Even after the end of his active career, Timo BOLL remains closely connected to table tennis in Germany. The former world number one, 174-time national team player, and record European champion will now officially serve as an ambassador for German table tennis. Together with his long-time partners Borussia Düsseldorf and ARAG SE, Boll will work to further develop and raise public awareness of the sport in Germany. On Wednesday, the partnership between BOLL, the German Table Tennis Association (DTTB), ARAG, and Borussia Düsseldorf was officially announced at a media event held at the German Table Tennis Center. As one of Germany’s most successful and respected athletes and a defining figure in international table tennis, Timo BOLL brings decades of experience, authenticity, and influence. In his new role, he will contribute to increasing the sport’s popularity and help promote table tennis as a sport grounded in fair play and suitable for all ages throughout life. Dr. Wolfgang DÖRNER, Chairman of the DTTB Executive Board, emphasized: “Timo BOLL is much more than an outstanding athlete. He stands for fairness, integrity, and open access to sport for all. These are also the values that guide us as a federation. We are very pleased that he will continue to contribute his experience and personality in this new role.” For three decades, Timo BOLL represented German table tennis at the highest level – not only as a successful national team player but also as a team leader, fan favorite at major events, and a respected voice in both domestic and international circles. His new role is seen as a continuation and evolution of this deep-rooted connection. “Table tennis has given me so much throughout my life — now is the right time for me to give something back,” said BOLL. “I want to help make our sport more visible, especially for children, young people, and for those who may not yet have had access to it.”

The Icelandic Table Tennis Association (Borðtennissamband Íslands) is inviting applications for the position of Senior National Team Head Coach, with an optional broader role as National Head of Development overseeing both senior and youth programs. “This is a unique opportunity to make a lasting impact on a growing table tennis nation with strong potential. The selected candidate will be instrumental in shaping the future of Icelandic table tennis, helping elite players progress on the international stage while supporting the next generation through structured training systems, camps, and competitions both domestically and abroad.” Key Qualifications: Role Details: Start date: August or September 2025 Position: Half-time to full-time, depending on the candidate’s availability Location: Iceland (with opportunities to travel for international events) Application Deadline: June 20th, 2025 Please send your motivation letter and CV to: bordtennis@bordtennis.is

The 2025 German singles champions are Annett KAUFMANN and Kay STUMPER. While KAUFMANN successfully defended her title from last year, STUMPER claimed his first national singles crown. The 18-year-old KAUFMANN defeated Sabine WINTER in the final, earning a measure of revenge after losing to her in the 2023 final. STUMPER prevailed in a thrilling seven-game battle against Fanbo MENG. In both the 2023 German Nationals final and a Bundesliga clash earlier this season, WINTER had emerged victorious. But in Erfurt, it was KAUFMANN who had the final word, claiming her second national singles title. “It was my goal, but I knew it would be very difficult. It could just as easily have gone Sabine’s way,” said KAUFMANN. “After my defeat in the final in 2023, this is my little revenge. This title means a lot to me—just to prove to myself that even when Sabine is there, someone who has knocked me out many times, I can still win, both through my game and my mental strength.” WINTER started strongly, taking the opening game 11-4, while KAUFMANN initially struggled to find her rhythm. But the defending champion turned the match around with composure and confidence. “I’ve been lucky enough to play a lot against pimples and anti-topspin rubbers since I was a child, so I’m always happy when I get to face that type of material,” KAUFMANN explained. “So I definitely prefer Sabine with anti-spin rubbers than with offensive ones.” The men’s singles final between Kay STUMPER and Fanbo MENG was a nail-biter from start to finish. STUMPER led 1-0, 2-1, and 3-2, but MENG continued to battle back. The fourth game, which MENG won 20-18, was especially dramatic. Ultimately, the match went to a deciding seventh game. STUMPER surged ahead 6-0, but the gap narrowed, and in the end, just two points separated them—Stumper held his nerve and claimed victory. “I’m overjoyed and can’t quite believe it yet,” said the new champion in his first reaction. STUMPER had previously reached the podium in 2024, earning bronze, but this time he went all the way. “I’m just incredibly exhausted right now. It’s been a long tournament, and the final was physically demanding,” the 23-year-old said. “Now I’m just really happy I managed to win.” Tears of joy marked the conclusion of the women’s doubles final, as Kathrin MÜHLBACH and Sabine WINTER reclaimed the title they had first won 15 years ago. In a tense and high-quality match, they edged past the rising duo of Josephina NEUMANN and Koharu ITAGAKI, 3-2. In the men’s doubles, André BERTELSMEIER and Wim VERDONSCHOT captured their first senior national title, marking a milestone in their careers. Tanja KRÄMER, aged 45, added the only missing piece to her collection by winning the mixed doubles title. Already a former singles champion and three-time doubles winner, she partnered with Tobias HIPPLER to claim victory. The pair first overcame Lisa WANG and Cedric MEISSNER, then defeated NEUMANN and Kirill FADEEV in the final. For HIPPLER, this was a second mixed doubles title—his first came in 2021 with Franziska SCHREINER. Held in Thuringia’s capital from June 6–9, the TT Finals are one of the premier events on Germany’s table tennis calendar. The tournament showcases the nation’s top players in both the men’s and women’s competitions, along with youth players (ages 15 to 19), masters athletes, and lower-tier performance classes. More than 1,000 participants competed during the long Whitsun weekend at the Erfurt Exhibition Centre, making it a true celebration of table tennis across all levels.

On June 8, the annual General Assembly of the Table Tennis Federation of Latvia took place at the sports facilities of the O. Kalpaks Folk Applied Art Primary School in Riga. The agenda of the meeting included the approval of the TTF of Latvia Council meeting minutes from June 15, 2024, presentation and discussion of reports from the President, Vice Presidents, and the Audit Committee on the activities and results of 2024, approval of the 2024 annual report, as well as elections for the positions of President, Board Members, and Audit Committee members. For the position of President, there was only one candidate – Ina JOZEPSONE. Members unanimously re-elected Mrs. JOZEPSONE for another term. There were thirteen candidates for the eight available positions on the Board: Davis AVDJUKEVICS, Janis AVDJUKEVICS, Vadims BEREZKOVS, Baiba BOGDANOVA, Egmonts CILDERMANIS, Nauris KARELIS, Genadijs KARTUZOVS, Aleksandrs MASKALONOKS, Kalvis SILJANIS, Eduards SPAGIS, Guntis SENHOFS, Viktors TOLKACEVS, and Sandijs VASILJEVS. “Before the vote, Genadijs KARTUZOVS requested to speak, during which he officially withdrew his candidacy. We extend our sincere thanks to Mr. KARTUZOVS for his many years of dedicated service on the TTF of Latvia Board” announced TTF Latvia. Following the vote, the newly elected Board Members are: Immediately after the General Assembly, the first meeting of the newly elected Board was held. During this session, Mr. Vadims BEREZKOVS and Sandijs VASILJEVS were appointed Vice Presidents, and Mr. Eduards SPAGIS was appointed Secretary General. The newly elected Audit Committee consists of: