Reigning champions ttc berlin eastside continued their 2025/26 ETTU Champions League Women campaign with a solid 3–1 victory over Linz AG Froschberg in Germany. In Stage 2 Group C, the six-time champions had previously opened with a convincing 3–0 away win against Saint-Denis TT 93, and they now remain unbeaten after two rounds. Despite playing without Nina MITTELHAM and Miyuu KIHARA, Berlin Eastside delivered another confident performance. Natalia BAJOR took the lead role in the lineup but was unable to stop Thailand’s Suthasini SAWETTABUT, who earned the only point for the Austrian club. The backbone of Berlin’s victory was Japan’s Yuka KANEYOSHI, who produced two commanding performances, first overcoming Britt EERLAND and later defeating SAWETTABUT in straight games to secure the team win. At position three, Xiaona SHAN showed her trademark precision, sweeping Andrea PAVLOVIC 3–0 to restore Berlin’s lead at a crucial moment. ttc berlin eastside – Linz AG Froschberg 3–1
Celebrating 100 Years of Czech and Slovak Table Tennis
The culmination of the celebrations marking 100 years since the beginning of organized table tennis in the former Czechoslovakia was a festive gala evening held at the Belvedere Hotel in Prague on Saturday. Two hundred guests accepted the invitation to this special occasion, which featured not only an engaging social programme but also a symbolic meeting of generations, bringing together the most successful living players in the history of Czech and Slovak table tennis. Among the distinguished guests were ETTU President Pedro MOURA, Secretary General Pierre KASS, and Vice Presidents Jaroslaw KOLODZIEJCZYK and Zoran PRIMORAC. „The Czech and Slovak Table Tennis Federations have shaped the very foundations of our sport in Europe. From the early days of the Czechoslovak pioneers who helped establish the ITTF, to generations of champions and dedicated leaders, their contribution has been extraordinary,“ said President MOURA. „As we celebrate this shared history, we also honour the values that unite us, excellence, teamwork, and innovation. The Czech and Slovak federations continue to inspire Europe with their vision, their development of young players, and their enduring commitment to our sport’s future. It is a privilege for the European Table Tennis Union to celebrate this milestone alongside them.” The President of the Czech Table Tennis Association Nikolas ENDAL said: “The almost seventy years of the common history of Czechoslovak table tennis are decorated with dozens of World championship titles, European championship titles and many other successes. After all, Czechoslovakia at that time was one of the founding members of the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF). For many years, our players were among the most successful in the world. After the division of the Federation in 1993, we each went our own way, but we have remained in a very close and friendly relationship with our Slovak partners. We cooperate, share experiences, give each other advice and symbolically we even received a beautiful gift. Last year, the Czech Republic’s Hana MATELOVÁ and the Slovak Barbora BALÁŽOVÁ won the gold medal in doubles at the European Championship. The legacy of mutual cooperation is one of the main motives of our celebration of 100 years of our common journey.” Significant figures from the Czech and Slovak history of the sport filled the hall: European champions, World Championship medallists and other distinguished personalities. Among them were Jaroslav STAŇEK, Eliška KREJČOVÁ, Milan ORLOWSKI, Josef DVOŘÁČEK, Petr KORBEL, Iveta VACENOVSKÁ and Hana MATELOVÁ. The event was also attended by Jiří KEJVAL, President of the Czech Olympic Committee, Ondřej ŠEBEK, Chairman of the National Sports Agency, and many other special guests. The official programme symbolically lasted 100 minutes, featuring historical photographs and applause for several legends who received commemorative medals. Most importantly, the evening offered a chance to share memories and celebrate the enduring friendship and legacy of table tennis in the former Czechoslovakia now proudly continued by the Czech Republic and Slovakia.
