The International Table Tennis Federation concluded its Annual General Meeting (AGM) 2025 today, 15 November, bringing to a close a process that began in Doha on 27 May 2025. Following the decision of the ITTF Executive Board on 20 September 2025, and in accordance with ITTF Statutes, the continuation of the AGM was held in a fully online format. LUMI AGM UK Ltd, an independent, world-class provider, was appointed to managed the proceedings in line with the highest standards of governance. “This is a historic moment for the ITTF, and I would like to congratulate all the newly elected members of the ITTF Executive Board. I sincerely hope that, together, our global table tennis community can continue to build peace, unity, and development under their leadership,” stated ETTU President Pedro MOURA. With the conclusion of today’s meeting, the ITTF membership has now elected the full Executive Board for the 2025-2029 term. The following eight Executive Vice Presidents will serve alongside President Petra SÖRLING (SWE), who was re-elected in May during the initial session of the AGM: Anthony MOORE (AUS), Guoliang LIU (CHN), Paul CALLE (ECU), HRH Princess Zeina RASHID (JOR), Wahid OSHODI (NGR), Beatrice ROMANESCU (ROU), Prof. Veli Ozan CAKIR (TUR), Virginia SUNG (USA). “I want to extend a very special word of congratulations to the two European members elected today Mrs. Beatrice ROMANESCU and Professor Veli Ozan CAKIR. It has been a long time since Europe has had three representatives on the Executive Board, and this is a proud moment for European table tennis. I am sure that the entire European delegation will work tirelessly and contribute strongly to the further development of our sport,” stated ETTU President MOURA. “I would also like to congratulate the ITTF Council members who were ratified today especially our European representatives, seven in total. In addition, I want to offer special recognition to all European members ratified as part of the newly confirmed committees.” ITTF ratified Council Members from Europe are Zoran PRIMORAC, Richard SCRUTON, Miguel Angel MACHADO SOBRADOS, Heike AHLERT, Sonja GREFBERG, Philip MCCALUM and Aleksandar MATKOVIC. ITTF permanent committee members (2025 – 2029) are Philip MCCALUM (Equipment Committee), Ina JOZEPSONE and Murat ERIS (Masters), Karen TONGE OBE, Tomas VARGA, Emre BASKAN (Para table tennis), Igor HELLER, Katja BRAND, Rudolf SPORRER, Ingrid BOGREN (Rules), Esko HEIKKINEN, dr Michael Wolfgang Johannes FUCHS, Irene FABER, (Sport Science and Medical), Martin PERRY (Sustainability), Werner THURY (Umpires and Referees). In her closing remarks to the AGM, President SÖRLING called for the first Executive Board meeting on Sunday 16 November in order to fast-track key initiatives as the federation is about to enter a landmark year. “I would like to express my gratitude to the former Executive Vice Presidents for their service and contribution,” said President SÖRLING. “And I warmly congratulate the elected Executive Vice Presidents, the ratified Council Members, and the appointed Committee members. I look forward to a professional and fruitful collaboration over the next years. Throughout this unprecedented period, I am proud our community remained focused on the sport. Events continued to grow, development programmes reached more people, and our players, coaches, officials and volunteers kept table tennis vibrant in every region. It is their work that kept our sport strong. Today we are moving forward together as a united table tennis family, with our eyes firmly on the future of table tennis worldwide. This Assembly has re-elected me and renewed its confidence in a programme that delivered concrete positive results in my first term and will continue to bring tangible benefits. The path ahead is ambitious and we cannot afford further delay. The Board will meet tomorrow to resume our work. I will strive to ensure that global success is translated into local impact. And it will be linked to responsibility, merit and a culture of accountability at every level.” President SÖRLING continued: “Next year, our centenary will open an important new phase for the ITTF. Important changes are being prepared. Some are already in motion; others are not yet ready to be presented today, but your decisions here give us the mandate and stability to complete this work with you. Together with the new Executive Vice Presidents, I am honoured to continue serving as your President at such a crucial time for table tennis.” Table tennis now turns firmly to 2026 – a year that will mark the centenary of the International Table Tennis Federation and the ITTF World Table Tennis Championships. During the meeting, the ITTF showcased its plan, building anticipation for what promises to be a special and historic year for the global table tennis family. A century after the inaugural ITTF World Table Tennis Championships took place in London in 1926, the sport returns to its birthplace for a truly historic celebration. London’s Copper Box Arena and OVO Arena Wembley will host the Championships from 28 April -10 May, where 64 men’s and 64 women’s teams will compete for global supremacy. This landmark celebration honours both the sport’s remarkable journey and the founding of the ITTF in that same historic year of 1926.
SKST Havířov Set for Tough Home Clash Against Polish Giants KS Dekorglass Działdowo
SKST Havířov will open their ETTU Champions League Men Round of 16 campaign at home against Polish powerhouse KS Dekorglass Działdowo, on 16 November. Działdowo, two-time Europe Cup winners (2018 and 2024), bring a world-class roster built around Poland’s national team stars. Two-time European Championship medalist Jakub DYJAS and 2022 U21 European singles champion Samuel KULCZYCKI lead the line-up, joined by Patryk LEWANDOWSKI, Croatian ace Tomislav PUCAR (WR 30), and the experienced Chinese defender Yingchao HOU. But Havířov are determined not to play second fiddle. Coach Marek ČIHÁK commands a balanced mix of experience and youth, anchored by Chilean international Gustavo GÓMEZ (WR 110). Alongside him are reigning Czech junior champion Štěpán BRHEL, veterans Michal BLINKA and Jan ŠKALDA, plus Indian international Manush SHAH and several promising Czech juniors including Matyáš KOLEČKÁŘ and Jakub MAKARA. “We respect our opponents, but we have quality and ambition,” said coach ČIHÁK ahead of the home leg. “The players have improved individually, and we want to show that we can compete with any team in Europe.”
UCAM Cartagena Strengthen Their Position With Convincing Win Over Etival ASRTT
UCAM Cartagena T.M. claimed an important 3–1 away victory in France, defeating Etival ASRTT in Stage 2 of the ETTU Champions League Women. Earlier in the group, Etival opened their campaign with a win against Novi Sad, but the Spanish side responded strongly in their second outing. Etival struck first thanks to a composed performance from Jieni SHAO, who handled the crucial points superbly and resisted Tin-Tin HO’s late push in the third and fourth games. UCAM Cartagena immediately answered. Maria XIAO took full control of the rallies, disrupting Liu YANGZI’s rhythm to level the score with a confident straight-games victory. The momentum shifted further when Daniela ORTEGA delivered a crucial third point for UCAM. Although Christina KÄLLBERG fought back to force a decider, ORTEGA regained her focus and sealed the match. XIAO returned to the table to close out the tie, securing her second win of the evening. Despite SHAO’s earlier triumph, the Spanish captain proved too strong in the rematch, completing a commanding performance in straight games and locking in the team victory. With this result, UCAM Cartagena leave France with a vital away win, significantly boosting their position in Group D as the Champions League campaign progresses. “I think all the matches were crucial. I played very well today, Tin Tin played the best she could, and Daniela did her job by winning the third match in the fifth game,” said Maria XIAO. Etival ASRTT – UCAM Cartagena T.M. 1–3
Round of 16: 1. FC Saarbrücken Edge Thriller, Borussia Düsseldorf Impress, Hennebont Prevail in Germany (VIDEO)
Reigning champions 1. FC Saarbrücken TT began their title defence on heated Polish soil with a hard-earned 3–2 victory over Dojlidy Białystok. The German side needed the full five matches to secure the opening-leg win in the ETTU Champions League Men Round of 16. The evening began with a dramatic five-game battle between CHOJNOWSKI and JORGIC. The Polish player struck first, taking the opener and later the decider despite JORGIC holding a 4–2 lead in the final game. “It was a narrow victory, but nothing is decided yet, it’s only 1–0 for us. They played really well. CHOJNOWSKI started the first match against me very strongly. I had a 4–2 lead in the fifth game. When you play up to six, the pressure is huge and every point matters. In the end, I played to passively, he played well, and he deserved to win that match,” said Darko JORGIC. Patrick FRANZISKA quickly restored balance for Saarbrücken with a straight-games win over CHODORSKI, before Yuto MURAMATSU produced a flawless performance at position three, overpowering MICHALSKI to give the German side a 2–1 advantage. “In the second match, Patrick played excellently. He brought stability back to the team, and I don’t think CHODORSKI had many chances. Then YUTO played fantastic in the third position. After a slower start, he was really strong afterwards and gave us the lead,” added JORGIC. The drama returned in the fourth match. FRANZISKA looked firmly in control at 2–0 and 9–4, but CHOJNOWSKI launched a remarkable comeback, winning three consecutive games to level the tie at 2–2. “Patrick started very well again, leading 2–0 and 9–4. That’s when CHOJNOWSKI became extremely