europe Trophy Regional Stages. From 13 to 18 January, top clubs from across the continent will battle for crucial points as the race for progression intensifies. Champions League Men: Fight for Final Four places The quarterfinal stage of the ETTU Champions League Men begins with four high-profile encounters, as the remaining contenders chase a place in the prestigious Final Four. An all-German clash opens the action on 14 January, when Post SV Mühlhausen 1951 e.V. host record champions Borussia Düsseldorf. France will be in focus on 15 January, as Alliance Nîmes/Montpellier welcome Polish side KS Dekorglass Działdowo, while two all-Polish duels highlight the round, with KS Bank Spółdzielczy Orlicz 1924 Suchedniów facing KS Orlen Bogoria Grodzisk Mazowiecki, and GV Hennebont TT taking on German powerhouse 1. FC Saarbrücken TT. With the Final Four at stake, every match promises intensity and top-level performances. Champions League Women: Key duels across Europe The ETTU Champions League Women also continues with an extensive programme, as teams aim to strengthen their position in the group phase. On 13 January, UCAM Cartagena T.M. face Etival ASRTT, while reigning contenders TTC Berlin eastside visit Linz AG Froschberg. The same evening, French side Saint-Quentin TT welcome Polish champions KTS ENEA SIARKOPOL Tarnobrzeg. The action continues throughout the week, with ASD Quattro Mori Cagliari hosting Metz TT, MIRÓ Ganxets Costa Daurada meeting Saint-Quentin TT, and TTC Novi Sad welcoming UCAM Cartagena T.M. Further key clashes include Saint-Denis TT 93 against Linz AG Froschberg, and PGE Fibrain Ku AZS Politechnika Rzeszów hosting ASD Quattro Mori Cagliari. Europe Cup: Tight schedules The ETTU Europe Cup delivers another intense week, featuring multiple home-and-away ties and tightly packed matchdays. Among the highlights are the Stage three clashes between ASD Marcozzi Cagliari and Real Club Cajasur Priego TM, Energa Manekin Toruń against HB Ostrov z.s., and a two-leg battle between SF SKK El Niño Praha and Enoli Borges Vall. French clubs Lille Métropole TT and AS Pontoise Cergy TT will also be in action, alongside teams from Austria, Poland, Denmark, Slovakia and Czechia. Europe Trophy: Regional stages underway Alongside the elite competitions, the Europe Trophy Regional Stages will take place from 16 to 18 January, offering clubs an important platform for international competition and development. In the Men’s Regional Stage, tournaments will be hosted in Valletta (Malta) with 10 registered teams, Tallinn (Estonia) with 5 teams, Olot (Spain) with 5 teams, and Niš (Serbia), where matches will be played from 17 to 18 January. The Women’s Regional Stage will see strong participation in Olot (Spain) with 11 teams, as well as events in Nicosia (Cyprus) with 5 teams and Niš (Serbia) with 6 teams. As clubs compete across multiple levels of European competition, the coming days promise non-stop action, decisive encounters and opportunities for teams to make their mark on the continental stage.
Europe’s Elite Set for ETTU Champions League Quarterfinals
The ETTU Champions League Men reaches a crucial stage, as the remaining eight teams compete for four places at the Final Four, with four high-profile ties scheduled between 14 and 18 January. After an intense Round of 16 featuring great performances, dramatic Golden Matches and statement wins by Europe’s leading clubs, the race to the Final Four is reaching final stage. German Derby Opens the Quarterfinals in Mühlhausen The quarterfinal action begins on 14 January (18:00) with an all-German clash, as Post SV Mühlhausen 1951 e.V. welcome six-time champions Borussia Düsseldorf. Mühlhausen earned their place among the last eight through a hard-fought Round of 16 victory against HB Ostrov z.s. Borussia Düsseldorf, last season’s runners-up, were tested to their limits by Real Club Cajasur Priego TM but once again demonstrated their experience and composure in decisive moments. With both sides deeply familiar with each other, the opening leg promises a tightly contested encounter. Alliance Nîmes/Montpellier Host Polish Power Dekorglass On 15 January (19:30), Alliance Nîmes/Montpellier will look to extend their impressive European run when they face KS Dekorglass Działdowo in Nîmes. The French club were flawless in the Round of 16, sweeping aside SolexConsult TTC Wiener Neustadt without dropping a single game, led by the LEBRUN brothers and a disciplined team performance. Dekorglass, quarterfinalists for the third consecutive season, arrive with confidence after two straight-match victories over SKST Havířov. All-Polish Battle for a Final Four Spot A guaranteed Polish representative in the Final Four will be decided on 17 January (19:00), when KS Bank Spółdzielczy Orlicz 1924 Suchedniów host KS Orlen Bogoria Grodzisk Mazowiecki. Suchedniów booked their place via a dramatic Golden Match, showing nerves of steel after overturning a heavy first-leg defeat against TTC Sokah Hoboken. KS Orlen Bogoria Grodzisk Mazowiecki, seeded No. 3, progressed in convincing fashion against SF SKK El Nino Praha, underlining their ambition to return to the Final Four in consecutive seasons. Familiarity between the two sides adds another layer of intrigue to what promises to be an intense national derby on the European stage. Champions Tested in Hennebont The final quarterfinal first leg takes place on 18 January (19:30), as GV Hennebont TT welcome reigning champions 1. FC Saarbrücken TT. Hennebont impressed in the Round of 16 with a commanding home win against ASC Grünwettersbach, continuing their strong form on home soil. 1. FC Saarbrücken TT, winners of the last three Champions League titles, advanced after victory over Dojlidy Białystok. Quarterfinal Schedule – First Legs PHOTO by Christopher Jost