KTS Enea Siarkopol Tarnobrzeg Secure Second Win in Group A (VIDEO)
Top-seeded KTS Enea Siarkopol Tarnobrzeg recorded their second victory in Group A of the Stage 2 ETTU Champions League Women. This time, they prevailed against the French side Saint-Quentin TT at MOSiR Tarnobrzeg Hall, after the club beat MIRÓ Ganxets Costa Durada in Spain. With this commanding win, Tarnobrzeg strengthen their position at the top of Group A. The Polish hosts controlled all three matches from start to finish, never allowing the visitors to gain momentum and completing the tie without dropping a single match. Xiaoxin YANG opened the tie with a confident 3–0 win against Agnès LELANIC, displaying full control in all phases of play. The duel between two defensive specialists went in favour of Ying HAN, who overcame Linda BERGSTRÖM with characteristic precision and stability. Fu YU, despite Polina MIKHAILOVA’s late push in the third game, closed the match in straight games to secure the team victory. KTS Enea Siarkopol Tarnobrzeg leave the hall with maximum points and a perfect start to their Stage 2 campaign. Coach Zbigniew NĘCEK: “Today’s match cost my players a lot of energy. I’m happy with the victory because it will give us more breathing space in the upcoming games. I’m very pleased with the form of all my players.” KTS Enea Siarkopol Tarnobrzeg (POL) – Saint-Quentin TT (FRA) 3–0
President MOURA: This is a historic moment for the ITTF
The International Table Tennis Federation concluded its Annual General Meeting (AGM) 2025 today, 15 November, bringing to a close a process that began in Doha on 27 May 2025. Following the decision of the ITTF Executive Board on 20 September 2025, and in accordance with ITTF Statutes, the continuation of the AGM was held in a fully online format. LUMI AGM UK Ltd, an independent, world-class provider, was appointed to managed the proceedings in line with the highest standards of governance. “This is a historic moment for the ITTF, and I would like to congratulate all the newly elected members of the ITTF Executive Board. I sincerely hope that, together, our global table tennis community can continue to build peace, unity, and development under their leadership,” stated ETTU President Pedro MOURA. With the conclusion of today’s meeting, the ITTF membership has now elected the full Executive Board for the 2025-2029 term. The following eight Executive Vice Presidents will serve alongside President Petra SÖRLING (SWE), who was re-elected in May during the initial session of the AGM: Anthony MOORE (AUS), Guoliang LIU (CHN), Paul CALLE (ECU), HRH Princess Zeina RASHID (JOR), Wahid OSHODI (NGR), Beatrice ROMANESCU (ROU), Prof. Veli Ozan CAKIR (TUR), Virginia SUNG (USA). “I want to extend a very special word of congratulations to the two European members elected today Mrs. Beatrice ROMANESCU and Professor Veli Ozan CAKIR. It has been a long time since Europe has had three representatives on the Executive Board, and this is a proud moment for European table tennis. I am sure that the entire European delegation will work tirelessly and contribute strongly to the further development of our sport,” stated ETTU President MOURA. “I would also like to congratulate the ITTF Council members who were ratified today especially our European representatives, seven in total. In addition, I want to offer special recognition to all European members ratified as part of the newly confirmed committees.” ITTF ratified Council Members from Europe are Zoran PRIMORAC, Richard SCRUTON, Miguel Angel MACHADO SOBRADOS, Heike AHLERT, Sonja GREFBERG, Philip MCCALUM and Aleksandar MATKOVIC. ITTF permanent committee members (2025 – 2029) are Philip MCCALUM (Equipment Committee), Ina JOZEPSONE and Murat ERIS (Masters), Karen TONGE OBE, Tomas VARGA, Emre BASKAN (Para table tennis), Igor HELLER, Katja BRAND, Rudolf SPORRER, Ingrid BOGREN (Rules), Esko HEIKKINEN, dr Michael Wolfgang Johannes FUCHS, Irene FABER, (Sport Science and Medical), Martin