Białystok has been chosen as the host city for the 93rd Polish Table Tennis Championships, set to take place from March 21 to 23, 2025. The competition will be held at the sports hall of Primary School No. 50, located at Kazimierza Pułaskiego 96. This prestigious tournament will feature 96 players (48 men and 48 women) competing in singles, doubles, and mixed doubles events. The defending singles champions, Samuel KULCZYCKI and Katarzyna WĘGRZYN, will seek to defend their titles in 2025. In the doubles categories, Jakub DYJAS and Patryk LEWANDOWSKI claimed the men’s title last year, while Agata ZAKRZEWSKA and Martyna LIS secured the women’s title. The reigning mixed doubles champions are Marek BADOWSKI and Natalia BAJOR. One of the most anticipated participants is Miłosz REDZIMSKI, the highest-ranked player in Poland. His presence in the tournament adds to the excitement, as fans look forward to seeing one of Poland’s finest table tennis talents in action. Known for his determination and skill, REDZIMSKI will undoubtedly be one of the main contenders for the national championship title. Tournament Schedule March 21 (Friday) March 22 (Saturday) March 23 (Sunday) Television broadcast from 10:30 AM to 2:30 PM
Prishtina Open 2024 Wins “Most Attractive Event of the Year” Sports Awards
The Municipality of Prishtina, through its Directorate of Sports, hosted the annual Sports Awards Ceremony to honor the most outstanding athletes and the most significant sports events of 2024. This event aims to recognize the achievements and contributions of athletes, coaches, and clubs in advancing sports in the capital. One of the most prestigious awards of the evening, “Most Attractive Event of 2024,” was awarded to the Priping Table Tennis Club for organizing the Prishtina Open Table Tennis International Tournament 2024 (POTTTIT). This international tournament, held in Prishtina, attracted over 300 competitors from 25 different countries, making it one of the most notable sporting events of the year in Kosovo. POTTTIT 2024 stood out for its high-level organization, the participation of top-tier athletes, and its role in promoting table tennis as an elite sport in the country. Through this event, Priping not only elevated the standards of table tennis competitions in Kosovo but also enhanced Kosovo’s reputation on the international sports stage. Kastriot ORANA, the tournament organizer and head of KPP Priping, expressed his gratitude for the recognition by the Municipality of Prishtina: “This award is a testament to the tireless work our team has put in to elevate table tennis to a higher level. The Prishtina Open Table Tennis International Tournament 2024, or POTTTIT 2024, was not only a sporting success but also an opportunity to showcase our city and country on the international stage. This is just the beginning—our goal is to establish this tournament as a reference point for table tennis in the region and beyond.” In addition to the club’s success, two KPP Priping players, Denat MAKOLLI and Deti KONUSHEVCI, were honored with the “Hope of the Year – Male” award. This recognition highlights the dedication and potential of these young athletes, who have demonstrated great promise for the future of table tennis in Kosovo. Beyond the accolades for KPP Priping and its athletes, the ceremony also celebrated outstanding athletes and coaches from various sports disciplines. Kushtrim MUSHICA, Director of Sports for the Municipality of Prishtina, emphasized that these awards serve as a strong motivation for athletes and clubs, encouraging them to continue striving for excellence in 2025 and beyond.
Vojvodina Secretary for Sports and Youth, BASTA, Meets with ETTU President MOURA
Today, the Provincial Secretary for Sports and Youth, Dane BASTA, welcomed the President of the European Table Tennis Union (ETTU), Pedro MOURA, to discuss the organization of the European Veterans Table Tennis Championship, which will take place from June 15 to 22 at the Novi Sad Fair. Secretary BASTA expressed his satisfaction that Novi Sad, known as a city of sports, will host the championship, emphasizing that the Secretariat is ready to provide any necessary support for the successful execution of the event. President MOURA reaffirmed the importance of European Veterans Championships, being the biggest event on ETTU program. “ETTU is firmly committed to have a high level championships, strongly cooperating with the new leadership of the Serbian Table Tennis Association pretending to leave a legacy for the future of local table tennis.” BASTA expressed hope that Serbia will justify its role as the host, reminding that the city of Novi Sad and the Autonomous Province of Vojvodina have a rich table tennis tradition. He highlighted that the Novi Sad Fair previously hosted the European Senior Table Tennis Championship in 1974, while the SPENS arena, built specifically for the event, was the venue for the 1981 World Championship. Dane Basta also pointed out that the Secretariat has strong cooperation with the Table Tennis Associations of Serbia, Vojvodina, and Novi Sad. Their representatives agreed that investments in the organization of the championship will have a lasting impact on Novi Sad and Vojvodina in the future.
