The ITTF World Para Future tournament, held at the Pajulahti Sports Institute from April 6–10, brought around 100 para table tennis players from 20 countries to Finland for a week. Some of the most distant participants traveled from Japan, Hong Kong, and the United States. The event also welcomed ETTU President Pedro MOURA, who attended the tournament to familiarize himself with Finnish table tennis. From 2027 onwards, the European Para Table Tennis Championships will come under ETTU’s governance, following a recent decision by the ITTF Executive Board. “During my visit to Pajulahti for the ITTF World Para Future Lahti 2025, I had the opportunity, together with ETTU Vice President in charge of Para Table Tennis, Sonja GREFBERG, to meet with Pablo PEREZ, ITTF Para Table Tennis Event and Classification Manager, to better understand the complexities of organizing such events. At the same time, we have already begun planning the directives and regulations for our future European Para Table Tennis Championships. I also had the opportunity to meet the new President of the Finnish Table Tennis Association, Mr. Mika PYYKKÖ. I would like to publicly express my gratitude for the warm welcome extended to me by the Finnish Table Tennis Association,” said ETTU President Pedro MOURA. The results from the event you can see here.
IOC Approves Mixed Team Event at Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games
IOC Confirms Introduction of Mixed Team Event for Table Tennis at Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games The International Olympic Committee (IOC) Executive Board has officially approved the addition of a Mixed Team event to the table tennis programme at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. This historic development marks a significant step forward for the sport, expanding the Olympic line-up to six events: Men’s and Women’s Singles, the reinstated Men’s and Women’s Doubles, Mixed Doubles, and—for the first time ever at the Olympic Games—the Mixed Team event. ETTU President Pedro MOURA welcomed the news with enthusiasm, highlighting the significance for European and global table tennis: “This is excellent news for our sport. The momentum that was built during the Paris Olympic Games is a unique moment for our sport, and the fact that we will have the possibility for another Olympic title—the sixth medal—is perfect news. Of course, now, we are curious about the qualification process, but I am sure this will be solved in the most constructive way. This outcome reflects the excellent work of actual ITTF leadership is doing, in collaboration with the IOC, to ensure we gain this extra medal at the Olympic Games,” said President MOURA. The Mixed Team format was first introduced at the ITTF Mixed Team World Cup in Chengdu, China, in December 2023. The innovative competition brings together male and female players in unified national teams, showing the sport’s values of gender equality, teamwork, and inclusivity. Its Olympic debut in LA28 is expected to offer fans a strategically rich and emotionally compelling new dimension to table tennis. ITTF President Petra SÖRLING also praised the IOC’s decision and the sport’s continuing rise on the Olympic stage: “This landmark decision by the IOC Executive Board builds on the incredible momentum that table tennis is experiencing and highlights its growing global appeal. Following the resounding success of the sport at Paris 2024, the introduction of the Mixed Team event in Los Angeles marks another historic milestone, fully aligned with our vision of a dynamic and inclusive future for table tennis.” “The ITTF has long believed in the potential of this event. It was first formally proposed by the Swedish Table Tennis Association during the 2021 Annual General Meeting, and brought to life at the inaugural ITTF Mixed Team World Cup in Chengdu. I extend my sincere thanks to ITTF Deputy President LIU Guoliang for his instrumental role in delivering such a remarkable event, which truly demonstrated the format’s potential.” Since table tennis made its Olympic debut at Seoul 1988, the sport has continually evolved. The original four events included Men’s and Women’s Singles and Doubles. At Beijing 2008, Team events replaced Doubles, emphasizing national strength and strategy. Tokyo 2020 marked the debut of Mixed Doubles, promoting further gender balance. Now, with six events confirmed for LA28, table tennis enters a new era of prominence and diversity at the Games. Adding to the excitement, Men’s and Women’s Doubles will return to the Olympic programme for the first time since Athens 2004. Fans will be eager to see who will follow in the footsteps of former champions CHEN Qi and MA Lin (Men’s Doubles) and WANG Nan and ZHANG Yining (Women’s Doubles).