PERRY (Sustainability), Werner THURY (Umpires and Referees). In her closing remarks to the AGM, President SÖRLING called for the first Executive Board meeting on Sunday 16 November in order to fast-track key initiatives as the federation is about to enter a landmark year. “I would like to express my gratitude to the former Executive Vice Presidents for their service and contribution,” said President SÖRLING. “And I warmly congratulate the elected Executive Vice Presidents, the ratified Council Members, and the appointed Committee members. I look forward to a professional and fruitful collaboration over the next years. Throughout this unprecedented period, I am proud our community remained focused on the sport. Events continued to grow, development programmes reached more people, and our players, coaches, officials and volunteers kept table tennis vibrant in every region. It is their work that kept our sport strong. Today we are moving forward together as a united table tennis family, with our eyes firmly on the future of table tennis worldwide. This Assembly has re-elected me and renewed its confidence in a programme that delivered concrete positive results in my first term and will continue to bring tangible benefits. The path ahead is ambitious and we cannot afford further delay. The Board will meet tomorrow to resume our work. I will strive to ensure that global success is translated into local impact. And it will be linked to responsibility, merit and a culture of accountability at every level.” President SÖRLING continued: “Next year, our centenary will open an important new phase for the ITTF. Important changes are being prepared. Some are already in motion; others are not yet ready to be presented today, but your decisions here give us the mandate and stability to complete this work with you. Together with the new Executive Vice Presidents, I am honoured to continue serving as your President at such a crucial time for table tennis.” Table tennis now turns firmly to 2026 – a year that will mark the centenary of the International Table Tennis Federation and the ITTF World Table Tennis Championships. During the meeting, the ITTF showcased its plan, building anticipation for what promises to be a special and historic year for the global table tennis family. A century after the inaugural ITTF World Table Tennis Championships took place in London in 1926, the sport returns to its birthplace for a truly historic celebration. London’s Copper Box Arena and OVO Arena Wembley will host the Championships from 28 April -10 May, where 64 men’s and 64 women’s teams will compete for global supremacy. This landmark celebration honours both the sport’s remarkable journey and the founding of the ITTF in that same historic year of 1926.
SKST Havířov Set for Tough Home Clash Against Polish Giants KS Dekorglass Działdowo
SKST Havířov will open their ETTU Champions League Men Round of 16 campaign at home against Polish powerhouse KS Dekorglass Działdowo, on 16 November. Działdowo, two-time Europe Cup winners (2018 and 2024), bring a world-class roster built around Poland’s national team stars. Two-time European Championship medalist Jakub DYJAS and 2022 U21 European singles champion Samuel KULCZYCKI lead the line-up, joined by Patryk LEWANDOWSKI, Croatian ace Tomislav PUCAR (WR 30), and the experienced Chinese defender Yingchao HOU. But Havířov are determined not to play second fiddle. Coach Marek ČIHÁK commands a balanced mix of experience and youth, anchored by Chilean international Gustavo GÓMEZ (WR 110). Alongside him are reigning Czech junior champion Štěpán BRHEL, veterans Michal BLINKA and Jan ŠKALDA, plus Indian international Manush SHAH and several promising Czech juniors including Matyáš KOLEČKÁŘ and Jakub MAKARA. “We respect our opponents, but we have quality and ambition,” said coach ČIHÁK ahead of the home leg. “The players have improved individually, and we want to show that we can compete with any team in Europe.”
UCAM Cartagena Strengthen Their Position With Convincing Win Over Etival ASRTT
UCAM Cartagena T.M. claimed an important 3–1 away victory in France, defeating Etival ASRTT in Stage 2 of the ETTU Champions League Women. Earlier in the group, Etival opened their campaign with a win against Novi Sad, but the Spanish side responded strongly in their second outing. Etival struck first thanks to a composed performance from Jieni SHAO, who handled the crucial points superbly and resisted Tin-Tin HO’s late push in the third and fourth games. UCAM Cartagena immediately answered. Maria XIAO took full control of the rallies, disrupting Liu YANGZI’s rhythm to level the score with a confident straight-games victory. The momentum shifted further when Daniela ORTEGA delivered a crucial third point for UCAM. Although Christina KÄLLBERG fought back to force a decider, ORTEGA regained her focus and sealed the match. XIAO returned to the table to close out the tie, securing her second win of the evening. Despite SHAO’s earlier triumph, the Spanish captain proved too strong in the rematch, completing a commanding performance in straight games and locking in the team victory. With this result, UCAM Cartagena leave France with a vital away win, significantly boosting their position in Group D as the Champions League campaign progresses. “I think all the matches were crucial. I played very well today, Tin Tin played the best she could, and Daniela did her job by winning the third match in the fifth game,” said Maria XIAO. Etival ASRTT – UCAM Cartagena T.M. 1–3
Round of 16: 1. FC Saarbrücken Edge Thriller, Borussia Düsseldorf Impress, Hennebont Prevail in Germany (VIDEO)
Reigning champions 1. FC Saarbrücken TT began their title defence on heated Polish soil with a hard-earned 3–2 victory over Dojlidy Białystok. The German side needed the full five matches to secure the opening-leg win in the ETTU Champions League Men Round of 16. The evening began with a dramatic five-game battle between CHOJNOWSKI and JORGIC. The Polish player struck first, taking the opener and later the decider despite JORGIC holding a 4–2 lead in the final game. “It was a narrow victory, but nothing is decided yet, it’s only 1–0 for us. They played really well. CHOJNOWSKI started the first match against me very strongly. I had a 4–2 lead in the fifth game. When you play up to six, the pressure is huge and every point matters. In the end, I played to passively, he played well, and he deserved to win that match,” said Darko JORGIC. Patrick FRANZISKA quickly restored balance for Saarbrücken with a straight-games win over CHODORSKI, before Yuto MURAMATSU produced a flawless performance at position three, overpowering MICHALSKI to give the German side a 2–1 advantage. “In the second match, Patrick played excellently. He brought stability back to the team, and I don’t think CHODORSKI had many chances. Then YUTO played fantastic in the third position. After a slower start, he was really strong afterwards and gave us the lead,” added JORGIC. The drama returned in the fourth match. FRANZISKA looked firmly in control at 2–0 and 9–4, but CHOJNOWSKI launched a remarkable comeback, winning three consecutive games to level the tie at 2–2. “Patrick started very well again, leading 2–0 and 9–4. That’s when CHOJNOWSKI became extremely aggressive and didn’t miss anymore. When you lose a game like that, it’s normal to tighten up a bit. He kept playing well, and although Patrick fought to the end, unfortunately he couldn’t finish it,” JORGIC reflected. With everything on the line, the deciding match produced a fitting finale. JORGIC came out firing, dominated the first game, dropped a tight second, and then rediscovered his trademark precision and aggression to secure the victory for Saarbrücken. “At 2–2 everything was possible. I started the first set really well, and the second too, but I lost it at the end. In the third and fourth, I was the real Darko again — aggressive from start to finish. That brought Saarbrücken back into the match and gave us a 1–0 lead after the first leg.” The tie now moves to Germany on 19 December, with Saarbrücken holding a narrow advantage but fully aware of the task ahead. “The second leg is on December 19th. Nothing is over. We start from zero again. The crowd was fantastic, cheering so loudly. I really have nothing more to say except that I’m happy we won the first match and that we look positively toward the second one,” concluded JORGIC. Dojlidy Białystok – 1. FC Saarbrücken TT 2–3 Borussia Düsseldorf Take Commanding 3–0 Win in Priego The most decorated club in the competition’s history—with six Champions League titles and six European Cup of Champions trophies—and the No. 2 seeds in this season’s ETTU Champions League Men, Borussia Düsseldorf opened their Round of 16 campaign in dominant fashion. Last year’s runners-up produced a solid 3–0 victory over No. 17 seeds Real Club Cajasur Priego TM in the first leg. The evening began with a spirited effort from Hampus SÖDERLUND, who surprised Anton KALLBERG by taking the opening game. But the Swedish international quickly settled, raising his tempo and winning three consecutive games to secure Düsseldorf’s first point. In the second match, Dang QIU imposed his rhythm from the outset, controlling the rallies with precision and speed to defeat Diogo CHEN in straight games and extend the German side’s lead to 2–0. Carlos MACHADO tried to ignite a home comeback, but Kanak JHA proved too sharp, delivering another clean 3–0 performance to seal the tie for Düsseldorf. “Great performance by our team, losing only one set after a very long trip to Priego. It’s a very good result and it opens the door a little wider for the Champions League quarter-finals,” said Borussia Düsseldorf Manager Andreas PREUSS. Real Club Cajasur Priego TM – Borussia Düsseldorf 0–3 GV Hennebont Claim Important Away Win Against ASC Grünwettersbach No. 7 seeds GV Hennebont TT began their campaign with an impressive 3–1 victory over No. 13 seeds ASC Grünwettersbach in Germany. The match opened with a strong start for the hosts. Hiroto SHINOZUKA produced a high-quality performance to defeat French star Simon GAUZY in four games, giving Grünwettersbach an early 1–0 lead. Hennebont responded immediately. Vladimir SIDORENKO fought through two tight games to overcome Tiago APOLONIA 3–1, levelling the score and swinging the momentum back to the French side. The visitors then moved in front thanks to a commanding display from Lev KATSMAN, who dominated Tobias HIPPLER in straight games to put Hennebont ahead 2–1. SHINOZUKA returned to the table for the decisive fourth match but could not repeat his opening success. SIDORENKO completed a superb evening by winning another tight four-game battle, securing the victory for GV Hennebont. “We are very happy to play such a good match here in Germany. The conditions in the hall were not easy at all, very noisy, strong supporters, and a very strong team in front of us. In Germany it is always like this: great matches and great atmosphere from the crowd. At the beginning of the match we said to each other that we would fight until the very end, no matter what. And it worked. We are happy with the result, and I am personally very happy,” said SIDORENKO. ASC Grünwettersbach – GV Hennebont TT 1–3
ETTU Europe Cup Men Kicks Off in Odorheiu Secuiesc
The 2025–26 ETTU Europe Cup Men officially began today in Odorheiu Secuiesc, Romania, where four groups opened the competition in a tightly packed three-day Stage 1. The matches will run until Sunday, 16 November, with every team fighting for a place in the next phase of Europe’s club competition. Daily updates, live streaming, scores, and match details are available through the official ETTU channels. Stage 1 features four groups: three groups with three clubs each and one group with four teams, seeded from positions 25 to 37. The stakes are immediate: the top two teams from each group will advance to Stage 2, while the third- and fourth-placed teams will move down to the Europe Trophy. Stage 2 will introduce four new groups, bringing together the winners and runners-up from Stage 1, along with the third- and fourth-placed clubs from Champions League Men Stage 1. From there, Stage 3 will shift into a knock-out format. The eight qualifiers from Stage 2 will face the losing teams from the Champions League Men Round of 16, with all ties played in home-and-away matches. Group A opened with Alicante TM facing ASD Marcozzi Cagliari in today’s first match. On Saturday, Marcozzi will meet KTS Gliwice, followed by Alicante vs Gliwice on Sunday—three matches that will determine which two teams continue their European journey. In Group B, hosts CSS-SZAK Odorheiu Secuiesc share the table with Enoli Borges Vall and Fenerbahçe Sports Club. Today’s evening match features Borges Vall against Fenerbahçe, before the Romanian hosts take the stage on Saturday. The closing clash on Sunday, CSS-SZAK vs Fenerbahçe, could prove decisive for qualification. Group C shows an evenly matched quartet: STK Libertas Marinkolor Dubrovnik, SPG Linz, Energa Manekin Toruń, and Irun Leka Enea. Two matches opened the action today, with Libertas facing Irun and Linz facing Toruń. All four teams will play daily, ensuring a highly competitive group that may remain undecided until the final round on Sunday afternoon. Group D contains three teams: UTTC Paneceo Stockerau, Clube Desportivo 1º de Maio, and KS Olesno. Stockerau play both opponents across Saturday’s double schedule before Olesno and CD 1º de Maio close the group on Sunday. With fewer matches on offer, the margin for error is extremely small. Only eight teams—two from each group—will advance from Stage 1 of the Europe Cup Men. With the added pressure of possible relegation to the Europe Trophy, the opening weekend in Odorheiu Secuiesc promises competitive tension from the first serve to the last.
