The Serbian champions will face French side Etival ASRTT, the No. 4 seed, on November 11 in Novi Sad, at the start of Stage 2 of the Champions League. The Novi Sad team reached this round by winning first place in their group in August, thus qualifying among the top 12 European teams for the fourth year in a row. The group also includes Spanish UCAM Cartagena, the No. 8 seed. The two best-placed teams will advance to the quarterfinals. “Both opponents are extremely strong, composed of experienced players. Etival, with Jieni SHAO, Yangzi LIU, and Christina KÄLLBERG in their line-up, are certainly the favourites against us. Australian Liu is ranked No. 30 in the world, and against Shao, ranked No. 55, we played last season — our player Aneta Maksuti managed to win at home,” explained coach Slobodan Stojanov. Cartagena also have powerful assets. “Maria XIAO, ranked No. 78, is very experienced; we haven’t managed to beat her so far. Tin-Tin HO from England plays the penholder style, which we rarely encounter. Fei QI, Jiao LI, Daniela ORTEGA… they have a deep and strong roster. It will be extremely difficult; we played them a few seasons ago and didn’t do well,” added Stojanov. Still, the coach remains optimistic about this season. “The situation is completely different now; the teams have changed significantly. We have experienced Russian players who are eager to prove themselves on the international stage. They showed their quality in the qualifications, and we hope to be competitive in this phase as well. The goal is, of course, to reach the top eight teams,” said the Novi Sad coach. The Serbian team consists of Aneta MAKSUTI, Valeria KOTCYR, Valeria SHCHERBATYKH, Reka BEZEG, and Irina SLAUTINA.
HB Ostrov z.s. Ready to Build on European Cup Triumph
After a historic 2024 season that saw HB Ostrov z.s. lift the Europe Cup, the Czech champions now step into the ETTU Champions League Men Round of 16, aiming to build on their continental success. The team has been placed among the eight highest seeds, earning direct entry into the main stage. However, their opening draw is anything but easy. HB Ostrov travel to Germany on 11 November 2025 to face Post SV Mühlhausen 1951 e.V., a regular Bundesliga powerhouse featuring world-class talent. “Every club from the German Bundesliga is extremely difficult,” admitted Czech international Pavel ŠIRUČEK. “But we will fight for promotion. It’s a huge advantage that Vladislav URSU can play without him, we probably wouldn’t have much chance. Now it’s much better. We want to get the best possible result in the first match so that we have a real opportunity in the return leg. We’ll also have our great fans behind us at home, which could help if it goes to a Golden Match.” HB Ostrov’s line-up features Vladislav URSU (MDA), Jiří VRÁBLÍK, Tomáš TREGLER, and Martin KOBLÍŽEK, combining international experience with domestic consistency. The German side, however, bring serious depth: LIN Gaoyuan (CHN), Ovidiu IONESCU (ROU), LIAO Cheng-Ting (TPE), Kay STUMPER (GER), and Steffen MENGEL (GER), with Marcos FREITAS (POR) also registered. Mühlhausen topped their Stage 2 group with a perfect record and will be formidable opponents. Coach Mira JINEK shared confidence ahead of the upcoming clash: “The atmosphere in the team is great. We are leading the Czech League and looking forward to the match. The opponent is very strong, and the draw was tough, but we will fight and try to advance to the next stage.” On the team’s condition, he confirmed: “All players are fit and ready to compete.” Jinek emphasised the importance of the Champions League for the club: “This competition is a top priority for us — for our sponsors, our fans, and for the reputation of Czech table tennis.” Finally, he addressed the supporters: “We ask our fans to keep their fingers crossed and come to our home matches in large numbers. Their support means a lot; they are among the best in Europe.”
