In front of a passionate home crowd at the PalaTennistavolo, Marcozzi Cagliari made history by winning their first-ever Men’s Italian Cup, adding to their collection of four Italian Championship titles from 1990, 1992, 2000, and 2001. The cup and medals were presented by FITeT President Renato Di NAPOLI. After a 3-1 victory over Tennistavolo Sassari in the semifinals, Marcozzi claimed the title by defeating Virtus Servigliano with the same score in the final. Virtus had previously caused a major upset by eliminating the reigning champions Apuania Carrara 3-1. In the third-place match, Apuania Carrara defeated Tennistavolo Sassari 3-1. Federal councilor Raffaele Curcio expressed great satisfaction with Marcozzi’s return to the top after 24 years: “Marcozzi wins a trophy again after 24 years, and the coach’s surname remains the same. We have transitioned from Fabio Massimo FERRERO to his son Massimo, continuing the family tradition. Winning at home makes this triumph even more special, especially with Carlo ROSSI, who was born in this gym and has returned to play in Italy this season.” Curcio emphasized the team’s strength and unity: “Our goal before the Final Four was to perform well, and I believe we achieved that. The team is strong—perhaps not unbeatable, but well-balanced and always ready to step up when needed. Of course, competition is always tough, and every match presents its challenges. This Italian Cup, following our four past league titles, is truly significant. The home crowd played a crucial role in supporting the team.” Special recognition was given to Carlo ROSSI, who remained unbeaten in both singles and doubles throughout the semifinals and final. CHANDRA also maintained a perfect record, demonstrating his reliability. Meanwhile, Vallino COSTASSA secured the decisive victory, capping off a highly successful season. Finals MARCOZZI CAGLIARI – VIRTUS SERVIGLIANO 3-1 APUANIA CARRARA – TENNISTAVOLO SASSARI 3-1 Semifinals APUANIA CARRARA – VIRTUS SERVIGLIANO 1-3 MARCOZZI CAGLIARI – TENNISTAVOLO SASSARI 3-1
ETTU Opens Tender for Para U23 Camp 2025 Hosting
The European Table Tennis Union (ETTU) is pleased to announce the opening of the tender to host the Para U23 Camp, which will take place between June and December 2025. However, the preferred timing for the camp is June, prior to the European Para Youth Games (EPYG). Member Associations interested in hosting the camp are invited to submit their show of interest by Friday, February 14. While not mandatory at this stage, providing details such as the proposed host city, venue, and accommodation would be appreciated. Applications should be sent to galia.dvorak@ettu.org and ana.ivosevic@ettu.org. For any inquiries, please feel free to reach out.
ETTU Strengthens Professional Team with New Marketing and Digital Media Experts
The European Table Tennis Union (ETTU) is pleased to announce the addition of Carla FERNANDEZ and Chiara COLANTONI to its professional structure, reinforcing its commitment to digital media and marketing event promotion. Carla FERNANDEZ joins ETTU as Digital Media and OTT Content Manager. In this role, she will be responsible for developing and implementing the digital content strategy across various platforms. Her primary focus will be on strengthening ETTU’s online presence, engaging with fans, and optimizing content across the ETTU website, social media channels, and OTT platform to enhance audience interaction and global reach. As part of this transition, Chiara COLANTONI has stepped down from her role as Chair of the Athletes Commission and as a member of the Executive Board to take on the position of ETTU Marketing Assistant. Her responsibilities will include managing sponsor engagements, developing branding strategies, and coordinating promotional activities to enhance the visibility of ETTU competitions and their respective sponsors. With these strategic appointments, ETTU continues to enhance its professional team, ensuring that its marketing and digital media efforts evolve alongside the growing demands of modern sport.
