The curtains have just fallen on the 2025 HYLO Champions League Final 4, but preparations are already underway for the next edition. Saarbrücken will once again host the tournament, with the 2026 event scheduled for 16th and 17th May—marking the city’s third consecutive time as host. As the excitement of the weekend still lingers, ETTU President Pedro MOURA reflected on what was another spectacular show of European club table tennis. “The ETTU Champions League Final Four held in Saarbrücken this past weekend was a resounding success, both in terms of sporting excellence and organizational quality. We witnessed table tennis at its very best—intense matches, passionate crowds, and flawless execution by the local organizers. This success also confirms the good decision taken by the ETTU Executive Board two years ago, when this model was implemented, marking a new benchmark for our premier club competition. From high-caliber matches to enthusiastic fan support and seamless event management, the tournament showcased the strength and professionalism of European table tennis, respecting its traditions and projecting the future … a bright one ! I extend heartfelt thanks to our German hosts and to all teams for their incredible performances. Together, we are lifting European table tennis to new heights.” The driving force behind the organization in Saarbrücken is Nicolas BARROIS, General Manager of 1. FC Saarbrücken TT. “After the premiere edition in 2024, I think we managed to raise the bar once again this year. The number of spectators and the fantastic atmosphere speak volumes. It makes me proud of what we can achieve here in a small Bundesland like Saarland.” “The crowd played a key role in shaping the event’s vibrant energy. Both days saw enthusiastic support not only for the home team but also for international visitors. The Polish clubs—KS Dartom Bogoria Grodzisk Mazowiecki and KS Global Pharma Orlicz 1924 Suchedniów—brought great spirit and contributed to the electric atmosphere during Saturday’s semifinals. “In the final, I heard it clearly after Anton KALLBERG won his first singles match—people were cheering for everyone. It was loud, passionate, and very fair. And that’s what it’s all about: supporting each other and celebrating table tennis together. From an organizer’s perspective, I hope we can make it even better next year. There are new opportunities—Montpellier could be in the frame, which might change the draw. If so, we may even outgrow our current venue,” BARROIS added. Over the two days, more than 5,000 fans came through the doors of Saarlandhalle. “On the opening day, we had around 2,500 to 2,600 spectators. For the final, it was already sold out in advance—2,600 tickets—and more came to the box office, so we estimate around 2,800. Altogether, we’re well above 5,000. That’s a great sign of the event’s growing popularity. It’s been a lot of work, a lot of preparation, with many changes and improvements. We made more space for fans, we had four great teams, and a truly amazing atmosphere. Bogoria gave Düsseldorf a great fight in the semis, and Suchedniów pushed us hard. Now I’m just excited to see how we can grow the event even further in 2026.”

After two days of top-class table tennis, 1. FC Saarbrücken TT successfully defended their title at the 2025 HYLO Champions League Final 4. In the final, held at Saarlandhalle Saarbrücken, the reigning champions overcame Borussia Düsseldorf in a repeat of last year’s decisive clash. On the opening day, Saarbrücken defeated Polish challengers KS Global Pharma Orlicz 1924 Suchedniów to secure their place in the final. Patrick FRANZISKA lost the opening match to ANTON Källberg on a sudden death point in the fifth game, but later redeemed himself by defeating Dang QIU—again by the narrowest of margins. Darko JORGIĆ overcame Timo BOLL, while Truls MÖREGÅRDH prevailed against Qiu to seal Saarbrücken’s triumph. Franziska spoke about his performance at the press conference following the team’s victory: “Anton started really strong in the first two games. His backhand was spot on, which I was a bit afraid of. But I made some small adjustments, and suddenly I was leading 5-3 in the fifth. But