ETTU Expresses Full Support for Petra SÖRLING’s Re-Election as ITTF President
The European Table Tennis Union (ETTU) wholeheartedly endorses the re-election of Ms. Petra SÖRLING as ITTF President.We strongly encourage all European Member Associations to unite in support of Ms. SÖRLING’s candidacy, ensuring the continued progress and implementation of impactful programs and reforms initiated under her esteemed leadership.As the first ITTF president to become an International Olympic Committee member, Ms. SÖRLING’s visionary leadership has significantly strengthened table tennis, fostering growth, innovation, and inclusion across all levels of the sport.Her exceptional commitment and unwavering dedication have earned the trust and support of the ETTU Executive Board, which fully endorses her continued presidency.We firmly believe that her leadership will ensure the continued development of table tennis globally, and we call upon all European federations to stand behind her in the upcoming ITTF election on Tuesday 27th May .ETTU EXECUTIVE BOARD
Novi and AQUAESTIL Clinched titles at Europe Trophy Grand Final in Herceg Novi
Montenegro’s STK Novi and Croatia’s STK AQUAESTIL were crowned champions at the Europe Trophy Grand Final in Herceg Novi, triumphing in the Men’s and Women’s Events, respectively. After an unbeaten run through the group and knockout stages, STK Novi clinched the Europe Trophy Grand Final Men’s title by defeating Slovakia’s Čadca in four matches. Tomislav PUCAR was in dominant form, recording victories over Damian FLORO and Mykhailo LOVHA, while Enio MENDES added another point by beating Jakub GOLDIR. The sole win for the Slovak side came from LOVHA, who overcame Marko JEVTOVIC. This marks the second Europe Trophy title for PUCAR, who previously won the event in 2022 with Olympiacos in Piraeus, when the Greek club hosted the tournament. In the semi-finals, STK Novi edged past Železničar Niš in a tight 3-2 clash. Again, PUCAR delivered two vital points against Francisco SANCHI and Petyo KRASTEV, and veteran JEVTOVIC sealed the win in the deciding match over the Italian player. KRASTEV and Vladimir PETKOV had earlier kept Železničar in the contest with wins over Aleksandr KHANIN and MENDES. On the other side of the draw, Čadca secured a 3-0 victory over Austria’s UTTC PANACEO STOCKERAU, thanks to wins by LOVHA, FLORO, and GOLDIR over Julian RZIHAUSCHEK, Khalid ASSAR, and David SERDAROGLU, respectively. In the Women’s Event, STK AQUAESTIL of Croatia lifted the trophy after a confident 3-1 win over Serbia’s Josip Kolumbo in the final. Xue HAN VUKELJA led the way with two victories over Malamatenia PAPADIMITRIOU and Maria DOLGIKH, while Sofiia SHEREDEHA overcame Olga PAVLOVIC to seal the title. The only point for Josip Kolumbo came through DOLGIKH, who defeated Amy WANG. In the semi-finals, JOSIP KOLUMBO convincingly beat Belgium’s TTC MEERDAAL LEUVEN in straight matches. Wins came from PAPADIMITRIOU, DOLGIKH, and PAVLOVIC, who overcame Kathe DE MEYER, Kimberly T’HOOFT, and Lotte NUYTTENS, respectively. STK AQUAESTIL needed four matches to dispatch Panathinaikos A.C. of Greece. HAN VUKELJA was once again crucial with victories over Ana TOFANT and Aikaterini TOLIOU, while SHEREDEHA beat Ioanna GERASIMATOU. In the final rankings, SU SPARKASSE KUFSTEIN A of Austria finished fifth, followed by TalTech Sports Club in sixth, UTTC PANACEO STOCKERAU and ASVÖ TTC OLYMPIC WIEN in seventh and eighth, respectively. Malta’s MITTC placed ninth, and ASD TENNISTAVOLO SASSARI concluded the list in tenth place.
Host Club Novi Secures Semi-Final Spot at Europe Trophy Grand Final
Montenegro’s club Novi, host of the Europe Trophy Grand Final, booked their place in the semi-finals to be played tomorrow in Herceg Novi, Montenegro. In the quarter-finals, Marko JEVTOVIĆ, Enio MENDES, and Filip RADOVIĆ each recorded straight-match wins over Italy’s ASD TT Santa Tecla Nulvi, whose lineup included Ebrahim GUBRAN, Costantino CAPPUCCIO, and Petar Lubomirov VASSILEV. In the semi-finals, Novi will face Serbia’s Železničar Niš, who emerged victorious over Croatia’s GSTK Zagreb in a thrilling five-match battle. Italy’s Francisco SANCHI secured two wins for the Serbian side, and Petyo KRASTEV sealed the decisive point. For Zagreb, Leon BENKO and Lovro ZOVKO each won a match. The bottom half of the draw also delivered drama, with both quarter-finals going the distance. MSK Čadca (SVK), represented by Mykhailo LOVHA, Damian LORO, and Jakub GOLDIR, edged past Tenis de Taula Olot (ESP), featuring Rafael de las HERAS, Diogo PINHO, and Damien Rolland PROVOST. LORO remained unbeaten in the match. Austria’s UTTC Panaceo Stockerau defeated defending champions Panathinaikos A.C. (GRE) in another five-match thriller. All three players, Khalid ASSAR, Tarek AL-SAMHOURY, and David SERDAROGLU secured victories. For the Greek side, Konstantinos ANGELAKIS remained unbeaten. In the Women’s event, Serbia’s Josip Kolumbo, featuring Maria DOLGIKH, Gaia MONFARDINI, and Reka BEZEG, along with STK AQUAESTIL, represented by Xue HAN VUKELJA, Leeloo VUKELJA, Elena VUKOVAC, Amy WANG, and Sophia SHEREDEHA, directly secured spots in the semi-finals. In the remaining two quarter-finals, PANATHINAIKOS A.C. of Greece and TTC MEERDAAL LEUVEN of Belgium progressed to the penultimate stage. Aikaterini TOLIOU led PANATHINAIKOS to victory with two wins in the match against TalTech Sports Club, while Konstantina PARIDI added the third point. For the Estonian side, Airi AVAMERI secured a win against Ioanna GERASIMATOU. Kimberly T’HOOFT, Kathe MEYER, and Lotte NUYTTENS from the Belgian team overcame Austria’s SU SPARKASSE KUFSTEIN A, whose lineup included Olha PONKO, Danielle KELLY, and Renata PENGÖ-MURA.
Surprises Mark Women’s Team Event on Day Two in Herceg Novi
On day two of the Europe Trophy Grand Final in Herceg Novi, Montenegro, the Women’s Team Event saw a few unexpected results as the group stage concluded, revealing all the quarterfinalists. In Group A, Serbia’s Josip Kolumbo, starting from third position, climbed to the top of the standings. With Maria DOLGIKH (Russia), Gaia MONFARDINI (Italy), and Reka BEZEG (Serbia), they stunned top seeds PANATHINAIKOS A.C. of Greece. The Greek team, composed of Ioanna GERASIMATOU, Aikaterini TOLIOU, and Konstantina PARIDI, entered the event as favourites in the absence of the reigning champions but suffered a crucial loss. Group B, the only group with four teams, was dominated by STK Aquaestil. The Croatian side, featuring Xue HAN VUKELJA, Leeloo VUKELJA, Elena VUKOVAC, Amy WANG (USA), and Sophia SHEREDEHA (Ukraine), won all three matches without dropping a single individual match. TTC MEERDAAL LEUVEN of Belgium secured second place with two narrow five-match victories and one loss. Their team included Kimberly T’HOOFT, Kathe MEYER, and Lotte NUYTTENS, who overcame ASVÖ TTC Olympic Wien (Austria) and MITTC (Malta). In Group C, Estonia’s TalTech Sports Club, led by Airi AVAMERI, with Reelica HANSON and Lithuania’s Marija MIKALAUSKYTE, recorded two victories to top the group. SU Sparkasse Kufstein A (Austria) finished second, with a team consisting of Danielle KELLY (Wales), Olha PONKO (Ukraine), and Anita NYITRAI (Hungary). The quarterfinal stage will continue later today in Herceg Novi.