Unbeatable Brunetti Castel Goffredo: The Seventh Italian Cup Joins Their Trophy Case
At the PalaTennistavolo in Cagliari, Brunetti Castel Goffredo triumphed with a 3-1 victory over Quattro Mori Cagliari, securing their seventh Women’s Italian Cup. The medals and the trophy were presented by FITeT President Renato Di Napoli. In the doubles match, Nicole ARLIA and Nikoleta STEFANOVA dominated the first and fourth games, while Miriam CARNOVALE and Arianna BARANI fought hard to save several set points, making comebacks in the second and third games. However, in the decisive fifth game, the Italian champions asserted their superiority to claim the win. In the first singles match, Anastasiia Kolish started strong, but Tania PLAIAN staged an impressive comeback, securing victory in four games. STEFANOVA then delivered a commanding performance, defeating BARANI in straight games. The fourth match saw CARNOVALE dominate KOLISH in the opening game. However, KOLISH leveled in the second and, after a hard-fought battle in the next two games, ultimately secured a crucial victory, breathing a sigh of relief as she sealed the match. Coach Alfonso LAGHEZZA reflected on the team’s triumph: “We are very happy with this result. It was not an easy match at all. The opening doubles were crucial for us—we knew we could do well, but we didn’t expect such difficulties. Looking at the scores, when we won, we did so convincingly, and even in the sets we lost, we had several chances to close them out but failed to capitalize. I did not expect the first singles match to go differently. KOLISH can be inconsistent, whereas PLAIAN has gained significant international experience and is very solid. Stefanova played excellently and secured a straightforward win over BARANI. In the third singles, CARNOVALE started very well, but thankfully, KOLISH regained control, playing with more confidence and calculated risks. Her win was decisive—had she lost, the final match between ARLIA and PLAIAN would have been extremely close and unpredictable. Winning this seventh Italian Cup is another major achievement this season, especially after our seventh Super Cup. To do so without Bernadette SZŐCS and Andreea DRAGOMAN, our two strongest foreign players, makes this victory even more special—for us and for the girls, who were truly determined to succeed.” Final Match Score: Brunetti Castel Goffredo – Quattro Mori Cagliari 3-1
ETTU Executive Board and Committees Meet in Sarajevo to Shape the Future of European Table Tennis
During the European Team Championships Stage 1 in Sarajevo, the European Table Tennis Union held a series of important meetings, bringing together the Executive Board, Committee Chairs, and staff for a productive working week in Bosnia. “For the third year in a row the ETTU Executive Board members, Committee Chairs and professional staff met during the month of January to set common goals and align plans for the year ahead. 2025 will be another challenging year as ETTU is implementing at full speed the 2023-2028 Strategic Plan ratified by their member associations. As the result of all meetings and encounters, motivation from all the structure is at high level and as consequence I feel very positive about ETTU future, ” said ETTU President Pedro MOURA. The primary focus of the Executive Board was on senior event presentations by various member associations. A significant highlight was a Sustainability Presentation by Karine TEOW (ITTF Head of Sustainability), emphasizing the importance of eco-friendly initiatives within the sport. For the first time, the Committee Chairs held an independent meeting before presenting their proposals to the Executive Board the following day. This new structure allowed for a more coordinated approach to committee-led initiatives. ETTU staff also played a important role, presenting new projects, outlining the strategic roadmap for the upcoming events. The Executive Board reviewed the applications received through its Tender on Development and the Europe Youth Series, aiming to expand the ETTU Suppliers Pool and enhance youth table tennis programs across Europe. Additionally, an ETTU Development Plan Update introduced new projects, reinforcing ETTU’s commitment to grassroots development and broader participation. A special initiative was also arranged through ETTU’s Supplier Pool members to support the Ukrainian Table Tennis Federation, providing table tennis tables for their underground halls to help sustain training opportunities. In a move to honour the legends of European table tennis, ETTU will renew its Hall of Fame, ensuring that past champions receive the recognition they deserve. The future of European Club Competitions was also a key discussion point, with a detailed plan set to be prepared for the further development of professional club-level events in Europe. With these important discussions and strategic initiatives, ETTU continues to drive innovation, sustainability, and growth in European table tennis, ensuring a bright future for the sport.
ETTU and Table Tennis England Focus on International Umpire Training
Table Tennis England is actively preparing for its upcoming international events, including the WTT Feeder Manchester and the 2026 World Championships. These top-tier competitions demand a high level of officiating, creating a need for more skilled international umpires. As part of this renewed focus on umpire development, a recent ETTU-supported training course was held in Wolverhampton, England. The theme of the two-day course was “International Umpiring,” aimed at equipping umpires with the skills and experience necessary for officiating at major events. The course was led by ETTU URC Deputy Chair Asko RASINEN (Finland), in collaboration with ETTU URC member Tom PURCELL, who plays a key role in Table Tennis England’s umpire development programs. The training placed a strong emphasis on practical umpiring, covering essential tasks and procedures from the Call Area to the conclusion of a match, including returning equipment and preparing for the next assignment. Participants had the unique opportunity to officiate real matches during the Women’s British Premier League, allowing them to apply their skills in a competitive setting. The trainers closely observed their performances and provided general feedback in a review session the following day. With the increasing professionalization of table tennis and the rise of live streaming, the demands on international umpires have also evolved. Recognizing this, the final session of the training focused on “Presentation and Communication” during matches, as well as the “Management of Matches” to ensure smooth and professional officiating. The participants displayed great enthusiasm and engagement, particularly when the trainers shared their own experiences and valuable “tricks of the trade.” The training format proved to be highly effective, combining theoretical learning with hands-on experience at a live event. This approach not only provided umpires with real-time feedback but also helped them refine their individual skills in a structured and supportive environment. With continued initiatives like this, ETTU and Table Tennis England remain committed to strengthening the quality of international umpiring, ensuring that future tournaments meet the highest officiating standards.
Productive Meeting of Executive Board and Committee Chairs in Sarajevo
On the occasion of the European Teams Championships Stage 1 in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, ETTU organized several important meetings. One of the key gatherings was the meeting between the ETTU Executive Board and the Committee Chairs. “This was an excellent opportunity to hear from our Committee Chairs, discuss their ideas and proposals, and have conversations about the future of ETTU. We had various and interesting discussions,” stated ETTU President Pedro MOURA. Following the elections in Linz last October, few new Chairs joined the ETTU team. “It was a mutual opportunity to meet each other. An excellent afternoon of work with the future in mind under the mojo “table tennis first”,” said MOURA. The ETTU President also highlighted some of the key programs discussed during the meetings. “We talked about the improvement of the European rankings and coach education on the continent, which is very important for the future of our young players and the growing of our sport. While all the Chair Committees had the chance to bring new topics to be discussed, we had the chance to welcome the new ETTU Medical and Sport Science Committee, appreciating and even being intrigued with the plans presented.” stated MOURA.
