At the end of the opening day in the Under 15 Boys’ event at the Europe Youth Top 10 in Tours, France, three players remain unbeaten: top seed Görkem ÖÇAL of Turkey, Jan MRUGALA of Poland, and Francesco TREVISAN of Italy. ÖÇAL confirmed his status as the top favorite by defeating his teammate Kenan KAHRAMAN, France’s Quentin SANDONA, and Lenard SZABO of Hungary. No. 2 seed Francesco TREVISAN of Italy followed the same path, overcoming SANDONA, SZABO, and Abraham SELLADO of England to finish the day with a perfect record. One spot below in the seeding, Hungary’s Mark GERGELY started well with a victory in the first round but then fell short against SELLADO in the second. The day also brought surprises. Germany’s Lukas WANG, who entered the event as a substitute, caused an upset in the opening round by defeating his teammate and no. 5 seed Jonas RINDERER in straight games. However, WANG was stopped in the second round by MRUGALA, who then went on to beat SELLADO and RINDERER, confirming his place among the unbeaten trio. You can see the pictures here Under 15 Boys – Results Round 2 Round 3
Koharu ITAGAKI Remains Unbeaten After Opening Day at Europe Youth Top 10 in Tours
After three rounds on the opening day of the Europe Youth Top 10 in Tours, France, only Koharu ITAGAKI of Germany managed to preserve an unbeaten record. With three victories, she leads the standings, followed by Alexia NODIN of France and Mariia LYTVYN of Austria, who each suffered one defeat in their opening matches. The tournament began with surprises right from the start. NODIN, encouraged by the home crowd, stunned no. 3 seed Patricia STOICA of Romania in straight games. Romania’s player then suffered another defeat at the hands of Sweden’s Siri BENJEGÅRD in round two. No. 2 seed Hanka KODET of Czechia started strongly against Croatia’s Lana BENKO, but was later stopped by NODIN in the second round. The highlight of the day came in round three, when ITAGAKI faced NODIN in a direct battle for the unbeaten lead. The German player prevailed 4–2, confirming her status at the top of the table. The top seed, however, faced a severe test early on. Poland’s Wanessa KULCZYCKA, a late substitute in Tours, came close to a huge upset in round one. ITAGAKI trailed 1–3 before producing a remarkable comeback to win in seven games. In the second round, she was more convincing, defeating BENKO in straight games. You can see pictures here Under 15 Girls – Results Under 15 Girls Round 2 Round 3
Europe Youth Top 10 Returns to Tours: Champions and Challengers Set for 2025
After a three-year break, the Europe Youth Top 10 is set to make its long-awaited return to the Palais des Sports de Tours, France. Scheduled for 2025 (3rd to 5th October), the event promises a spectacular show of the Continent’s most talented young table tennis players in the Under 15 and Under 19 categories, for both girls and boys. This will mark the fifth time Tours has hosted the prestigious competition, following successful editions in 2000, 2014, 2021, and 2022. A cornerstone of the European youth calendar, the tournament’s unique round-robin format guarantees high-level action from start to finish. Under 19 Boys In the Boys’ U19 event, Spain’s Daniel BERZOSA, who finished sixth last year, returns as no. one seed this year. Also back are Slovakia’s Samuel ARPAS (7th in 2024) and Belgium’s Tom CLOSSET (9th). Host nation France will field Nathan LAM, part of a promising new generation following in the footsteps of 2024 champion Flavien COTON, alongside Flavio MOURIER and Antoine NOIRAULT. Adding further depth are Germany’s Marcel BLASZCZYK (No. 2 seed), Poland’s Rafal FORMELA (No. 10), and England’s Connor GREEN. Under 19 Girls Defending champion Veronika MATIUNINA (Ukraine) headlines the U19 Girls’ field, determined to repeat her 2024 triumph. France enters a strong duo in Leana HOCHART (4th in 2024) and Nina GUO ZHENG (3rd). Romania’s Bianca MEI-ROSU is seeded fourth, followed by Poland’s Natalia BOGDANOWICZ (7th in 2024). Slovenia’s Sara TOKIC (9th) and Portugal’s Matilde PINTO (8th) also return, joined by compatriot Julia LEAL (5th in 2024). Poland will also be represented by Karolina HOLDA, with Czechia’s Veronika POLAKOVA rounding out the list. Under 15 Boys Türkiye’s Görkem ÖCAL, who finished fourth in 2024, headlines the U15 seedings. Italy’s Francesco TREVISAN (3rd last year) and Hungary’s Mark GERGELY (5th) return to test their consistency. New challengers include Germany’s Jonas RINDERER, England’s Abraham SELLADO, and Poland’s Jan MRUGALA. Fresh talent comes from Quentin SANDONA (France) and Lukas WANG (Germany), while Hungary’s Lenard SZABO and Türkiye’s Kenan KAHRAMAN complete the field. Under 15 Girls In the Girls’ U15 category, Czechia’s Hanka KODETOVA, the reigning champion, returns to defend her crown. Runner-up Koharu ITAGAKI (Germany) enters as the top seed this year. Romania’s Patricia STOICA is third seed, followed by Spain’s Renata SHYPSHA close behind. Austria’s Mariia LYTVYN (9th in 2024) adds valuable depth, joined by Türkiye’s Nil BASARAN, Sweden’s Siri BENJEGARD, and France’s Alexia NODIN. The list is completed by Croatia’s Lana BENKO and Poland’s Wanessa KULCZYCKA. With defending champions like MATIUNINA and KODETOVA returning, alongside podium finishers from last year eager to improve, the 2025 Europe Youth Top 10 in Tours promises a thrilling showcase of established winners and hungry challengers. The unique round-robin format ensures that every match counts, making this one of the most anticipated youth events on the European calendar.
ETTU announce the opening of enrollment for the ETTU CES Level 1 – Participation Coach Course
ETTU announce the opening of enrollment for the ETTU CES Level 1 – Participation Coach Course. Application procedure: Admission requirements: Scholarships: Please note: travel and accommodation for the 4–5 day practical part of the course are not included. How to apply: We look forward to receiving your applications. The theoretical part will start in the second week of November on a self-paced and flexible basis. The practical part is scheduled to take place in the first part of 2026; the location and final dates are TBD.
ETTU Opens Call for Course Conductors in Coach Education System
The European Table Tennis Union (ETTU), in cooperation with the ASCENT Academy, has launched an open call for course conductors to deliver the practical modules of the ETTU Coach Education System (CES). The first cycle of these sessions is scheduled to start in the first trimester of 2026 . The ETTU CES is a long-term strategic project aimed at creating a structured pathway for coach education and certification in Europe. Its goals are to support the continuous professional development of coaches at all levels and to raise overall coaching standards by combining sports science with table tennis-specific expertise. The practical sessions will complement online learning modules, with a focus on hands-on training delivered in a face-to-face environment . Role of Course Conductors Selected course conductors will be responsible for providing advanced coaching content, leading interactive sessions, and mentoring participants. They will deliver training across three levels: Participation, Performance Development, and High Performance. The modules will cover methodology, technical and tactical aspects, physical conditioning, talent identification, and competition management. Course conductors will also collaborate with the ETTU Development Department to ensure consistency and alignment with CES objectives . Application Criteria The call is open to coaches from ETTU Member Associations who meet specific experience and achievement requirements: ETTU Level 1 – Participation Coach Requirements: ● Certificate/letter from the national federation confirming that the applicant has coached at least 2 players from beginner to cadet/junior level, who were either: ○ Selected for a cadet/junior national team at EYC/WYC/YOG, or ○ Invited to national training camps or official development programmes. (Only one coach can be credited per player.) ETTU Level 2 – Performance Development Coach Requirements: ● Must meet at least one of the following: ○ Officially appointed head coach of the cadet/junior national team (confirmed by the federation), responsible at EYC/WYC/YOG. ○ Certificate/letter confirming that the applicant regularly coached at least 2 players during their cadet/junior years who have either: ■ Won medals at EYC/WYC/YOG, or ■ Played in European TOP 12 (cadet/junior), or ■ Become members of a senior national team (EC/WC/OG). (Maximum of 2 coaches credited per player.) ETTU Level 3 – High Performance Coach Requirements: ● Must meet all of the following, cumulative and progressive: ○ Proven experience as a head coach at least 2 EYC/WYC/YOG. ○ Players coached achieved measurable results (e.g. medals, senior national team selection, Top 100 WR / Top 50 ER). ○ Additional credit may be given for club coaching achievements (Europe Cup / Champions League finals). Applicants must also demonstrate teaching and methodological skills, contributions to coach education, strong communication and presentation skills, and proficiency in English (additional European languages are considered an asset). Application Process Interested candidates should submit their applications by 24 October 2025, including: Applications should be sent to projects@ettu.org . Selection & Appointment The ETTU Development Department, in consultation with the ASCENT Academy, will review all applications. Selection will be based not only on results and achievements, but also on teaching ability, communication skills, and contributions to education. Successful candidates will join the ETTU Course Conductors Expert Base and may be appointed as ETTU Coach Experts for future CES cycles .
ETTU Executive Board to Host Finance and Propositions Webinar on 1st October
The European Table Tennis Union (ETTU) Executive Board has announced that it will hold a Finance and Propositions & Resolutions Webinar on Wednesday, 1 October 2025, at 11:00 CET. The session will cover several key topics of importance to Member Associations, including: The webinar, accessible via Zoom link, is intended solely for information-sharing and discussion. As clarified by the Board, all formal decisions and voting will take place during the upcoming ETTU Congress. The purpose of the webinar is to present all items in advance, ensuring Congress can proceed efficiently without repetition. For transparency and inclusivity, the webinar will also be recorded and made available to all Member Associations afterwards.
Latvia Hosts Successful ETTU Coaching Seminar with Zvonimir KORENIC
The Latvian Table Tennis Federation, in collaboration with the European Table Tennis Union through its National Association Assistance Programme (NAAP) successfully organized a two-day coaching seminar on September 2627, 2025, at the Iecava Sports School “Dartija” Sports Hall in Iecava, Latvia. The seminar brought together 29 table tennis coaches from Latvia and Lithuania, who received valuable insights into training methods, multi-ball training, and strategies to optimize exercises for players of all levels. The sessions were led by Zvonimir KORENIC, a world-renowned coach with decades of international experience. His expertise in building national high-performance programs and developing elite athletes provided exceptional inspiration and guidance for the participants. Тhe seminar offered a unique opportunity for local coaches to learn directly from one of the sport’s most respected professionals. “Events like this strengthen our coaching community and help us elevate the next generation of athletes,” said ETTU Vice President and President of the Latvian Table Tennis Federation Ina JOZEPSONE. The LTTF expressed its gratitude to the ETTU for supporting the event and reaffirmed its commitment to advancing table tennis development throughout the region.
Europe Youth Top 10 Returns to Tours
After a three-year break, the Europe Youth Top 10 is set to make its long-awaited return to Palais des Sports de Tours, France. Scheduled for 2025, this youth event promises an exciting show of the Continent’s most talented young table tennis players in the Under 15 and Under 19 categories, both girls and boys. This will mark the fifth time that Tours has hosted the competition, following successful editions in 2000, 2014, 2021, and 2022. The event has become a key milestone in the European youth calendar, offering a unique round-robin format that guarantees high-level action from start to finish. Event Highlights The event is co-organised by 4S Tours and the CVL League, whose shared passion and commitment ensure a professional and welcoming atmosphere for all participants and guests. “As organisers, we bring the same determination and enthusiasm as we did on day one,” said the local organising team. “It’s our pleasure to once again welcome Europe’s finest young athletes to Tours.”
MAYOROV, WU, ESCUDIER and ROCHUT Shine as European Under 13 Championships Conclude
After five days of fierce fights, the European Under 13 Championships came to an end. Newly crowned champion in the Boys’ Singles event is Ladimir MAYOROV of Spain, whilst Michelle WU of Switzerland clinched gold in the Girls’ Singles event. Tim ESCUDIER and Albane ROCHUT of France won the gold in Mixed Doubles. A day earlier, France beat Switzerland in the final of the Mixed Teams event, while Poland and Bulgaria secured bronze medals. In the ultimate stage of the Under 13 Boys’ Singles, Ladimir MAYOROV of Spain beat his teammate, Alexander MALOV. “It feels amazing. It is my first time being European champion and of course it is very special. I played so good, everything just clicked,” said MAYOROV. “Facing my teammate in the final was special, we have played each other so much and know everything about how to play against each other. I’m very happy for him too, reaching the final.” Joel ISAKSSON of Sweden and Marcos GOMEZ of Spain also reached the medal rostrum as semifinalists. European Singles champion in the Under 13 Girls’ Singles event is Michelle WU of Switzerland, while Ela Su YÖNTER of Türkiye clinched silver. “I’m so happy. When I came here, I didn’t think winning the event was possible for me, but I played maybe my best tournament ever. I won against some really good players who are all one year older than me, so I’m very proud and happy to be the European Champion,” said WU. The bronze medalists were Zsófia FEGYVER of Hungary and Nadalia IONASCU of Romania. After success in the Mixed Teams event the day earlier, Tim ESCUDIER and Albane ROCHUT won the final in the Mixed Doubles event and added another gold to the list. They overcame Hungary’s Simon ZSIGMOND and Zsófia FEGYVER. “We both lost earlier today in the singles event, so we were hungry for a victory and it feels great,” said Albane ROCHUT. “To win the European Championships feels amazing. We are good friends and that is why we play so well together. It has been a great event for us where our team spirit and pushing each other has really helped us a lot,” added Tim ESCUDIER. The bronze medalists were Ladimir MAYOROV of Spain with Enya HU of Switzerland, and the Swiss pair Arthur LOUSTALOT and Michelle WU. U13 Boys’ Singles Final Ladimir MAYOROV (Spain) – Alexander MALOV (Spain) 3-0 (11-9, 13-11, 11-7) Semi finals Alexander MALOV (Spain) – Joel ISAKSSON (Sweden) 3-2 (11-4, 2-11, 8-11, 11-9, 11-9) Ladimir MAYOROV (Spain) – Marcos GOMEZ (Spain) 3-0 (11-1, 11-1, 11-8) U13 Girls’ Singles Final Ela Su YÖNTER (Turkey) – Michelle WU (Switzerland) 1-3 (7-11, 11-13, 11-4, 10-12) Semi finals Zsófia FEGYVER (Hungary) – Ela Su YÖNTER (Turkey) 1-3 (12-10, 8-11, 4-11, 6-11) Michelle WU (Switzerland) – Nadalia IONASCU (Romania) 3-0 (11-7, 11-9, 11-2) Mixed Doubles Final Simon ZSIGMOND, Zsófia FEGYVER (Hungary) – Tim ESCUDIER, Albane ROCHUT (France) 0-3 (6-11, 4-11, 8-11) Semi finals Ladimir MAYOROV, Enya HU (Spain, Switzerland) – Simon ZSIGMOND, Zsófia FEGYVER (Hungary) 1-3 (7-11, 13-11, 10-12, 3-11) Arthur LOUSTALOT, Michelle WU (Switzerland) – Tim ESCUDIER, Albane ROCHUT (France) 0-3 (9-11, 8-11, 4-11)
Historic Achievements for Switzerland and Spain Highlight European Under 13 Championships
Although France finished as number one on the medals table with two gold medals, Switzerland and Spain emerged as the most decorated nations, each collecting four medals at the 2025 European Under 13 Championships held in Kosta. For Switzerland, this represents a historic breakthrough that surpasses all previous achievements in their table tennis history. The Swiss team tripled their total number of medals in the sport, celebrated their first-ever team medal, and Michelle WU became the first Swiss player to win a European title. This success is a clear reward for the work of the Swiss Association and, in particular, coaches Samir MULABDIC and Pedro PELZ. Spain also recorded one of their strongest campaigns, winning four medals and placing three boys in the semifinals of the singles event. This was the first time in the short history of the Under 13 Championships that a country achieved such depth, and it remains rare even across other youth competitions. Only a few parallels exist: Romania with three girls in the U19 semifinals at the 2023 European Youth Championships, Russia in Cadet Boys in 2004, Germany in Junior Girls in 2001, and the Commonwealth of Independent States in Cadet Girls in 2002. The only country to surpass this achievement in the 21st century was France, who in 2011 and 2012 filled all four semifinal spots in Junior Boys. Gold Silver Bronze Total 1 France 2 2 2 Switzerland 1 1 2 4 2 Spain 1 1 2 4 4 Hungary 1 1 2 5 Türkye 1 1 6 Poland 1 1 6 Bulgaria 1 1 6 Sweden 1 1 6 Romania 1 1