Quarterfinal Line-Up Confirmed at Europe Trophy Grand Final Men in Herceg Novi
After the group stage of the Europe Trophy Grand Final in Herceg Novi, Montenegro, all quarterfinalists are now confirmed. In Group A, Serbia’s Železničar Niš produced the biggest surprise on the opening day by defeating the reigning champions Panathinaikos A.C. from Greece. The Serbian side, featuring Bulgaria’s Petyo KRASTEV and Vladimir PETKOV alongside Italy’s Francisco SANCHI, overcame Konstantinos ANGELAKIS, Konstantinos KONSTANTINOPOULOS, and Giorgos KONSTANTINOPOULOS, securing the top spot in the group with two wins. Despite the loss, the Greek team bounced back to defeat Belgium’s Logis Auderghem, clinching second place and a spot in the quarterfinals. In Group B, Austria’s UTTC Panaceo Stockerau dominated early, securing first place on day one. With a strong line-up including Egypt’s Khalid ASSAR, Julian RZIHAUŠCHEK, and David SERDAROGLU, they beat both GSTK Zagreb (Croatia) and TalTech Sports Club (Estonia). Zagreb, led by Leon BENKO, Ivan HENCL, Lovro ZOVKO, and Filip BOROVNJAK, finished second and also advanced. Group C saw an upset as Slovakia’s MSK Čadca topped the group against the odds. The trio of Mykhailo LOVHA (Ukraine), Damian LORO, and Jakub GOLDIR (Slovakia) defeated both ASD TT Santa Tecla Nulvi (Italy) and Baltais LA (Latvia). The Italian club, featuring Ebrahim GUBRAN (Yemen), Costantino CAPPUCCIO (Italy), and Petar LUBOMIROV VASSILEV (Bulgaria), secured the runner-up spot. In Group D, hosts STK Novi made the most of home advantage and topped their group to reach the quarterfinals. Their international line-up—Marko JEVTOVIĆ (Serbia), Tomislav PUCAR (Croatia), Enio MENDES (Spain), and Aleksandr KHANIN (Belarus)—secured two wins. Spanish club Tenis de Taula OLOT, with Rafael de las HERAS, Arnau PONS, Diogo PINHO (Portugal), and Damien Rolland PROVOST (France), finished second.
Europe Trophy Men’s Grand Final Set for a Fierce Battle in Igalo
The Europe Trophy Men’s Grand Final is ready to take centre stage in Igalo, Montenegro, from 4th to 6th April 2025, bringing together twelve clubs from across Europe who earned their place through intense regional battles. Hosted by STK Novi, the competition offers ambitious clubs from outside the Champions League and Europe Cup spotlight a chance to compete for continental glory. Group A: Panathinaikos Leads a Balanced Trio Panathinaikos A.C. (GRE) comes into the Grand Final with a deep and well-rounded roster featuring domestic stars Konstantinos KONSTANTINOPOULOS, Konstantinos ANGELAKIS, and Portuguese international João MONTEIRO. As one of Greece’s most historic clubs, Panathinaikos brings both legacy and ambition into their battle to defend the title . Logis Auderghem TT (BEL) presents the line-up that includes Lauric JEAN, Ludovic BIERNY, and Anthony MAECK, making them a strong dark horse in the group. Železničar Niš (SRB) rounds out Group A with a multinational squad including Francisco SANCHI and Ziver GÜNDÜZ, ready to challenge their higher-ranked opponents. Group B: Austria, Croatia, Estonia Collide Group B is headlined by UTTC Panaceo Stockerau (AUT), bringing firepower with players like Khalid ASSAR (EGY) and PARK Chan Hyeok (KOR), backed by local standouts David SERDAROGLU and Julian RZIHASCHEK. TalTech Sport Club (EST) brings variety, and international flair with Vallot VAINULA, Tomasz LEWANDOWSKI (POL), and young guns like Martinkus VALDAS (LTU). From Croatia, GSTK Zagreb comes in with national experience, including Leon BENKO and Lovro ZOVKO. Group C: Italy, Latvia, Slovakia Eye Knockouts Italian side ASD TT Santa Tecla Nulvi features a large, diverse line-up with players like Tomas KOLDAS (CZE), Costantino CAPPUCCIO, and Alexandros DIAKOUMAKOS. Baltais LA (LAT) mixes local talent Daniels KOGANS with international additions such as Arturs SPALIS, Daniel LINDSO (SWE), and Maksim VUHKA (EST), bringing flair and unpredictability. From Slovakia, MSK Čadca arrives with depth and cohesion. Anchored by Pavel PETRAS and Damian FLORO, the Slovak club has consistently performed in regional competition and aims to carry that form into Igalo. Group D: Hosts STK Novi Ready to Impress STK Novi (MNE), as hosts, will have home crowd energy behind them. Their line-up includes top names like Tomislav PUCAR (CRO), Marko JEVTOVIC (SRB), and Aleksandr KHANIN (BLR)—a combination of Balkan strength and international firepower. Club Tenis de Taula Olot (ESP) brings a competitive squad featuring Arnau PONS, Rafael de las HERAS, and Portuguese duo Diogo SILVA and Diogo PINHO, capable of mounting a serious challenge. Completing the group, ASD Marcozzi -A- (ITA) fields the talented Carlo ROSSI, Denis IVONIN (RUS), and Federico VALLINO, aiming to make a deep run in the tournament. Group Winner and Group Runner-Up will advance to Final Stage. Third team will continue competition in Position Matches 9-12 Stage. Stay tuned to ETTU.org for updates, results, and highlights as the action unfolds in Igalo.