KTS Enea Siarkopol Tarnobrzeg Aim to Reclaim European Glory as Champions League Journey Begins in Spain
Last year, four-time champions KTS Enea Siarkopol Tarnobrzeg were forced to surrender their title before reaching the final of the Champions League Women, as TTC Berlin Eastside produced a stunning comeback in the semi-finals. This season, the Polish powerhouse begins its new campaign in Stage Two of the ETTU Champions League. The top-seeded Tarnobrzeg side will open their 2025–26 journey on November 11 in Spain against MIRÓ Ganxets Costa Durada. Also in their group are the No. 5 seeds, the French club Saint-Quentin TT. “For our club, the Champions League competition is very prestigious, and that is why our players, our fans and I as the coach are very happy that the competition starts in just a few days,” said President and Coach Zbigniew NĘCEK. “Our players were playing in the WTT Champions tournament in Frankfurt this week, but I hope they will arrive in Spain healthy and ready to play. For the first time in our history, we drew MIRÓ Ganxets Costa Durada, and we are very curious to see how the competition with this team will go.” As always, Tarnobrzeg can rely on one of the strongest rosters in Europe. The team features Europe’s No. 5 Ying HAN, World No. 9 Satsuki ODO from Japan, Europe’s No. 13 Fu YU, Europe’s No. 19 Xiaoxin YANG, World No. 23 Wing Lam NG, and Polish players Magdalena SIKORSKA and Kinga STEFAŃSKA. HAN reached quarterfinals in Frankfurt earlier this week, whilst ODO reached Round of 16. “I am very happy about the return of Xiaoxin YANG. She is a very good player with a great personality, and her presence gives our team additional strength,” said coach NĘCEK. Looking ahead, the coach knows that the task will not be easy. “We would really like to win first place in the group stage, but I know it will be very difficult. Finishing first would allow us to use our seeding advantage in the quarter-final phase. From experience, we know that only right before the match, in the hall, we will see the final composition of our opponents, so it is difficult to talk about the odds now.” In the Polish national league, KTS Enea Siarkopol Tarnobrzeg have played five rounds so far and are leading the table with 15 points. Coach NĘCEK also had a message for the fans ahead of the forthcoming European matches. “Our fans and friends, keep your fingers crossed for us in the Champions League. We are fighting for another medal, but we respect our competitors very much and we know that it will be very difficult.”
SolexConsult Wiener Neustadt Set for Season-Defining Clash with Star-Studded Alliance Nîmes/Montpellier
In the Round of 16 of the ETTU Champions League Men, Austria’s SolexConsult TTC Wiener Neustadt, last year’s quarterfinalists and Final 4 contenders in 2024, will face a formidable challenge against French champions Alliance Nîmes/Montpellier, led by the dynamic LEBRUN brothers, Félix and Alexis. The French side also reached the quarterfinals in 2024, where they bowed out against Borussia Düsseldorf. Alliance Nîmes/Montpellier entered this season through Stage One, where Alexis LEBRUN, Gregoire JEAN, and Manav THAKAR comfortably topped their group. In contrast, Wiener Neustadt begins their campaign directly in Stage Two. The Austrian club underwent significant changes in the off-season. Their new line-up features Andrei ISTRATE (No. 56 in the European rankings), alongside Peter HRIBAR (Slovenia), Navid SHAMS (Iran), Shunsuke OKANO (Japan), and Piotr CYRNEK (Poland). “The team is in good shape and extremely excited about the upcoming Champions League match,” said TTC Wiener Neustadt President Franz GERNJAK. “We have completely rebuilt our roster and assembled a young, highly motivated squad led by the experienced Piotr CYRNEK.” Currently, Wiener Neustadt lead the Austrian Bundesliga with four wins and one draw. The first leg of the Round of 16 will take place on November 16. “It’s clear that Montpellier are the favorites,” admitted GERNJAK. “But there’s always a chance, and we want to seize it. Their squad is fantastic with the LEBRUN brothers, but their heavy international schedule might be a weakness. We have nothing to lose and will give our best in front of a full house and a passionate home crowd. The Champions League is undoubtedly the highlight of our season.” President GERNJAK also emphasized the strength of the team’s bench and shared his message to the fans: “We are proud to host one of the best teams in Europe, come and enjoy a fantastic Champions League atmosphere.” As for their ambition this season, he added: “Our goal is simple — to achieve the impossible and return once again to the Final Four in Saarbrücken.”