like Anton said, it’s always match points both ways in these matches—you can never be sure. I was honestly quite sad afterward that I didn’t take more risks in the decisive moments, especially when he served long twice. I played those points with only 70-80% intensity, not full energy.” Reflecting on his second match, Franziska described a shift in mindset: “Against Dang, it was the opposite. He led 5-2 in the fifth, and when I was down 3-0, I told myself during the timeout that I had to really go for every ball—so I wouldn’t regret anything later. In the end, it came down to small details. That last banana shot caught the edge. If I had hit it a split second later, it could have gone out or into the net. You have to take those risks. Luckily, they were on our side today, just like for Darko against Timo. I’m speechless and relieved that we won.” Darko JORGIĆ reflected on his win over Timo BOLL in what was the legend’s final Champions League match: “Playing against a legend in his last Champions League match—I didn’t want to lose this one. The last time we played, he won, so I’m really happy I managed to turn it around. I knew he’d start strong, and he did. He played really well. It’s amazing what Timo has achieved in his career. It’s always an honor to play him. Since our first match, it’s always been a big fight. I’m really proud to have won this one.” Truls MÖREGÅRDH arrived in Saarbrücken fresh off a bronze medal at the World Championships in Qatar, and carried that form into the Final 4: “Of course, it was tough to come here and play at a high level right after the World Championships. I had some shoulder pain during the whole tournament there, but when I arrived here, it actually felt amazing. I don’t know how or why—maybe I had some kind of energy boost that helped. I’m just really happy that I could perform at 100%. The conditions here are different—shorter matches, different tables, different balls—so it took some adjustment. But I’m very satisfied with how I played and how we played as a team.” Truls also confirmed that he will stay in Saarbrücken next season: “I feel great here. I couldn’t beat them, so I had to join them,” said MÖREGÅRDH, who previously played for Neu-Ulm, a team eliminated by Saarbrücken in last season’s semifinal.

After the 2025 HYLO Champions League Final 4 held last weekend, Borussia Düsseldorf—the most decorated club in the competition’s history—remain on six Champions League titles and six Europe Cup of Champions trophies. In the final at Saarlandhalle Saarbrücken, they were defeated by 1. FC Saarbrücken TT in a repeat of last year’s clash. Anton KÄLLBERG gave Borussia the perfect start with a dramatic sudden death win over Patrick FRANZISKA. However, Dang QIU fell in straight games to Truls MÖREGÅRDH, and later lost another tight five-set duel against Franziska—again decided by a sudden death point. Darko JORGIĆ prevailed over Timo BOLL, marking Boll’s final appearance in the Champions League. On Saturday, Borussia had advanced to the final with a convincing win over KS Dartom Bogoria Grodzisk Mazowiecki. Coach Danny HEISTER reflected on the outcome: “I think my team did everything they could, but it was not enough. There were some close matches, but in the end, Saarbrücken was stronger. They came out of the World Championships in great form. They now have three top players, all probably in the world’s top 20 or better. We had our chances, but didn’t convert. Still, the team gave everything.” HEISTER also commented on individual performances: “Dang wasn’t feeling great but still pushed to five sets and had match points. As for TIMO, I can only express my deepest respect for how he played against Darko. We’ll regroup and prepare for our next final in two weeks.” KÄLLBERG was Borussia’s lone point scorer in the final and acknowledged the fine margins: “It was full of ups and downs and sudden death finishes—extremely close. We’ve played so many times now, and it always comes down to the final point. Saarbrücken played at a very high level today. The way Darko beat Timo and the way Franziska played against Dang was impressive. They were simply the stronger team today. We’ll work to be better next time.”

After two days of top-class table tennis, 1. FC Saarbrücken TT successfully defended their title at the 2025 HYLO Champions League Final 4. In the final held at Saarlandhalle Saarbrücken, the reigning champions overcame Borussia Düsseldorf in a repeat of last year’s decisive clash. This marks Saarbrücken’s third consecutive title, further solidifying their dominance under the Final 4 format. Meanwhile, Borussia Düsseldorf—the most decorated club in the competition’s history—remains on six Champions League titles and six Europe Cup of Champions trophy. In Saturday’s semifinals, Borussia Düsseldorf secured a convincing win over KS Dartom Bogoria Grodzisk Mazowiecki, while 1. FC Saarbrücken TT overcame Polish challengers KS Global Pharma Orlicz 1924 Suchedniów to book their place in the final. 1. FC Saarbrücken TT – Borussia Düsseldorf 3-1 Patrick FRANZISKA – Anton KALLBERG 2-3 (13-15, 8-11, 11-6, 11-7, 5-6) Anton KÄLLBERG held off Patrick FRANZISKA’s fierce comeback from 0–2 down to win their duel by the sudden death point in the fifth game. With a strong service-receive game, KÄLLBERG stormed to an early 5–0 lead. FRANZISKA responded with several pinpoint balls into the corners, narrowing the gap and reaching 7–8 from 4–8. KÄLLBERG earned the first game point at 7–10, but FRANZISKA, relying on a strong serve, leveled at 10–10. After saving two game points, the German had his own at 12–11, but it was KÄLLBERG who ultimately converted his fourth opportunity to take the game 15–13. KÄLLBERG kept up the pressure early in the second game. At 3–1, Borussia called a timeout due to a minor injury to the Swede’s hand. FRANZISKA leveled the score at 3–3 as they returned to the table. The game remained even until 7–7, but in the closing moments, KÄLLBERG capitalized on his first real opening and sealed it 11–8. With the pressure mounting, FRANZISKA shifted the momentum. He raced to a 6–1 lead in the third game, pushed further to 8–3, and eventually closed it 11–6 on his second game ball. The tide had clearly turned. A 5–1 lead in the fourth game sparked loud cheers from the crowd. KÄLLBERG kept his composure and leveled at 5–5, then 6–6, but FRANZISKA surged ahead once more to 9–6 and closed the game 11–7 to force a decider. In the decisive fifth game, FRANZISKA led 5–3, but KÄLLBERG stayed calm under pressure and ultimately delivered the first point of the match for Borussia Düsseldorf. “We had so many matches going back and forth. I think after the second game, Patrick really started to play better. We had great rallies, but I couldn’t finish them. In the end, it’s the one with better nerves that matters,” said KÄLLBERG. Truls MOREGARD – Dang QIU 3-0 (11-7, 11-4, 11-7) In a match that appeared one-sided from the outset, Truls MOREGARD nullified Borussia’s early advantage and brought the tie back to level terms. The Swede claimed the opening game without much trouble and maintained the same tempo, closing the second game even more convincingly. In the third, Dang QIU came close at 6–7, but after a timeout, Truls showed no signs of weakness. “Against QIU, it’s important to be as aggressive as possible. You can’t afford mistakes—you have to do everything right if you want to beat him. I felt good and played well. My service worked fine too,” said MOREGARD. Darko JORGIC – Timo BOLL 3-2 (17-15, 8-11, 11-7, 2-11, 6-1) In his final appearance in the Champions League, Timo BOLL delivered a vintage performance, pushing Darko JORGIC to his limits in a fantastic match that showed his enduring class. Although the Slovenian ultimately prevailed, it was a gripping battle throughout. JORGIC came out firing in the opening game, combining power and precision to establish a 7–4 lead. BOLL responded with composure, saving a game point at 9–10 and creating five of his own. Still, under pressure, Darko held firm and converted his second game point to take the lead. The second game saw BOLL come out in dominant fashion. He raced to a 7–2 lead and earned his first game point at 10–4. Though JORGIC mounted a brief comeback, BOLL closed it out 11–8. The third game was a rollercoaster. JORGIC led 5–1, but BOLL fought back to level at 5–5. However, JORGIC held his nerve and finished strong to win 11–7. In the fourth, BOLL took full control, overwhelming JORGIC with his aggressive play and forcing a decider. The fifth game began with JORGIC delivering outstanding serves, quickly pulling ahead 3–0. He maintained the momentum and eventually sealed the victory, ending a memorable contest against one of table tennis’s true legends. Patrick FRANZISKA – Dang QIU 3-2 (11-6, 2-11, 11-6, 7-11, 6-5) In the clash between two players who had both lost their opening encounters, Patrick FRANZISKA made the better start, but Dang QIU responded with intensity. The momentum shifted again in the third game, as FRANZISKA regained control, racing to a 5–0 lead and maintaining a safe margin to close out the game. QIU, however, did not back down. With a commanding performance, he forced a decider. In the fifth game, QIU started strongly, taking a 3–0 lead. The hosts called a timeout, and upon returning to the table, FRANZISKA won the next two points. QIU recovered quickly to earn match point at 5–2, but it was FRANZISKA who ultimately claimed the victory on a sudden death point.