Mayor of Novi Sad Hosts ETTU President Moura
The Mayor of Novi Sad, Žarko MIĆIN, and the City Council member for Sports and Youth, Tatjana MEDVED, met with the President of the European Table Tennis Union (ETTU), Pedro MOURA. MOURA visited the City Hall with a delegation from the Serbian Table Tennis Association to discuss the European Veterans Championship, which will take place from June 15 to 22, 2025, at the Novi Sad Fair. Pedro MOURA emphasized that the championship, which is expected to attract over 5,000 visitors from nearly all European countries and more than 3,000 competitors across 11 age categories, along with numerous table tennis enthusiasts, would be a spectacular sporting event. “Beyond the competition itself, I am confident that this event, given its significant tourism potential, will also contribute to the city’s economy and promotion,” MOURA stated. Mayor MIĆIN expressed confidence that Novi Sad would successfully rise to the challenge and be an excellent host for the European Veterans Championship, the largest table tennis competition on the continent. He also highlighted Novi Sad’s rich history of hosting major table tennis events, including the European Senior Championship in 1974, the European Youth Championships in 1988 and 2003, as well as the World Championship in 1981. Additionally, Novi Sad is a candidate for the title of European City of Sport in 2026. “Table tennis is inseparably linked to Novi Sad, a city that nurtures a strong sporting spirit. One of the city’s symbols, our SPENS arena, built specifically for the Table Tennis World Championship in the 1980s, is a testament to this legacy. Given that Novi Sad is a candidate for the European City of Sport 2026, I hope that this event, one of many prestigious sporting competitions held in our city, will contribute to securing that prestigious recognition,” said Mayor MIĆIN. Members of the Serbian Table Tennis Association delegation—Predrag NIČIĆ, Dan FRACILE, Vladimir ŠIŠKA, Marko JEVTOVIĆ, and Dušan CVEJIĆ—expressed their gratitude for the strong support from the ETTU President. They also affirmed their readiness to tackle all logistical and organizational challenges ahead as hosts of the championship. They proposed that Mayor MIĆIN assume the role of President of the Championship’s Organizing Committee, which he accepted.
President MOURA met with Serbian Minister of Sports
Serbian Minister of Sports Zoran GAJIĆ hosted a reception for ETTU President Pedro MOURA, and a delegation from the Serbian Table Tennis Association (STSS) on the occasion of the European Veterans Table Tennis Championships, which will take place from June 15 to June 22 at the Novi Sad Fair. Novi Sad is also the candidate for the 2026 City of Sport. This tournament is the largest sporting event in Serbia since the Universiade in Belgrade, bringing together over 5,000 competitors and guests. The event will be held in two large halls, featuring 150 table tennis tables across a total area of approximately 10,000 square meters, with an additional 100,000 square meters of open space dedicated to cultural and hospitality activities. The meeting was attended by State Secretary Ratko NIKOLIĆ, Assistant Minister for International Cooperation and European Integration, Chief of Staff Jovan KNEŽEVIĆ, as well as STSS President Predrag NIČIĆ, STSS Director Marko JEVTOVIĆ, STSS Vice President Vladimir ŠIŠKA, Championship Director Dane FRACILE, and STSS Executive Board Member Dušan CVEJIĆ. ETTU President Pedro Moura expressed his delight at visiting Belgrade and his full support for this prestigious competition. “This is my second visit to Belgrade, following the 2022 European Junior Championships. I am well aware of how much people here love sports, and that makes me feel at home. I came to present to Minister GAJIĆ what awaits us and to offer my full support to the new STSS leadership. It is already clear that the minister is well informed about all preparation phases, for which I am very grateful,” said Pedro MOURA. Minister GAJIĆ shared his personal connection to the sport, revealing that before his successful volleyball career, his first sporting steps were actually taken at a table tennis table in Senta, Čoka, and Pančevo. “Regardless of the results, table tennis has always held an important place in Serbian sports. Novi Sad and SPENS have a rich table tennis history, and I would like to remind everyone that SPENS was built specifically for the 1984 World Championships. With the 1974 European Championships and many other major events, this sport has deep roots in our country. The people currently leading table tennis in Serbia give me full confidence that, as a ministry, we should support the organization of this event. We are fully available to provide any kind of assistance,” said Minister Zoran GAJIĆ. The European Veterans Championships will have a maximum of 3,360 participants, divided into 11 age categories ranging from 40-44 years to 90+. Three months before the start of the competition, around 2,700 players have already registered from nearly every European country, with many bringing family members, adding significant tourism value to the event. Recently, the Serbian Table Tennis Association (STSS) underwent a leadership change, with Predrag NIČIĆ now at the helm. “The leadership change occurred due to shortcomings in the work of the previous management. Clubs were uncertain whether the previous team could successfully organize such a major event. We have now taken over all championship sectors, and the preparations are progressing at a satisfactory pace,” explained STSS President Predrag NIČIĆ. All attendees expressed their gratitude to the Ministry of Sports for its support. Championship Director Dane FRACILE highlighted the long-term benefits of this assistance: “The Ministry has provided significant support, and we are thrilled that not only this competition but also the Serbian Table Tennis Association and its athletes will benefit from it. After the championship, we will retain 150 tables, nearly 10,000 square meters of Taraflex flooring, and a new climate control system for the Novi Sad Fair,” stated Dane FRACILE.