ETTU Extends Heartfelt Gratitude to Its Valued Partners for Zadar 2025
The European Table Tennis Union (ETTU) extends its sincere appreciation to its dedicated partners and sponsors whose commitment and collaboration made the 2025 European Team Championships in Zadar, Croatia, an outstanding success. A special acknowledgment goes to LIEBHERR, whose partnership with ETTU began in 2002 at the European Championships in Zagreb. Since then, LIEBHERR has served as title or major sponsor on no fewer than 15 occasions, supporting events in 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), Malmö (2023), and Linz (2024). Beyond the Championships, LIEBHERR has also been a long-standing partner of the Europe Top 16 Cup, symbolizing reliability, excellence, and continuity. The ETTU also warmly recognizes DONIC/NITTAKU, the Official Ball Supplier of the European Championships since 2016. The NITTAKU Premium 40+ white ball has become synonymous with precision and quality, setting the standard for European competition. ETTU expresses gratitude to Supplier Pool members and Local Organising Committee partners GERFLOR and TIBHAR for their exceptional contribution to the smooth and professional delivery of the event. GERFLOR, returning once again as the official flooring supplier, provided its iconic Taraflex sports surface, trusted for more than 35 years for its performance and durability. Meanwhile, TIBHAR equipped the Zadar venue with world-class tables, creating the perfect stage for Europe’s elite athletes to show their skills at the highest level. Together, these partnerships shared values of excellence, trust, and progress. Thanks to their collaboration, the Zadar Championships was flawlessly organized. Following the tremendous success of this championship in the Croatian jewel of Zadar, ETTU looks to the future with pride and optimism strengthened by the partnerships that continue to shape and inspire the sport. Over eight unforgettable days, Zadar witnessed table tennis at its finest. In the men’s event, France, the Olympic bronze medallists, overcame Romania 3-0 to capture their first European team title in 27 years. In the women’s event, Germany triumphed over Romania in the final to claim their tenth continental crown and third consecutive title since 2021. ETTU extends its gratitude once again to every team, partner, organizer, and supporter who helped make Zadar 2025 a true celebration of excellence, unity, and the enduring spirit of European table tennis.
Open Call: Become a World Table Tennis Day 2026 Promoter
The ITTF Foundation has opened applications for World Table Tennis Day 2026 Promoters an exciting opportunity for passionate individuals and organisations to use table tennis as a tool for positive change. The upcoming editions of World Table Tennis Day (WTTD) in 2026 and 2027 will focus on the theme “Health & Well-Being”, highlighting the sport’s unique power to improve lives, strengthen communities, and promote both physical and mental health. This focus builds on the success of the TT4Health Programme and the World Table Tennis for Health Festival, flagship initiatives that showcase how table tennis can foster happier and healthier societies. “Being a WTTD Promoter means much more than a title it’s about leading by example. Promoters inspire their local communities to stay active, connect, and experience the joy and benefits of table tennis.” Since 2021, 157 Promoters from 55 countries across 5 continents have reached over 30,000 people worldwide, making a lasting impact through creative and inclusive events. Who Can Apply? Anyone who believes in the unifying and healing power of sport: coaches, players, clubs, teachers, volunteers, or community leaders. “If you are ready to organise fun and meaningful activities around table tennis in your community, and keen to connect globally with a network of changemakers, then this call is for you!” Applications are open from 23 October to 23 November 2025. In 2026, special attention will be given to initiatives in health-related spaces such as care homes, hospitals, youth and rehabilitation centres, using table tennis to support health, recovery, and well-being. Selected Promoters will receive visibility, resources, and recognition from the ITTF Foundation to help them bring their events to life and inspire their communities. Join the movement — apply now and make a difference as a World Table Tennis Day 2026 Promoter! For more information, contact: info@foundation.ittf.com Launched in 2015, World Table Tennis Day (WTTD) is a global celebration of friendship, inclusiveness, and joy through play. Held each 23 April in honour of ITTF founder Ivor Montagu, it celebrates participation over competition and reminds us that table tennis is more than a sport it’s a bridge that brings people together.
The application process for hosting ETTU Development Camps in 2026 is now open
The application process for hosting ETTU Development Camps in 2026 is now open. The deadline for submitting the final application is Friday, 28 November 2025. You can find relevant documents here. Applications are open to all Member Associations and Training Centres that are part of the Network of European Training Centres. The selection of hosts will be based on the evaluation of the applications, and to avoid date clashes with the Europe Youth Series and WTT Youth Events. For Member Associations that already hosted a camp in 2024 or 2025 and wish to organise it again in the same venue and under the same conditions, there is no need to fill in the application form again. Please simply confirm your interest and provide:
Saint-Quentin TT Confident Ahead of Stage 2 Battles
In Group 1 of Stage 2 in the ETTU Champions League Women, French Saint-Quentin TT, seeded no. 5, will face top-seeded KTS Enea Siarkopol Tarnobrzeg and Spanish MIRÓ Ganxets Costa Daurada, runners-up from Stage 1. The Saint-Quentin lineup features a deep and versatile roster: Sweden’s Linda BERGSTRÖM, Slovakia’s Barbora VARADY, France’s Camille LUTZ, Agnes LELANNIC, and Jeanne MATHIEU, Russia’s Polina and Olga MIKHAILOVA, Belgium’s Eloise DUVIVIER, and England’s Emily BOLTON. Ahead of the new stage, Coach Olga MIKHAYLOVA and team leader Linda BERGSTROM shared their thoughts on the team’s preparation, expectations, and motivation. “TT Saint-Quentin has kicked off the French team season in good form, securing three consecutive victories in our first three Pro A matches. Our team is ready for the coming week, a packed one with two League matches, followed by the first leg of the European Champions League group stage,Ћ саид Coach Olga MIKHAYLOVA. “Our primary goal is to secure a spot in the quarterfinals after Stage 2, and then push as far as possible into the main draw. Our strong team spirit and positive mindset are driving our motivation this season. In our group, the leader team is Tarnobrzeg which is as strong as usual, and the Spanish team Miro Ganxets is also very good. So we are prepared for interesting matches to offer to our supporters.” Linda BERGSTRÖM explained: “We are in good shape and have a good atmosphere in the team. We have started well in the French Pro A and are ready for the new Champions League season. Our expectation for the group stage is to be top 2 and qualify for the play-off. Tarnobrzeg is always a strong team with a lot of good players, and the new team from Spain will also be a challenge. We will have to play on top to fulfil our goals.” The four-time ETTU Champions League champions, Tarnobrzeg with Germany’s Ying HAN, Japan’s Satsuki ODO, Portugal’s Fu YU, Monaco’s Xiaoxin YANG, China’s Zhuojia HE, Hong Kong’s Wing Lam NG and Poland’s Magdalena SIKORSKA and Kinga STEFANSKA are the toughest adversaries. “Tarnobrzeg has the strongest team in the group. They always have a very strong and versatile team. The important thing for us is to have all our players in good shape. We have a mall roster so we can’t afford injuries or being out of shape.” In French Pro A TT Saint-Quentin is a current leader. “We have played three matches in the French Pro A and won all of them. So we are in first place together with the other two unbeaten teams. The Champions League is always important for the club. The goal is to qualify for the play-off and play some great matches for our spectators at home. All of us have started the season well. Barbora VARADY is a new player in the team, and she has really been a key player to win our first matches. Normally also Polina MIKHAILOVA is important for us. It has been shown before that when she is in good shape, we perform well as a team.” What message would you like to send to your supporters before the start of the group stage? “That the matches will be tough from the beginning and that we need their support to perform at the highest level from the start,” stated Linda BERGSTRÖM.