Women’s Europe Trophy Grand Final: New Champion to Be Crowned in Igalo
With defending champions Dr. Časl not returning to defend their title, this year’s Women’s Europe Trophy Grand Final, set to be played in Igalo, Montenegro from 4th–6th April, promises a thrilling battle for continental glory among emerging European clubs. The event brings together the top regional qualifiers from across Europe, with teams split into three competitive groups. Group A: Panathinaikos Leads the Charge Greek powerhouse Panathinaikos A.C. enters the Grand Final as a favourite in Group A. With a deep and diverse squad featuring the likes of Aikaterini TOLIOU, Ana TOFANT, Matilda HANSSON, and Maria ARTSETOU, the Athens-based club blends international pedigree with domestic consistency. Looking to challenge them is UTTC Panaceo Stockerau (AUT), led by experienced internationals Karoline MISCHEK and Szandra PERGEL, alongside Anna FENYVESI and Renata STRBIKOVA—a team that could cause serious disruption in the knockout rounds. Completing the group is Josip Kolumbo (SRB), bringing a strong multinational line-up that includes Reka BEZEG, Malamatenia PAPADIMITRIOU, and Maria DOLGIKH, as well as the energy of Monika KNEZEVIC and Elitsa KRASIMIROVA. Group B: Balanced Power STK Aquaestil Duga Resa (CRO), last year’s semifinalists, top Group B with Xue HAN VUKELJA, Leeloo HAN VUKELJA, Sofiia SHEREDEHA, Elena VUKOVAC, and Amy Wang, and supported by Sofiia SHEREDEHA and Jana BISCAN, the Croatian side is a serious contender for the title. Belgium’s TTC Meerdaal Leuven offers a solid unit featuring Awa SOW, Kathe De MEYER, and Nele LIEVENS, while MITTC (MLT) brings one of the largest squads, led by Anthea CUTAJAR and Valeria SHCHERBATYKH. Rounding off the group is ASVÖ TTC Olympic Wien (AUT), the most international roster in the field, with Olena PENTIUK, Renata LACENOVA, and Anna KONDRATOVA among their 16 listed players. Group C: SU Sparkasse Kufstein Seeks Redemption After falling to Dr. Časl in last year’s semifinal, SU Sparkasse Kufstein (AUT) returns with unfinished business. With Anita NYITRAI, Györgyi BENE, and Danielle KELLY leading the way, and Olha PONKO and Arantxa COSSIO adding international flair, Kufstein is poised for another deep run. Estonian side TalTech Sport enters with a roster including Airi AVAMERI and Sirli JAANIMÄGI, aiming to gain valuable experience at this level while being more than capable of a surprise result. Italy’s ASD Tennistavolo Sassari brings a large, ambitious squad featuring Lisa BRESSAN, Fatima BELLO, and Francesca GANAU. With Dr. Časl’s absence, the door is wide open for a new name to be etched into the Women’s Europe Trophy. The competition format guarantees high-paced, engaging ties with teams needing to be sharp from the first point. Group Winner and Group Runner-Up will advance to Final Stage. Third and fourth positioned teams team will continue competition in Position Stay tuned throughout the weekend as ETTU brings you updates, results, and coverage from Igalo—where the next chapter of the Women’s Europe Trophy will be written.
Europe Trophy Grand Final Heads to Igalo for 2024–2025 Season Showdown
The picturesque coastal town of Igalo, Montenegro, is set to welcome top table tennis clubs from across Europe this weekend for the Europe Trophy Grand Final, from 4th to 6th April 2025. Organised by the European Table Tennis Union (ETTU) and hosted by the club STK Novi, the event will crown the champions of both the Men’s and Women’s Europe Trophy for the 2024–2025 season. The competition follows a regional group stage format, with qualifiers from each region earning their place at the Grand Final—offering an exciting and cost-effective European platform for clubs of all levels. Twelve men’s teams have secured their places in the final stage after advancing through the regional group phase. The field features clubs from across the continent, each eager to claim the title: With experienced clubs and emerging challengers in the mix, the men’s draw promises a high level of competition and unpredictable battles across the three days. Ten women’s teams will also compete for the Europe Trophy title in Igalo, representing nine different countries and showcasing the depth of talent in women’s club table tennis:
