French President Emmanuel MACRON visited the ITTF Mixed Team World Cup in Chengdu, where he met both Team France and Team China during his state visit to China. He was welcomed by ITTF President Petra SÖRLING and CTTA President Liqin, who introduced him to leading Chinese stars Wang Chuqin, Sun Yingsha, Wang Manyu WANG, and Shidong LIN, as well as coaches Lin MA, Hao WANG and Zhan XIAO. MACRON also greeted the French squad, including Felix and Alexis LEBRUN, Prithika PAVADE, Simon GAUZY and Jia Nan YUAN. President MACRON even stepped to the table himself, receiving a racket from ITTF President Petra SÖRLING and enjoying brief friendly rallies with players. Delegations exchanged commemorative gifts, including a special ITTF Centenary racket and national team jerseys. The ITTF expressed its honour at being part of the French President’s official visit, noting table tennis’s long tradition of fostering friendship and international cooperation from historic ping-pong diplomacy to its modern global reach. The ITTF Mixed Team World Cup 2025 runs in Chengdu from 30 November to 7 December, ahead of the discipline’s Olympic debut at LA28.
Croatia Claim Win Over Sweden, FRANZISKA beat World No. 1, as Europe Battles Through a Challenging Day
It was a mixed and demanding day for European teams in the Stage 2 of the ITTF Mixed Team World Cup 2025, but Croatia delivered the standout performance, defeating Sweden 8–1 . Croatia started strongly through Ivor BAN and Hana ARAPOVIĆ, whose composed and well-balanced mixed doubles display earned the opening point against Kristian KARLSSON and Christina KALLBERG. Momentum continued with an exceptional win from Lea RAKOVAC, who overcame Linda BERGSTRÖM 3–0 by smartly adjusting her tempo and exploiting the chopper’s variations. The decisive blow came from Tomislav PUCAR, who dominated Anton KALLBERG in straight games. Mixing his trademark backhand power with timely forehand attacks, PUCAR ensured Croatia completed a confident and controlled victory—one of their strongest performances of the tournament. France fell 8–7 to Hong Kong, China, despite strong singles wins from Charlotte LUTZ and Simon GAUZY. Germany lost to China 4-8, despite the Patrick FRANZISKA’s superb win over World No. 1 Wang Chuqin.
Frane Tomislav KOJIC Elected Chair of the ETTU Athletes’ Commission
The Chair of the ETTU Athletes’ Commission for the 2025–2029 term has been elected, with the members of the Commission placing their trust in Croatia’s Frane Tomislav KOJIC. The Commission, which serves as the official voice of athletes within European table tennis, consists of five elected members: four representing able-bodied athletes and one representing the Para table tennis community. The able-bodied athletes were elected earlier this year during the voting process held at the 2025 European Team Championships in Zadar, as well as through online voting for Associations participating in Stage 1 in Sarajevo. The elected members are: Linda BERGSTRÖM (Sweden), Tin-Tin HO (England), Elizabeta SAMARA (Romania), Frane Tomislav KOJIC (Croatia). Together with Para representative Jack HUNTER-SPIVEY (England) they will serve throughout the 2025–2029 term. Following the election, newly appointed Chair Frane Tomislav KOJIC addressed his fellow players: “I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for your votes and the trust you have placed in me by electing me as the ETTU Players’ Representative. It is a great honor and a personal source of pride to be recognized by those I consider the most important people in our sport, the players themselves, and alongside them, our invaluable coaches without whom our progress would not be possible. Your support means a great deal to me, as it comes directly from those to whom this sport truly belongs. With a strong sense of respect and responsibility, I will do my best to listen to your ideas, represent your interests, and work on improving conditions for all players, as table tennis is first and foremost about you, the athletes. At the same time, I fully recognize the essential role of coaches. Even though my mandate is to represent players, I will also work to improve the situation and conditions for coaches, as our achievements are inseparable from their expertise, dedication, and guidance. Thank you once again for your confidence and trust. I look forward to working with you all and to meeting the challenges that lie ahead. United as one table tennis family,” said Frane Tomislav KOJIC. Acting as a direct link between players and the ETTU leadership, the Athletes’ Commission ensures that athletes’ voices, concerns, and perspectives are incorporated into key decisions shaping European table tennis. The Commission plays a vital role in strengthening athlete representation and providing guidance on matters related to competition, welfare, development pathways, and the long-term strategic direction of the sport.
