For the second time, young Europeans aged 13 to 16 are practicing in a joint Eurospins camp with their peers from South Korea. Last December it was in Asia, in the beautiful Jeju Island, this time the players met in Havířov in Czechia. And the Koreans are very satisfied with the environment in the National Training Center. This was confirmed in an interview by the Secretary General of the Korean Table Tennis Association, KIM Minseok. How do you like the conditions in this training center? “I have to say that we are very pleasantly surprised. The conditions are really excellent. There are enough tables, perfect lighting and a high-quality surface. Overall, the environment is at a very high level. We have ten young players from South Korea here and they are all very satisfied. It is not just about the hall itself, but also about the overall facilities, hospitality and other available services. The entire complex looks very professional and creates ideal conditions for a training camp that lasts approximately ten days.” What do you think about the cooperation project between ETTU and the Korean Table Tennis Association? “We consider this project to be very beneficial, both for European and Korean young players. First of all, I would like to thank the initiators of the whole event: the ETTU Executive Board and the ETTU Vice President Jaroslaw Kolodziejczyk, as well as the members of the Korean Table Tennis Association for the initiative and implementation of this project. The European coaches welcomed us very warmly, which we greatly appreciate. This experience is extremely important for our young players. In South Korea, the players have a similar level and train together every day, so it is difficult for them to objectively assess their own performance. Thanks to this international project, they have the opportunity to confront the European style of play and better understand their level in a global context. Moreover, we perceive that the level of European table tennis, especially among men, has increased significantly in recent years. Therefore, it is very valuable for us to observe how European players develop their skills, how the coaches work and what conditions are available for them.” Do you think it is sufficient that the players meet for approximately 10 days once every six months? “Unfortunately, more frequent meetings are not possible due to the busy international calendar. However, we consider the format of joint training lasting 8-10 days to be very suitable and effective. Unlike short events, longer concentration allows not only high-quality training, but also better understanding of the players, comparison of performance and adaptation to different playing styles. European players can be inspired by the Korean approach, and Korean players can adopt some elements of European training. This mutual exchange of experience is one of the greatest values of the entire project.” Do you plan to continue this project in the future? “Yes, definitely. We would like this project to become an annual tradition. We are planning another meeting in Korea in September, where we will discuss the continuation of cooperation. At the same time, we would like to keep the date in Europe during the Easter period, when the players have school holidays, which makes the organisation easier. Of course, we will also adapt to our possibilities. The goal is to create a stable and long-term program that will be beneficial for both parties. I would like to emphasize that although the project was initiated by specific individuals, it is a joint effort of multiple organisations and partners.” More pictures here.
ETTU celebrates 25 years of partnership with LIEBHERR
The European Table Tennis Union (ETTU) proudly marks 25 years of partnership with LIEBHERR, one of the world’s leading technology companies and a long-standing supporter of European table tennis. “For a quarter of a century, LIEBHERR has been a trusted and valued partner of the European Table Tennis Union. Their commitment has played an important role in strengthening the prestige of our flagship events and supporting the continued growth of table tennis throughout Europe. Long-term partnerships built on shared values are essential for the sustainable development of sport. Together with LIEBHERR, we look forward to building on this strong foundation and continuing to elevate European table tennis, inspiring new generations of athletes and bringing our sport closer to fans across the continent,” said ETTU President Pedro MOURA. The collaboration began at the European Championships in Zagreb in 2002 and has since developed into one of the most recognised and enduring partnerships in European sport. Over the years, LIEBHERR has served as Title Sponsor of the European Championships on 15 occasions, including Zagreb 2002, Courmayeur 2003, Aarhus 2005, Belgrade 2007, St. Petersburg 2008, Stuttgart 2009, Ostrava 2010, Schwechat 2013, Ekaterinburg 2015, Budapest 2016, Luxembourg 2017, Alicante 2018, Nantes 2019, Warsaw 2020 and Linz 2024. In recent years, LIEBHERR has continued to support major European table tennis events across different sponsorship roles, including as Major Sponsor at Malmö 2023 and Zadar 2025. The company will continue this involvement at the upcoming European Individual Championships in Ljubljana, Slovenia, underlining its long-term commitment to