ETTU Europe Cup Women Begins in Linares: Three Groups Open the Race
The 2025–26 ETTU Europe Cup Women began today in Linares, Spain, launching a long weekend of intense competition that will run until Sunday, 16 November. Stage 1 features three groups of four clubs each, seeded from positions 17 to 28, with only the strongest sides earning the right to advance deeper into Europe’s second-tier club competition. Daily updates, scores, and match details are available through the official ETTU platforms. The group winners and runners-up will progress to Stage 2, where they will join the 3rd- and 4th-placed teams from Champions League Women Stage 1. From there, the four winners and four runners-up of Stage 2 will move into the quarterfinals, where they will meet the third-placed teams from Champions League Women Stage 2. With valuable qualification places at stake and several evenly matched squads, Stage 1 promises tight contests and unpredictable outcomes. Group A opened with two compelling matches. ASD Tennistavolo Sassari delivered the first statement performance of the tournament, defeating Universidad de Burgos – RM Terán 3–0. In the parallel tie, TalTech Sport Club fought off GDCS Do Juncal in a dramatic 3–2 victory. The competition resumes tomorrow with Burgos facing TalTech, while Sassari take on Juncal—fixtures that may prove decisive in shaping the race for the top two positions. In Group B starts all four teams entering the competition later today. CP Lyssois Lille Métropole face Bebetto AZS UJD Częstochowa, while UTTC Paneceo Stockerau meet CD Indiana Games. Group B is expected to remain open until the final round on Sunday night. In Group C, the action begins this afternoon with: Son Cladera TTC – Mallorca vs KS Wamet Dąbcze and TTC Meerdaal Leuven vs Fenerbahçe Sports Club. With Fenerbahçe fielding one of the strongest line-ups in Stage 1, and Mallorca entering with home-country support in Spain, this group promises a compelling three-day battle.
Montpellier Set for High-Stakes Clash Against Wiener Neustadt in Round of 16
One of the most anticipated ties of the ETTU Champions League Men Round of 16 opening leg will take place on 16 November (18:30), as French champions Alliance Nîmes/Montpellier visit SolexConsult TTC Wiener Neustadt. Montpellier arrive with exceptional firepower, led by European Team Champions and Olympic Team bronze medallists Félix and Alexis LEBRUN, currently ranked No. 2 and No. 3 in Europe. Their presence elevates the tie’s prestige, marking Montpellier as one of the strongest contenders in the competition. They are supported by a solid squad featuring Esteban DORR (ER 88), Grégoire JEAN (ER 503), and Manav THAKAR (WR 45). “The players are in very good shape, and they always want to competeboth in the League and in the Champions League. The atmosphere in our team is excellent. We are currently together preparing for our league match against Rouen, which is a very good test before entering the Champions League. The mood is positive, the players feel good, and everything is running smoothly,” said coach Vincent AVRIL. Seeded No. 5, Wiener Neustadt reached the quarterfinals last season and now field a refreshed line-up with Andrei ISTRATE (ER 56), Peter HRIBAR (ER 129), Navid SHAMS (WR 157), Shunsuke OKANO (WR 451), and Piotr CYRNEK (ER 366). “Champions League, however, is our biggest objective this year. We are fully prepared for this challenge. The Austrian team is dangerous, with very good players, and we respect them. We haven’t prepared the match in detail yet because we have an important league game tonight, but tomorrow we will analyse, adjust, and define our tactics and strategy. We will be ready.” Reflecting on the team’s domestic performance, coach AVRIL added: “In the French league we are performing quite well: two wins and two losses so far. Alex and Félix have played only two matches, which makes this balance even more promising. Our main goal is to reach the play-offs, and we are on the right path. It’s a good start to the season.” On their European ambitions, he was equally clear: “Our ambition is simple: to reach the Final Four and go as far as possible. With Alex, Félix, and the rest of the team, our aim is to win and to be in Saarbrücken. We are certainly better prepared now than during the group stage because we have the complete team available. We will play with our full team in the final stage, and now we are ready to face the Austrian club. Tonight’s league match is important, but our main focus remains the Champions League. We took every necessary step to arrive fully ready for this encounter, and we are motivated to give everything.”