Montenegro’s STK Novi to Host 2024-2025 Europe Trophy Grand Final in Igalo
The ETTU has awarded the club STK Novi from Montenegro for hosting the 2024-2025 Europe Trophy Grand Final, scheduled for 4th to 6th April 2025. The event will take place in Igalo, a coastal town located just beyond the Croatian border. Igalo will host both the Men’s and Women’s events at the Europe Trophy Grand Final. The following men’s teams have qualified from the Regional stage of the Europe Trophy Grand Final: The following women’s teams have earned their place in the Europe Trophy Grand Final:
ETTU Announces Confirmed Players for CCB Europe Top 16 Cup Montreux 2025
The highly anticipated CCB Europe Top 16 Cup Montreux 2025 will be held from February 20 to 23 in Montreux, Switzerland, marking the event’s seventh edition. Last week, European Table Tennis Union released the list of confirmed players for the competition. 2024 Champions Return to Defend Their Titles The winners of the 2024 CCB Europe Top 16 Cup were Jia Nan Yuan (France) and Darko Jorgić (Slovenia). JORGIC achieved a remarkable hat-trick, securing the title for the third consecutive year. YUAN made history as the first Frenchwoman to win the tournament. Bronze medalists in 2024 were Marcos FREITAS (Portugal) and Alexis LEBRUN (France) in the men’s event, while Bernadette SZOCS (Romania) and Nina MITTELHAM (Germany) took third place in the women’s category. ________________________________________ New Format for 2025 The 2025 CCB Europe Top 16 Cup will introduce an innovative new format: • Thursday: Qualification rounds for players ranked 15–21 in the ETTU rankings and one Swiss player. The two winners from the second round will advance to the main draw. • Friday: Round of 16 matches for both men and women. • Saturday: Quarterfinals for both categories. • Sunday: Semifinals and finals for men’s and women’s singles. Additionally, the two-player limit per nation has been removed, ensuring that Europe’s best players have the chance to compete, regardless of nationality. All matches will be played in a “Best of 5” format, and the competition will take place on a single table over four days
On the final day in Sarajevo 12 Teams Secure Spots at the ETC Final in Zadar
On the final day of play at the European Teams Championships Stage 1 in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, 12 teams secured their place at the European Teams Championships Final, which will take place in Zadar, Croatia, from October 12th to 19th. In the Women’s Team Event, the qualifiers are Netherlands, England, Greece, Belgium, Slovenia, and Bulgaria. In the Men’s Team Event, the qualifiers are Greece, Spain, Netherlands, Moldova, Finland, and Türkiye. The top-seeded teams in the Women’s Event — Netherlands, England, Greece, and Belgium — secured their spots in Zadar during the final duel of the Group Stage, leaving the defeated teams to compete in playoff matches for the two remaining positions. The Netherlands defeated Moldova 3-1, with Shuohan MEN remaining unbeaten throughout the tournament. MEN is one of only three players in the Women’s Event to achieve this status in Sarajevo. England overcame Slovenia 3-2, led by Tin-Tin HO, who also finished Stage 1 undefeated. Greece edged Bulgaria 3-2, with Aikaterini TOLIOU maintaining her perfect record. Belgium defeated Switzerland, ending Swiss star Rachel MORET’s flawless run. MORET suffered her second defeat in the final match against Margo DEGRAEF. In the playoff matches, Slovenia beat Switzerland in straight matches, whilst Bulgaria needed full five matches to overcame Moldova. In Phase 2 of the Men’s Event, the top-seeded team, Greece, secured three consecutive wins. In their final group match, they defeated Türkiye to maintain their flawless record. For the No. 2 seeds, Finland, the outcome was the opposite. They were defeated by Moldova, ranked 19th, in what was the biggest upset of the tournament. Vladislav URSU recorded a perfect 12 wins out of 12 matches, leading Moldova to a remarkable achievement. Seeded No. 3, Spain also secured their place in Zadar. They were led by the event’s highest-ranked player, Alvaro ROBLES, who preserved his unbeaten status, although he participated in only two matches. In their final group match, Spain overcame Lithuania. The clash between No. 4 seeded Norway and No. 5 seeded Netherlands concluded in favor of the lower-ranked team. The result wasn’t entirely expected. The defeat of one of the tournament’s highest-ranked players, Borgar HAUG, in the last match was a surprise. HAUG, who had previously secured nine wins, was defeated by Kas VAN OOST and Gabrielius CAMARA. In the playoff matches, Finland beat Lithuania 3-0, while Türkiye succeeded against Norway by same margin. See the pictures here.