the sport. Reflecting on the long partnership, Bernhard KÖSLER, LIEBHERR Group Communication & Brand Management, highlighted the significance of the collaboration. “Over the past 25 years, the partnership between LIEBHERR and the European Table Tennis Union has proven to be both valuable and enduring. Throughout this time, we have passionately supported the sport – from nurturing young talent to backing major international tournaments. We take particular pride in the achievements of German and Austrian players, especially when they win medals or become European champions, as LIEBHERR proudly sponsors both men’s and women’s national teams.” LIEBHERR has also played an important role in ETTU’s premier individual event, the Europe Top 16 Cup, contributing in particular to the visibility and prestige of elite European competitions. “LIEBHERR’S involvement in table tennis has significantly enhanced the brand’s visibility, especially through title sponsorship of prestigious events like the European Championships. This engagement has helped us reach new markets and strengthen our presence in established ones. Beyond brand recognition, our sponsorship reflects LIEBHERR’S sense of social responsibility.” The longevity of the partnership is rooted in strong shared values between the sport and the company. “Table tennis is a global sport that embodies dynamism, precision, fair play, and strategic thinking – all qualities that resonate with LIEBHERR’S corporate values. Our company has experienced dynamic growth, and our products are renowned for their quality and accuracy. Table tennis, as a sport that promotes health, inclusivity, and fairness, aligns perfectly with the principles that guide our family business.” Looking ahead to the European Individual Championships in Ljubljana, LIEBHERR sees continued opportunities to support the sport’s growth and expand its reach. “We are committed to fostering the ongoing growth of European table tennis by helping the sport reach new audiences and continually raising the bar for both athletic and organisational excellence. We believe that the synergy between top-level sport and technological innovation will continue to drive progress for both table tennis and the LIEBHERR brand.” At the end, Bernhard KÖSLER, LIEBHERR Group Communication & Brand Management, stated: “Looking ahead, we are excited to keep supporting the development of European table tennis and to create many more unforgettable sporting moments together.” About the LIEBHERR Group The LIEBHERR Group is a family-run technology company with a highly diversified product programme. The company is one of the largest construction equipment manufacturers in the world. It also provides high-quality, user-oriented products and services in a wide range of other areas. The LIEBHERR Group includes over 150 companies across all continents. LIEBHERR was founded by Hans Liebherr in 1949 in the southern German town of Kirchdorf an der Iller. Since then, the employees have been pursuing the goal of achieving continuous technological innovation, and bringing industry-leading solutions to its customers.
Webinar Social Media Conduct for Umpires and Referees attracts strong interest
As part of a new initiative, the ETTU Umpires and Referees Committee hosted a webinar dedicated to social media conduct for match officials, drawing significant interest from across the community. With the visibility of table tennis continuing to grow, so too does the exposure of umpires and referees. The landscape has changed considerably compared to 10 or 15 years ago, making it increasingly important to address how officials engage with social media. The webinar therefore focused on sharing experiences, as well as providing practical guidance and best practices. Kerstin DUCHATZ, Mark BECKMANN and Mircea STEFF offered valuable insights, discussing the challenges officials face online. Particular attention was given to the nature of social media interactions, where comments can often be more extreme than in face-to-face situations. The speakers also presented strategies for handling such situations in a professional and composed manner. Clear recommendations were outlined, including key do’s and don’ts. Participants were advised to avoid engaging with posts, whether by commenting, liking, or disliking and to refrain from any social media activity during tournaments. The webinar gathered more than 80 participants, generating active discussion and a wide range of questions, all of which were addressed during the session.
Jersey launches fundraising campaign to rebuild TT Centre after Storm Ciarán