1,100 Fans Celebrate: Standing Ovations Before Timo BOLL’s First Serve
Standing ovations before even a single ball was played. Great emotions before the match, and in the end, goosebumps and even a few tears. Everything revolved around Timo BOLL and his last regular-season home match at the ARAG CenterCourt (ACC). In between, the Bundesliga match between Borussia Düsseldorf and TTF LIEBHERR Ochsenhausen almost became secondary—almost, perhaps also because the record champions lost this top match 2-3, yet still had reason to celebrate. It was his big night: Timo BOLL was able to fully enjoy his farewell performance for Borussia. His entrance alone was already a victory lap through the entire hall. Step by step, he absorbed the atmosphere and cherished the loud and heartfelt gratitude from the audience for 18 unforgettable years at Staufenplatz. Right after 1,100 fans in the sold-out ACC sang him a birthday song for his 44th birthday, BOLL had to step right up to the table. And once again, he delivered brilliant table tennis, showing exactly what everyone loves about him. Seventeen-year-old Tiago ABIODUN was unimpressed by the legend standing across from him. He challenged the former world number one, leading to a match filled with exciting, long rallies. But BOLL still has his incredible touch, never giving up on a single point, and played with well-thought-out tactics. He fired up the crowd and put his club ahead 1-0. Just like against Werder Bremen, Kay STUMPER once again delivered great table tennis. Facing Simon GAUZY, he dominated the first set, leaving the Frenchman no chance. But GAUZY, with his experience and class, turned the game around. He took the next two sets, but STUMPER fought back to force a decisive fifth set. It was closely contested, and perhaps only a bit of luck was missing, but Ochsenhausen managed to equalize. With Dang QIU (Borussia Düsseldorf) and Hugo CALDERANO (Ochsenhausen) already on their way to China for the next WTT Champions event, Anton KÄLLBERG took the stage next. Facing Leonardo IIZUKA, he played solidly, but the match couldn’t quite match the intensity of the previous games. The Swede controlled the match and won comfortably 3-0. The fans got one last chance to see Timo BOLL in action. In the climactic match, he faced Simon GAUZY and the Frenchman’s powerful backhand. BOLL immediately felt the intensity, scoring just one point in the first set. The second set was more balanced, but still went to GAUZY. In the third set, Boll took a 5-0 lead but couldn’t hold on, allowing Ochsenhausen to level the score at 2-2. For the second time in four days, an ARAG CenterCourt match came down to a deciding doubles match. Borussia Düsseldorf sent Anton KÄLLBERG and Borgar HAUG to the table. The two Scandinavians have been unbeaten this season as a duo, but IIZUKA and ABIODUN, despite their youth, are a well-established pair, having finished third at the last Youth World Championships. They started strong, preventing the Borussia duo from getting into the match. But in the second set, Källberg and Haug turned things around, leveling the score. However, it wasn’t enough. Ochsenhausen took the final set and claimed the victory in Düsseldorf. In the standings, both Borussia Düsseldorf and Ochsenhausen now have 30:10 points, but Düsseldorf remains in first place thanks to a better game ratio. However, the fans in the hall had little concern for the standings. They were only interested in celebrating their hero. The “Timo, Timo” chants didn’t stop—especially after he took the microphone from manager Andreas PREUß and shared heartfelt words with his fans and supporters: “No matter where I played in the world, I was always welcomed with open arms and received so much support, respect, and appreciation from you fans. It has been a great honor to be your table tennis entertainer. I will miss all of this so much. Thank you for these unforgettable moments that I was able to experience thanks to you.” Danny HEISTER, Head Coach of Borussia Düsseldorf “It’s a shame that we lost today. We always want to win, but on this evening, I especially wanted Timo to have a victory. However, we are safely in the playoffs, so I don’t want to overanalyze the defeat. You can lose to Ochsenhausen. GAUZY was strong, winning two key points, which you always have to factor in. Unfortunately, our doubles weren’t as sharp as they have been recently.” Borussia Düsseldorf – TTF Liebherr Ochsenhausen
17th ITTF Sports Science Congress – Doha 2025: A Premier Event for Table Tennis Science
The International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) announced the 17th ITTF Sports Science Congress, set to take place in Doha, Qatar, on 15-16 May 2025. This event is jointly provided by the Qatar Table Tennis Association (QTTA) and Aspetar-Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Hospital, offering a unique opportunity for professionals to engage with leading experts in table tennis science and sports medicine. The Congress, an accredited CPD activity, will feature world-class speakers sharing the latest evidence-based insights into diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of injuries in table tennis players. Discussions will cover key areas such as: Researchers, practitioners, and scholars are invited to submit papers on a wide range of topics, including but not limited to: Key Details Dates & Time: Upon completion of the Congress, participants will be able to: A Key Event Ahead of the ITTF World Championships Finals Adding to the excitement, the ITTF World Table Tennis Championships Finals Doha 2025 will commence immediately after the Congress, running from 17-25 May 2025. This presents a perfect opportunity for attendees to experience both the scientific and competitive aspects of world-class table tennis in one location. See more here