TOMA and BUCUR Triumph at the 18th STIGA Masters U11 in Belgium
The 18th edition of the STIGA Masters U11 brought an exciting weekend of young talent and determination in Blegny, Belgium and it was Bianca TOMA (Romania) and Nicolae BUCUR (Moldova) who emerged as the new champions. In the Girls’ Singles Final, TOMA beat France’s Avelina DURMENT NUNEZ in straight games. TOMA secured the title without dropping a game. The Boys’ Singles Final offered a completely different kind of drama. Moldova’s BUCUR produced a remarkable comeback in a thrilling five-game battle against Romania’s Denis FONARIUC. After trailing 0–6 in the decisive game and saving multiple match points at 7–10, BUCUR fought back with resilience and courage to capture victory on his second match ball – a memorable finish to a fantastic final. You can see the results here. Photos by Michael Loveder also here.
ASC Grünwettersbach Ready for Historic Knock-Out Stage Challenge Against GV Hennebont TT
Germany’s ASC Grünwettersbach, seeded no. 15 in the ETTU Champions League Men, continues its impressive debut season in the ETTU European League. Led by Tiago APOLONIA, Hiroto SHINOZUKA, Ricardo WALTHER, Tobias HIPPLER, and Damian FLOR, the Karlsruhe-based club topped its Group in Novi Sad, overcoming strong opposition from AS Pontoise Cergy (France), Real Club Cajasur Priego TM (Spain), and TTC Ostrava 2016 (Czechia). Their reward: a thrilling Round-of-16 duel on 14 November against the French powerhouse GV Hennebont TT, seeded no. 7, who now enter the competition in the knock-out stage. Manager Martin WERNER spoke about the team’s form, ambitions, and expectations ahead of this historic tie. Speaking of the team’s current shape and atmosphere in the squad WERNER stated: “We have had a very good start to the TTBL season and are also delighted to have reached the knockout stages in our first Champions League campaign! Unfortunately, Ricardo WALTHER and Tiago APOLONIA were both injured in the last two TTBL matches. We hope that both will be fit again for the first leg of the round of 16! Despite the injuries, the mood in the team is very good! The rest of the squad is fit and in good spirits. Any challenges or important changes for this season? “The big challenge this season is the tight schedule that the players have to cope with due to WTT tournaments, TTBL matches and other international commitments. The Champions League matches have of course added an extra burden for our players. We don’t have a large squad of players, but we do have young players who still compete for our club in the 3rd Bundesliga. Of course, the additional financial expenditure in the Champions League also plays a major role. We therefore hope for a well-attended first leg of the round of 16 in the ASC-Arena!” What is your current position and recent performance in Bundesliga? “We have started the TTBL season very positively and are satisfied with our performances so far, especially given the additional European schedule. The team spirit and home support in Karlsruhe have been fantastic.” How do you assess the forthcoming duel, what are your expectations, and what do you consider to be the strong and weak points of both your side and your opponent? “ Hennebont is a top team! Simon GAUZY and Vladimir SIDERENKO are well known to us from the TTBL. Simon in particular was one of the ‘superstars’ of the TTBL for many years. Added to this are three top players from China! Hennebont is spoilt for choice here. For us, it makes no difference which of the three top Chinese players will play, as they are all very, very strong! We will definitely give everything we have to reach the quarter-finals! At our home game, we hope to have the support of our fans, who can tip the scales in decisive moments.” Is there any particular player who has shown exceptional progress or who you expect to play a key role in this tie? “Every single player has contributed to our success so far, and that unity will again be crucial. With Tiago and Ricardo hopefully returning, and Hiroto SHINOZUKA’s form improving week by week, we believe in our collective strength rather than relying on one individual.” How important is this competition for your club within the broader sporting calendar? “When you’re in the round of 16 of the Champions League, you naturally want to advance to the quarter-finals! The match is very important for us as a club and also for the city of Karlsruhe, as no sports club from Karlsruhe has ever played in the Champions League before!” What message would you like to send to your fans before the start of the Knock-Out Round? “We will give everything! The support of our fans can make all the difference in this historic moment. We hope the ASC-Arena will be full and that our supporters will push us forward in every rally.” How would you describe your preparation and approach to this stage compared to the group phase? “Unfortunately, we can’t prepare specifically for the Champions League match, as we have TTBL matches before and after the match against Hennebont. It’s more about recovery between matches! But we will definitely be ready!”