The Jersey Table Tennis Association has launched a fundraising campaign to rebuild its home venue following the devastation caused by Storm Ciarán in November 2023. The storm destroyed the island’s dedicated table tennis centre, leaving a significant gap in both sporting infrastructure and community life. For many, the Jersey Table Tennis Centre was far more than a playing hall – it was a place where young players discovered the sport, friendships were formed, and a strong sense of belonging was created. In response, the association has set a target of £120,000 to rebuild the Geoff Reed Table Tennis Centre, with strong progress already made. More than £100,000 has already been raised, and construction plans are underway, with hopes of reopening the new facility by September 2026. Despite the loss of their home base, the Jersey table tennis community has remained resilient. Clubs have adapted to challenging conditions, continuing to train, compete, and achieve success, while players, coaches, and volunteers remain united in their determination to restore their centre. The rebuilding project aims not only to replace a physical structure, but to revive a vital hub for sport and community engagement on the island. The association is calling on the wider table tennis family and supporters to contribute to the campaign, emphasizing that every donation will help rebuild opportunities, reconnect the community, and strengthen the future of table tennis in Jersey. Donations can be made via: https://jerseygiving.je/donate/jersey-table-tennis-association or by contacting the fundraising team at: jttafundraising@gmail.com
Saarbrücken to host HYLO® Champions League Men Final 4 for the next two editions
The European Table Tennis Union (ETTU) Executive Board has confirmed Saarbrücken as the host city for the next two editions of the HYLO® Champions League Men Final 4, continuing a partnership that has already proven highly successful. Since the introduction of the Final 4 format in 2024, Saarlandhalle Saarbrücken has quickly become the natural home of this premier club event. From the very first edition, the format brought a fresh energy to the competition, gathering Europe’s top four teams in an exciting, fan-focused setting. The decision to return to Saarbrücken for the next two seasons reflects the trust in the organisers, who have consistently delivered high-quality events both on and off the table. Strong crowds, excellent conditions, and a welcoming environment for teams and fans alike have all contributed to the event’s growing reputation. ETTU President Pedro MOURA highlighted the importance of building on this momentum: “Coming back to Saarbrücken is a guarantee of success. The Champions League is the pinnacle of our club competitions. The city and the club are reliable partners and we are looking forward to the continuing grow of this partnership for the next years.” Over the past editions, thousands of spectators have filled Saarlandhalle, creating a lively and unique atmosphere supported by both local fans and visitors from across Europe. “We are very proud that the Champions League Final Four will continue to be held in Saarbrücken in the coming years. We would like to thank everyone involved – especially the ETTU for their great trust. At the same time, being selected again underlines that the event has developed into a true institution in European table tennis, which we are particularly pleased about. Our sincere thanks also go to the Saarland state government for supporting us in this project year after year. The 2026 edition will be sold out, and we hope that we will once again be sold out on both days in the following two years, during which we have the privilege of hosting the event,” stated 1. FC Saarbrücken TT Team Manager and Head of Organization Nicolas BARROIS. With another edition just around the corner this May, and the next two years already secured, Saarbrücken will remain at the center of Europe’s top club competition as the HYLO Champions League Men’s Final 4 continues to develop and attract growing attention.
URSU and CHIRIACOVA lead the way at Moldovan National Championships
The 2026 Moldovan National Championships showcased the country’s leading talents, with Vladislav URSU and Alexandra CHIRIACOVA claiming the singles titles and underlining their dominance on the national stage. In the men’s singles event, Vladislav URSU confirmed his status as one of Moldova’s top players, securing the national title ahead of Andrei PUTUNTICA. The bronze medals went to Denis TERNA and Cezar COZMOLICI, both reaching the semifinals after strong performances throughout the competition. In the women’s singles, Alexandra CHIRIACOVA stood out with a commanding run to gold. She finished ahead of Olga BLIZNET, while Alina PULUCCIU and Valeria CRAVCENCO shared third place on the podium. Vladislav URSU further highlighted his excellent form by adding two more titles to his tally. He teamed up with Andrei PUTUNTICA to win the men’s doubles and partnered Alexandra CHIRIACOVA to secure the mixed doubles crown, completing a highly successful campaign. In the women’s doubles, Alexandra CHIRIACOVA continued her winning streak alongside Ecaterina SIREAC, as the pair claimed the title after a strong performance in the final. Moldova Men’s Singles Women’s Singles Men’s Doubles Women’s Doubles Mixed Doubles
STANOJKOVSKI and NIKOLOV extend dominance in Skopje
Kristijan STANOJKOVSKI and Amelia NIKOLOV claimed the singles titles at the National Closed Championships of North Macedonia, held in Skopje on 21-22 March. STANOJKOVSKI confirmed his long-standing dominance by securing his 15th national title, defeating Luka STOJCHEV in the final. Venko STOJANOV and Aleksandar RIKALOSKI completed the podium with bronze medals. In the women’s singles, NIKOLOV continued her impressive run, overcoming Sara STOJANOVSKA in the final to celebrate another milestone in her career. The bronze medals went to Sofija HASANU and Sara STOJANOVSKA. The doubles events, played a day earlier, further highlighted the dominance of the leading players. STANOJKOVSKI added the men’s doubles title alongside Aleksandar JAKIMOVSKI, while NIKOLOV triumphed in women’s doubles partnering Sara STOJANOVSKA. In mixed doubles, Amelia NIKOLOV and Filip MLADENOVSKI secured the title, completing a highly successful championship for the top players. North Macedonia Men’s Singles Women’s Singles Men’s Doubles Women’s Doubles Mixed Doubles