ETTU Announces with Regret the Passing of the Legendary Ella Constantinescu ZELLER
Ella CONSTANTINESCU ZELLER, a legend of Romanian table tennis, has passed away at the age of 91. Inducted into the Hall of Fame by the ETTU and ITTF, alongside the legendary Angelica ROZEANU, Ella CONSTANTINESCU ZELLER made history in the sport, serving as an inspiration both during her playing career and in the years following her retirement. Alongside other emblematic figures, Ella CONSTANTINESCU ZELLER contributed to the development and global recognition of Romanian table tennis. She also played a significant role in shaping future generations, acting as a mentor and guide. Born on November 26, 1933, in Moldova Nouă, her table tennis journey began at the age of 11 in Timișoara, at RGMT Club, where she quickly stood out, becoming a local junior champion in 1946. This was just a prelude to her 30 national championship titles, won while playing for Progresul and Voința, in Bucharest. “I felt the paddle like a violin,” she once said, and she mastered it with exceptional skill between 1952 and 1963, during which she won 13 medals at the World Championships, including three gold medals with the team and two gold medals in doubles, alongside Angelica ROZEANU. Ella CONSTANTINESCU ZELLER was also European champion in women’s doubles in 1958, as well as a two-time European runner-up, with the team (1958) and in women’s doubles (1964). Her impressive record at the biggest events also includes: World Championships: European Championships: International Championships: 1st place in Women’s Singles: Romanian National Championships: Best rankings: After retiring in 1966, Ella ZELLER CONSTANTINESCU’s success story continued. Until 1989, she served as a federal coach, playing a crucial role in training top athletes who achieved international success. As a distinguished coach in Romania, Ella CONSTANTINESCU ZELLER later emigrated to Germany, where she remained dedicated to table tennis. In 2000, Romania honored her with the National Cross for Faithful Service, 3rd Class. Condolences to Ella ZELLER CONSTANTINESCU’s family. The funeral will be held in Timișoara.
The Draw for the 2025 Europe Trophy Grand Final
The draw for the 2025 Europe Trophy Grand Final was held today. The tournament is set to take place from April 4th to 6th, 2025, in Igalo, a coastal town just beyond the Croatian border.Igalo will host both the Men’s and Women’s events at the Europe Trophy Grand Final.
Cristinel ROMANESCU Re-Elected as President of the Romanian Table Tennis Federation
On March 4, 2025, the General Assembly of the Romanian Table Tennis Federation (RTTF) convened to elect the RTTF President, Vice-President, and members of the Board of Directors, as well as the members of the Commission of Censors and the President of the Appeal Commission. A total of 75 affiliated members with voting rights participated in the RTTF General Assembly. Cristinel Romanescu was re-elected as president with an overwhelming 72 votes. Elected Members of the RTTF Board of Directors: Additionally, the non-elected members of the Board of Directors include: Cristinel Romanescu’s said: “I sincerely thank all my colleagues who participated in the General Assembly and am deeply grateful for their trust. This re-election is a recognition of my dedication and lifelong involvement in table tennis. We are a highly valuable team, fully committed to this sport, and we will continue to set and achieve our objectives at the highest level. I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to:the athletes, who have made me proud so many times, the coaches, for their dedication, professionalism, and guidance in leading athletes to success, the federation staff, for their professionalism, commitment, and hard work, the clubs, for their sacrifices, involvement, and support in achieving excellence, the National Sports Agency and the Romanian Olympic and Sports Committee, for their continuous support, Romstal, the official partner of RTTF, all RTTF sponsors, for their essential contributions, the parents and families of our athletes – you are incredibly important, the media, for their coverage and promotion of our sport, everyone who has believed in me, supported me, and contributed to RTTF projects during my previous mandate and all those who love and support Romanian table tennis!” With his re-election, Cristinel ROMANESCU, member of the Executive Committee of the Romanian Olympic and Sports Committee, continues his leadership, aiming to further develop Romanian table tennis and strengthen its presence on the international stage.