France Shine on Day 5 as European Battle Heats Up in Chengdu
France led the European charge on Day 5 at the ITTF Mixed Team World Cup 2025 in Chengdu, bouncing back in style with a convincing 8–3 victory over Croatia. Making his first appearance of the event, Simon GAUZY teamed up with Prithika PAVADE to edge Ivor BAN and Hana ARAPOVIĆ 2–1 in a tense mixed doubles opener, sealing the decider 16–14. Charlotte LUTZ then impressed on her debut, overpowering Lea RAKOVAC 3–0 in the women’s singles, before Alexis LEBRUN recovered from a slow start and a sharp Tomislav PUCAR to take the men’s singles 2–1. LUTZ and PAVADE later closed the tie, holding their nerve in doubles to secure France’s 8–3 win and a strong response after the heartbreak against Korea Republic the night before. Sweden were edged 8–6 by Hong Kong, China in one of the most dramatic ties of the day. Early success from Kristian KARLSSON and Christina KÄLLBERG in the mixed doubles and a late surge in the women’s doubles weren’t enough to overturn missed chances in singles and doubles, leaving Sweden with plenty to regret in Stage 2. Germany, ran into a red-hot Japan, falling 8–3 despite a strong men’s singles display from Dang QIU, who again found a way past Tomokazu HARIMOTO. Japan’s sharp, disciplined team performance keeps them unbeaten and leaves Germany with work to do in the race for knockout positions. At the top of the table, China underlined their status as favourites with a commanding 8–0 win over Korea Republic, ending the Koreans’ unbeaten run and reinforcing their dominance in Chengdu. With France back on track and both Sweden and Germany still fighting to position themselves for the business end of Stage 2, European hopes remain very much alive as the road to LA28 continues to take shape in Sichuan.
Finlandia Open 2025 Begins Today in Lohja
The 34th Finlandia Open kicks off today at the Kisakallio Sports Institute in Lohja, bringing together a strong international field for one of Europe’s traditional year-ending table tennis events. The tournament, recognized by the European Table Tennis Union (ETTU) and counting toward the ETTU ranking list, features Men’s and Women’s Singles as well as U21 categories. Schedule Overview Fans can follow the full programme, draws, and live scoring throughout the four days. Draws & Live Results: https://finlandia-open.sportsoftware.ai/brackets/421 Livestream: https://www.youtube.com/@suomenpoytatennisliitto/streams
France Fall Just Short in a Thriller Against Korea Republic
France produced one of the most dramatic performances of the tournament so far, pushing unbeaten Korea Republic to the edge before narrowly losing 8–7 in the Stage 2 of the ITTF Mixed Team World Cup 2025. In Chengdu The French side refreshed its lineup for Stage 2, with Félix LEBRUN and Prithika PAVADE starting the tie in mixed doubles, while Alexis LEBRUN and Jia Nan YUAN handled singles duties. Alexis delivered a world-class display in the men’s singles, stunning Woojin JANG 2–1 and later teaming up with Félix to win the men’s doubles in straight games — a result that brought France level at 6–6 and reignited their hopes. However, in the decisive women’s doubles, PAVADE and Jia Nan came agonizingly close to a huge upset. They won the opening game and fought back from 6–10 in the decider, but Nayeong KIM and Hyojoo CHOI held their nerve to seal victory for Korea and preserve their perfect record. Croatia faced an unstoppable Chinese team, falling 8–0, but not without moments of brilliance. In mixed doubles, Ivor BAN and Hana ARAPOVIĆ were outmatched by world champions Chuqin WANG and Yingsha SUN, while Man KUAI dominated the women’s singles against Ivana MALOBABIĆ. The European highlight came from Tomislav PUCAR, who pushed Lin Shidong to a spectacular 14–12 opening game. The second game produced one of the rallies of the day, featuring PUCAR’S stunning edge-ball winner after a sequence of acrobatic lobs. Despite the Croatian’s inspired play, LIN closed the match 2–0. Germany earned an important 8–5 victory over Sweden. The tie opened with a comeback from Annett KAUFMANN, Patrick FRANZISKA, who overturned a tough start to beat Christina KÄLLBERG, Kristian KARLSSON 2–1. Sweden immediately struck back, as Linda BERGSTRÖM edged Sabine WINTER in a dramatic 2–1 duel. Germany then grabbed control through Dang QIU, who produced a superb performance to defeat Anton KÄLLBERG 3–0 in the men’s singles, giving Germany crucial momentum. Sweden reduced the gap in the men’s doubles, with KÄLLBERG/Karlsson narrowly topping DUDA/QIU 2–1, but Germany quickly responded: WINTER/MITTELHAM claimed a tight first game (12–10) against KÄLLBERG/BERGSTRÖM, securing the final point needed for an overall 8–5 German win.
Romania Delivers a World-Class Event at the 2025 ITTF World Youth Championships
European table tennis enjoyed an outstanding showing at the ITTF World Youth Championships 2025, where the continent’s young stars collected nine medals across all categories. Hosted in Cluj-Napoca, Romania delivered a flawlessly organised event, earning widespread praise from delegations, coaches, and athletes. The exceptional environment, high-level presentation, and warm hospitality provided the ideal stage for Europe’s rising talents to excel. “I am excited and grateful. As the host of WYC Cluj-Napoca 2025, I dare to say that it was a truly memorable event, organized to the highest standards of the RTTF and ITTF in a perfect collaboration. It stands as a symbol of continuous value and growth, an example of recognising the young generation present in Cluj as the future of world table tennis, and of honoring them by offering an organisational standard equal to that of senior world events. This is how we can hope their dream of becoming great champions will continue,by ensuring that athletes and their coaches feel supported, respected, and inspired to give their best, knowing how much we all care about them. There were countless aspects that were acknowledged and appreciated by all delegations: eight days of competition, eight hours a day, broadcast live on TVR SPORT, the Romanian national television; an atmosphere filled with extraordinary, positive energy; and athletes genuinely happy to compete at the highest level. The outstanding results were a natural consequence of this environment. There was great passion and creativity behind the event, but what mattered most was the collective enthusiasm from everyone involved. I want to thank all contributors for making this edition of WYC Cluj 2025 truly unforgettable. I wish everyone a wonderful end of the year—filled with smiles and high dreams,” said ITTF Executive Vice President, WYC Cluj-Napoca Competition Director, and RTTF Executive Board Member and Marketing Manager Beatrice ROMANESCU. Europe celebrated two world titles: Three Silver Medals Four Bronze Medals
Europe Shines in Cluj-Napoca: Nine Medals and Landmark Performances at the ITTF World Youth Championships
The ITTF World Youth Championships 2025 concluded after eight days of world-class action at the BT Arena in Cluj-Napoca, marking a standout edition for European table tennis. With a total of nine medals, Europe celebrated a strong performance, highlighted by Wales’ Anna HURSEY, Germany’s Mia GRIESEL and Koharu ITAGAKI, the impressive mixed doubles run of Romania’s Iulian CHIRIȚĂ and HURSEY, as well as the doubles success of Türkiye’s Gorkem OCAL and Kenan KAHRAMAN. Europe also shone in the team events, with Italy’s Under-15 Boys’ Team reaching the final. Wales’ Anna HURSEY delivered one of the standout European campaigns, clinching bronze in the Under-19 Girls’ Singles. She fell in the semifinal to China’s Yuxuan QIN, who went on to defeat teammate Geman ZONG for the title. To reach the podium, HURSEY defeated Taipei’s Yi-Tian YEH, Ukraine’s Veronika MATIUNINA, and Czechia’s Veronika POLAKOVA HURSEY added a second medal, a gold in the Under-19 Girls’ Doubles alongside Germany’s Mia GRIESEL. The pair overcame the Ukrainian–Egyptian duo of Veronika MATIUNINA and Hana GODA in the semifinal before reaching the ultimate stage. France’s Leana HOCHART and Elise PUJOL and Belgium’s Lilou MASSART / Spain’s Maria BERZOSA also reached the quarterfinals. In the Under-19 Boys’ Singles, Japan secured both gold and silver through Ryuusei KAWAKAMI and Kazuki YOSHIYAMA, with China earning both bronze medals (Hechen LI and Ruibo WEN). Europe did not reach the podium but delivered several deep runs. Romania’s Iulian CHIRIȚĂ, Spain’s Daniel BERZOSA, and France’s Flavien COTON all reached the quarterfinals, finishing just one step short of a medal. Europe did climb the podium in the Under-19 Boys’ Doubles, where Portugal’s Tiago ABIODUN and Romania’s Iulian CHIRIȚĂ secured bronze. Chinese Taipei’s Guan-Hong KUO and Hsien-Chia HSU claimed the title ahead of Japan’s KAWAKAMI and YOSHIYAMA. Quarterfinal positions went to Hungary’s Balazs LEI and David SZANTOSI and Spain’s Daniel BERZOSA and Poland’s Marcel BLASZCZYK. In Mixed Doubles, Anna HURSEY celebrated her third medal, joining Iulian CHIRIȚĂ for a superb silver medal run. The European pair reached the final before falling to China’s Hechen LI and Yuxuan QIN. France’s Flavien COTON and Leana HOCHART and Slovakia’s Samuel ARPAS and Spain’s Maria BERZOSA reached the quarterfinals. In the Under-19 Teams Events, Europe’s best placements came from Poland and France in the boys’ competition, and Germany and France in the girls’ event, each finishing in the quarterfinal stage. A major highlight for Europe came in the Under-15 Girls’ Singles, where Germany’s Koharu ITAGAKI added the World Championship title to the European crown she had won earlier this year in Czechia. She defeated China’s Qihui ZHU in the final, confirming her status as one of the brightest young stars in world table tennis. Germany’s Josephina NEUMANN reached the quarterfinals. ITAGAKI and NEUMANN then combined for a bronze medal in the Under-15 Girls’ Doubles. France’s Nina GUO ZHENG and Alexia NODIN and Czechia’s Hanka KODET and Romania’s Patricia STOICA finished among the quarterfinalists. In the Under-15 Boys’ Singles, Italy’s Danilo FASO reached the quarterfinals, the highest European finish in the category. Europe added another significant medal in the Under-15 Boys’ Doubles, where Türkiye’s Gorkem OCAL and Kenan KAHRAMAN secured silver, pushing China’s Guanhong ZHOU and Haiyang YU all the way in the final. Quarterfinalists included Germany’s Jonas RINDERER and Poland’s Jan MRUGALA and Italy’s Francesco TREVISAN and Danilo FASO. Italy delivered a standout performance in the Under-15 Boys’ Teams Event, reaching the final and earning silver after a narrow loss to Chinese Taipei. The Italian squad, Francesco TREVISAN, Danilo FASO, and Giulio CAMPAGNA, produced a major upset by defeating China on their way to the gold-medal match. Türkiye concluded their campaign in the quarterfinals. In the Under-15 Girls’ Teams Event, Germany and France both reached the quarterfinals.
Young Talents Shine Across All Singles and Mixed Doubles Events in Beočin