SZUDI and NAGY claim singles titles at 109th Hungarian National Championships
Ádám SZUDI and Judit NAGY claimed the singles titles at the 109th Hungarian National Championships in Mosonmagyaróvár, both overcoming the defending champions in the finals. In the men’s singles, 2025 champion Csaba ANDRÁS, fresh from his WTT victory in Varaždin earlier in the week, progressed confidently to the semifinals, dropping only one game to Nándor ECSEKI. On the opposite side of the draw, former champions SZUDI and Bence MAJOROS met in a high-quality encounter, with SZUDI prevailing in six games to reach the final. The final saw ANDRÁS aiming for his second national title, while SZUDI was chasing his sixth. The match initially appeared one-sided, as SZUDI raced into a 3-0 lead. However, ANDRÁS responded impressively, saving six match points in the fifth game and forcing a decider after levelling the match. In the seventh game, SZUDI regrouped and sealed victory to secure his sixth national crown. In the women’s singles, 41-year-old six-time champion Georgina PÓTA advanced to the semifinals in dominant fashion, defeating her former national team teammate Dóra MADARÁSZ in six games. In the other semifinal, the 17-year-old twins Judit and Rebeka NAGY faced each other, with Judit progressing in straight games. The final delivered a captivating battle between generations. Despite PÓTA taking leads of 2-1 and 3-2, NAGY turned the match around to claim a dramatic 4-3 victory and secure the first senior national title of her career. In the doubles events, the defending champions confirmed their dominance. SZUDI completed a remarkable treble, winning the men’s doubles with ECSEKI and the mixed doubles alongside Szandra PERGEL. In the women’s doubles, Bernadett BÁLINT and Mercédesz NAGYVÁRADI successfully defended their title for the fourth consecutive year. The most successful player of the tournament was SZUDI, who collected three gold medals across the weekend. Hungary Men’s Singles Women’s Singles Men’s Doubles Women’s Doubles Mixed Doubles
BAILEY claims long-awaited title at Isle of Man Championships
Sam BAILEY claimed the singles title at the Isle of Man Closed Table Tennis Championships 2026, held at the National Sports Centre (NSC), in an event that marked the start of a new ‘Open’ era. The first session of the championships, delivered a vibrant atmosphere and high-quality play, with a full hall witnessing the island’s top players compete across singles, doubles, and Under 16 events. The introduction of an Open format, allowing men and women to compete together in the main draw, added an extra layer of competitiveness to this year’s edition. The blue-riband event produced drama throughout. Defending champion Scott LEWIS recovered from a slow start in the group stage to reach the knockout rounds, while several tight encounters highlighted the competitive depth of the field. In the quarterfinals, Mike TAMAROV edged past Amit LANIN in a closely contested match, while LEWIS rediscovered his rhythm to defeat Duncan ALEXANDER. Darren SMETHURST impressed with a victory over former champion John SHOOTER, and BAILEY advanced with authority against Malcolm CUMMINGS. The semifinals delivered the tournament’s biggest surprise, as TAMAROV capitalised on LEWIS’s inconsistency to secure a hard-fought 3-2 victory. In the other semifinal, BAILEY overcame SMETHURST with a composed and tactically disciplined performance. In the final, BAILEY controlled proceedings with a measured yet aggressive approach, using spin-heavy serves and powerful third-ball attacks to prevent TAMAROV from settling into longer rallies. He sealed victory in straight games to finally claim the title that had long eluded him. Reflecting on his triumph, BAILEY said: “I had belief I could win. My tactics were to use my safe serves and mop up loose balls with my forehand, giving nothing away. This win means so much to me – it’s the one major title that has eluded me.” Isle of Man Men’s/Open Singles Open Doubles Under 16 Singles Under 16 Doubles
DARVIS and KRISTÍNARDÓTTIR MIXA crowned champions in Iceland
Ingi DARVIS RODRIGUEZ and Sól KRISTÍNARDÓTTIR MIXA claimed the singles titles at the Icelandic National Championships. DARVIS RODRIGUEZ secured the men’s singles crown with a convincing 4-0 victory over Birgir ÍVARSSON in the final. On his way to the title, he defeated Davíð JÓNSSON in the semifinals, while ÍVARSSON overcame Benedikt Aron JÓHANNSSON. DARVIS RODRIGUEZ completed an outstanding treble at the event. In the women’s singles, KRISTÍNARDÓTTIR MIXA produced a remarkable comeback in the final against Guðbjörg Vala GUNNARSDÓTTIR, recovering from 0-3 down to win 4-3. Helena ÁRNADÓTTIR and Nevena TASIĆ shared third place. DARVIS RODRIGUEZ added the men’s doubles title alongside Benedikt Aron JÓHANNSSON, while in the women’s doubles, ÁRNADÓTTIR and GUNNARSDÓTTIR claimed gold. In mixed doubles, DARVIS RODRIGUEZ partnered TASIĆ to secure another title. Iceland Men’s Singles Women’s Singles Men’s Doubles Women’s Doubles Mixed Doubles