A full programme of finals at the JOOLA Europe Youth Series Serbia Open in Beočin showed the rising stars of European table tennis. Across six title events, players from Poland, Czechia, Slovakia, and Spain captured gold after a series of high-quality performances, dramatic comebacks, and notable upsets. Under-15 Girls’ Singles Poland’s Aleksandra NAWROCKA, seeded No. 9, claimed the Under-15 Girls’ Singles crown after defeating Austria’s Sophia PICHLER in a tight final. NAWROCKA showed she can withstood the pressure in key moments to secure a 3–1 victory (12–10, 12–10, 10–12, 11–5). PICHLER reached the final following a hard-fought 3–1 win against Czechia’s Laura MARSICKOVA (11–7, 11–8, 6–11, 13–11), while NAWROCKA advanced with a strong semifinal performance against Romania’s Bianca Stefania TOMA (6–11, 11–6, 11–9, 11–4). Under-15 Boys’ Singles Czechia’s Ondrej MORAVEK, the No. 2 seed, clinched the Under-15 Boys’ Singles title after a dramatic five-game battle with Poland’s Jakub TURECKI. In a match full of momentum shifts, MORAVEK ultimately prevailed 3–2 (12–14, 9–11, 11–3, 11–6, 12–10). Despite the defeat, TURECKI delivered the biggest upset of the tournament, reaching the final as the No. 24 seed. Earlier, MORAVEK booked his place in the final with a confident 3–0 win over Spain’s Francisco SERRANO (11–9, 11–2, 11–7), while TURECKI advanced by defeating Spain’s Roger QUESADA 3–0 (11–1, 11–8, 11–4). Under-13 Boys’ Singles Top seed Filip NAGY of Slovakia delivered a strong performance to win the Under-13 Boys’ Singles title, defeating No. 2 seed Marcos GÓMEZ of Spain in straight games (11–8, 11–9, 11–9). NAGY reached the final with a 3–0 victory over Greece’s Theofanis MARKOULAKIS (11–7, 11–5, 11–6), while GÓMEZ battled past Moldova’s Nicolae BUCUR 3–1 (11–3, 11–6, 17–19, 11–2). Under-13 Girls’ Singles Czechia’s Adela BRHELOVA, seeded No. 2, secured the Under-13 Girls’ Singles title by overcoming top-seeded Barbora Melisa GUASSARDO of Slovakia in a strong four-game final. After losing the first game, BRHELOVA took control and closed the match 3–1 (9–11, 11–9, 11–4, 11–5). To reach the final, BRHELOVA won a tight five-game duel against Slovakia’s Bianka BACSOVÁ (10–12, 11–6, 10–12, 11–4, 11–8). GUASSARDO advanced with a 3–1 win over Croatia’s Sara RIVETTI (11–3, 11–7, 8–11, 11–8). Under-15 Mixed Doubles Czechia celebrated another gold through Ondrej MORAVEK and Laura MARSICKOVA, who captured the Under-15 Mixed Doubles title after a spectacular comeback. The Czech pair overturned a two-game deficit to defeat Poland’s Aleksandra NAWROCKA and Jakub TURECKI 3–2 (8–11, 7–11, 11–7, 11–7, 11–5). In the semifinals, NAWROCKA and TURECKI advanced with a 3–1 win over Austria’s Sophia PICHLER and Croatia’s Mateo TERIHAJ (11–7, 6–11, 11–3, 11–6), while MORAVEK and MARSICKOVA defeated Slovakia’s Barbora Melisa GUASSARDO and Rastislav ŠVEC 3–1 (11–7, 10–12, 11–8, 11–8). Under-13 Mixed Doubles Spain’s Carmen GÓMEZ and Marcos GÓMEZ secured the Under-13 Mixed Doubles gold after a remarkable comeback in the final. Trailing 0–2, the Spanish players rallied to defeat Slovakia’s Filip NAGY and Bianka BACSOVÁ 3–2 (3–11, 6–11, 11–5, 11–9, 11–6). Earlier, the Spanish pairings swept Elina HU (SUI) and Milan VUČETIĆ (MNE) in straight games (11–4, 11–8, 11–9). On the opposite table, NAGY and BACSOVÁ edged Croatia’s Karla IVČIĆ and Ivan SMILJANIĆ 3–2 (10–12, 12–10, 9–11, 11–5, 11–6).
DTTB Marks 100 Years: A Century of Table Tennis Celebrated in Düsseldorf
The German Table Tennis Federation (DTTB) celebrated its 100th anniversary with a modest yet dignified gala at the German Table Tennis Centre (DTTZ) in Düsseldorf. Guests from sport, politics, and public institutions gathered to honour a century of achievements, milestones, and the people who shaped German table tennis. Among the guests were also the ETTU top representatives, led by ETTU President Pedro MOURA and Secretary General Pierre KASS. “As we reached the 100th anniversary of the German Table Tennis Association, we celebrate not only a century of sporting excellence, but also a federation that has profoundly shaped the identity of European and global table tennis. Germany has produced champions who have inspired generations, advanced our sport, and upheld the highest values of fair play and professionalism,” stated ETTU President MOURA. “The DTTB’s legacy is one of leadership, innovation, and unwavering commitment to progress, qualities that continue to strengthen table tennis across Europe. On behalf of the European Table Tennis Union, I extend my warmest congratulations and look forward to honoring this historic milestone together with the entire table tennis family.” The choice of the DTTZ as the venue underlined the symbolism of the moment: a place where national squad players train daily, and where tradition and future naturally meet. The centre, founded in 2006, stands as a testament to performance, passion, diversity, integration, and the intergenerational spirit of the sport. DTTB President Konrad GRILLMEYER opened the ceremony by reflecting on the long and rich history of the federation, whose founding dates back to 8 November 1925 in Berlin. “This day allows us to look back with pride, not only on historical milestones, but above all on the people who have shaped, carried and loved this sport over generations,” President GRILLMEYER said. Hans Wilhelm GÄB’s contribution to German table tennis spans nearly five decades. GÄB’s vision, persistence, and leadership were key to the creation of the DTTZ and to establishing professional structures that continue to underpin the federation today. GRILLMEYER highlighted his legacy: “Hans Wilhelm GÄB was a stroke of luck for German table tennis; without his vision and dedication, our sport in Germany would look very different today.” From organising the unforgettable 1989 World Championships in Dortmund, highlighted by the World Championship title won by Jörg ROSSKOPF and Steffen FETZNER, to shaping the federation as President, Adviser, and Honorary President, GÄB’s impact remains deeply rooted in the DTTB’s identity. The centenary celebration revisited defining moments of German table tennis. “This century of German table tennis is filled with breakthroughs and successes, setbacks and renewals. When the association was founded in 1925, table tennis was still a young sport: light, elegant and already fascinatingly fast. Progress came quickly. As early as 1926, the DTTB became a founding member of the ITTF. In 1929, Erika METZGER and Mona RÜSTER won Germany’s first World Championship title in women’s doubles. In 1930, Berlin hosted the first of seven World Championships to be held on German soil. The most recent edition took place in 2017, once again in Düsseldorf – another sign of the city’s strong connection to the sport.” President GRILLMEYER also spoke about dark chapters and historical responsibility: “The history of the association was not untouched by the difficult times Germany experienced. National Socialist persecution did not spare table tennis. The exclusion of Jewish athletes was an injustice that obliges the association to this day. Particular remembrance is given to Heinz NICKELSBURG, a leading player of his era who was ostracised and forced into emigration. His story remains a reminder to uphold fairness, openness and respect – the core values of both the sport and society.” DTTB returned through rebuilding, European integration, and the journey back to the top. “After the Second World War, table tennis in Germany began anew. In 1947, the first German Championships were held in Heppenheim, with future President Dr Dieter MAURITZ and Hilde BUSSMANN among the winners. In 1957, the DTTB became a founding member of the European Table Tennis Union. Players such as former World Championship bronze medallist Heinz SCHNEIDER – who represented both the DTTB and later the DTTV, the federation of the former GDR – helped Germany regain its footing internationally. They laid the groundwork for a gradual return to the world’s leading table tennis nations. A milestone came in 1966 with the establishment of the Bundesliga, giving table tennis a performance-oriented national league structure for the first time.” Another defining figure emerged during this era: Eberhard SCHÖLER. The defensive specialist captivated audiences in the late 1960s with his unique style and earned silver at the 1969 World Championships in Munich – generating unprecedented attention for the sport. As sports director and vice president, he shaped the association for 26 years with clarity and dedication. Together with Hans Wilhelm GÄB, he laid the professional foundation that continues to support German table tennis success today. The era of the “Golden Girls” in the late 1990s, followed by the emergence of Timo BOLL—whose achievements across Olympic Games, World and European Championships set new standards, ushered in a new era. The continuing success of German players including Dimitrij OVTCHAROV, Dang QIU, Patrick FRANZISKA, Benedikt DUDA, and the women’s team featuring Ying HAN, Sabine WINTER, Annett KAUFMANN, and Nina MITTELHAM further reinforced Germany’s status on the world stage. Beyond elite sport, the anniversary highlighted the social dimension of table tennis. More than 540,000 members in 9,000 clubs now play under the DTTB umbrella, with numbers rising for the third consecutive year. Millions more play recreationally across schoolyards, parks, pools, and public spaces. “Table tennis connects people, regardless of age, origin, language or religion. It creates encounters that might never happen elsewhere,” GRILLMEYER emphasised. The DTTB reaffirmed its commitment to the values that have guided the federation for a century: fairness, openness, inclusion and respect. It also reaffirmed its love for table tennis at every level. The DTTB is the home of sport for all. The “Mini Championships” have been a perennial favourite among DTTB campaigns since 1983 and