aggressive and didn’t miss anymore. When you lose a game like that, it’s normal to tighten up a bit. He kept playing well, and although Patrick fought to the end, unfortunately he couldn’t finish it,” JORGIC reflected. With everything on the line, the deciding match produced a fitting finale. JORGIC came out firing, dominated the first game, dropped a tight second, and then rediscovered his trademark precision and aggression to secure the victory for Saarbrücken. “At 2–2 everything was possible. I started the first set really well, and the second too, but I lost it at the end. In the third and fourth, I was the real Darko again — aggressive from start to finish. That brought Saarbrücken back into the match and gave us a 1–0 lead after the first leg.” The tie now moves to Germany on 19 December, with Saarbrücken holding a narrow advantage but fully aware of the task ahead. “The second leg is on December 19th. Nothing is over. We start from zero again. The crowd was fantastic, cheering so loudly. I really have nothing more to say except that I’m happy we won the first match and that we look positively toward the second one,” concluded JORGIC. Dojlidy Białystok – 1. FC Saarbrücken TT 2–3 Borussia Düsseldorf Take Commanding 3–0 Win in Priego The most decorated club in the competition’s history—with six Champions League titles and six European Cup of Champions trophies—and the No. 2 seeds in this season’s ETTU Champions League Men, Borussia Düsseldorf opened their Round of 16 campaign in dominant fashion. Last year’s runners-up produced a solid 3–0 victory over No. 17 seeds Real Club Cajasur Priego TM in the first leg. The evening began with a spirited effort from Hampus SÖDERLUND, who surprised Anton KALLBERG by taking the opening game. But the Swedish international quickly settled, raising his tempo and winning three consecutive games to secure Düsseldorf’s first point. In the second match, Dang QIU imposed his rhythm from the outset, controlling the rallies with precision and speed to defeat Diogo CHEN in straight games and extend the German side’s lead to 2–0. Carlos MACHADO tried to ignite a home comeback, but Kanak JHA proved too sharp, delivering another clean 3–0 performance to seal the tie for Düsseldorf. “Great performance by our team, losing only one set after a very long trip to Priego. It’s a very good result and it opens the door a little wider for the Champions League quarter-finals,” said Borussia Düsseldorf Manager Andreas PREUSS. Real Club Cajasur Priego TM – Borussia Düsseldorf 0–3 GV Hennebont Claim Important Away Win Against ASC Grünwettersbach No. 7 seeds GV Hennebont TT began their campaign with an impressive 3–1 victory over No. 13 seeds ASC Grünwettersbach in Germany. The match opened with a strong start for the hosts. Hiroto SHINOZUKA produced a high-quality performance to defeat French star Simon GAUZY in four games, giving Grünwettersbach an early 1–0 lead. Hennebont responded immediately. Vladimir SIDORENKO fought through two tight games to overcome Tiago APOLONIA 3–1, levelling the score and swinging the momentum back to the French side. The visitors then moved in front thanks to a commanding display from Lev KATSMAN, who dominated Tobias HIPPLER in straight games to put Hennebont ahead 2–1. SHINOZUKA returned to the table for the decisive fourth match but could not repeat his opening success. SIDORENKO completed a superb evening by winning another tight four-game battle, securing the victory for GV Hennebont. “We are very happy to play such a good match here in Germany. The conditions in the hall were not easy at all, very noisy, strong supporters, and a very strong team in front of us. In Germany it is always like this: great matches and great atmosphere from the crowd. At the beginning of the match we said to each other that we would fight until the very end, no matter what. And it worked. We are happy with the result, and I am personally very happy,” said SIDORENKO. ASC Grünwettersbach – GV Hennebont TT 1–3
ETTU Europe Cup Men Kicks Off in Odorheiu Secuiesc
The 2025–26 ETTU Europe Cup Men officially began today in Odorheiu Secuiesc, Romania, where four groups opened the competition in a tightly packed three-day Stage 1. The matches will run until Sunday, 16 November, with every team fighting for a place in the next phase of Europe’s club competition. Daily updates, live streaming, scores, and match details are available through the official ETTU channels. Stage 1 features four groups: three groups with three clubs each and one group with four teams, seeded from positions 25 to 37. The stakes are immediate: the top two teams from each group will advance to Stage 2, while the third- and fourth-placed teams will move down to the Europe Trophy. Stage 2 will introduce four new groups, bringing together the winners and runners-up from Stage 1, along with the third- and fourth-placed clubs from Champions League Men Stage 1. From there, Stage 3 will shift into a knock-out format. The eight qualifiers from Stage 2 will face the losing teams from the Champions League Men Round of 16, with all ties played in home-and-away matches. Group A opened with Alicante TM facing ASD Marcozzi Cagliari in today’s first match. On Saturday, Marcozzi will meet KTS Gliwice, followed by Alicante vs Gliwice on Sunday—three matches that will determine which two teams continue their European journey. In Group B, hosts CSS-SZAK Odorheiu Secuiesc share the table with Enoli Borges Vall and Fenerbahçe Sports Club. Today’s evening match features Borges Vall against Fenerbahçe, before the Romanian hosts take the stage on Saturday. The closing clash on Sunday, CSS-SZAK vs Fenerbahçe, could prove decisive for qualification. Group C shows an evenly matched quartet: STK Libertas Marinkolor Dubrovnik, SPG Linz, Energa Manekin Toruń, and Irun Leka Enea. Two matches opened the action today, with Libertas facing Irun and Linz facing Toruń. All four teams will play daily, ensuring a highly competitive group that may remain undecided until the final round on Sunday afternoon. Group D contains three teams: UTTC Paneceo Stockerau, Clube Desportivo 1º de Maio, and KS Olesno. Stockerau play both opponents across Saturday’s double schedule before Olesno and CD 1º de Maio close the group on Sunday. With fewer matches on offer, the margin for error is extremely small. Only eight teams—two from each group—will advance from Stage 1 of the Europe Cup Men. With the added pressure of possible relegation to the Europe Trophy, the opening weekend in Odorheiu Secuiesc promises competitive tension from the first serve to the last.
ETTU Europe Cup Women Begins in Linares: Three Groups Open the Race
The 2025–26 ETTU Europe Cup Women began today in Linares, Spain, launching a long weekend of intense competition that will run until Sunday, 16 November. Stage 1 features three groups of four clubs each, seeded from positions 17 to 28, with only the strongest sides earning the right to advance deeper into Europe’s second-tier club competition. Daily updates, scores, and match details are available through the official ETTU platforms. The group winners and runners-up will progress to Stage 2, where they will join the 3rd- and 4th-placed teams from Champions League Women Stage 1. From there, the four winners and four runners-up of Stage 2 will move into the quarterfinals, where they will meet the third-placed teams from Champions League Women Stage 2. With valuable qualification places at stake and several evenly matched squads, Stage 1 promises tight contests and unpredictable outcomes. Group A opened with two compelling matches. ASD Tennistavolo Sassari delivered the first statement performance of the tournament, defeating Universidad de Burgos – RM Terán 3–0. In the parallel tie, TalTech Sport Club fought off GDCS Do Juncal in a dramatic 3–2 victory. The competition resumes tomorrow with Burgos facing TalTech, while Sassari take on Juncal—fixtures that may prove decisive in shaping the race for the top two positions. In Group B starts all four teams entering the competition later today. CP Lyssois Lille Métropole face Bebetto AZS UJD Częstochowa, while UTTC Paneceo Stockerau meet CD Indiana Games. Group B is expected to remain open until the final round on Sunday night. In Group C, the action begins this afternoon with: Son Cladera TTC – Mallorca vs KS Wamet Dąbcze and TTC Meerdaal Leuven vs Fenerbahçe Sports Club. With Fenerbahçe fielding one of the strongest line-ups in Stage 1, and Mallorca entering with home-country support in Spain, this group promises a compelling three-day battle.
Montpellier Set for High-Stakes Clash Against Wiener Neustadt in Round of 16
One of the most anticipated ties of the ETTU Champions League Men Round of 16 opening leg will take place on 16 November (18:30), as French champions Alliance Nîmes/Montpellier visit SolexConsult TTC Wiener Neustadt. Montpellier arrive with exceptional firepower, led by European Team Champions and Olympic Team bronze medallists Félix and Alexis LEBRUN, currently ranked No. 2 and No. 3 in Europe. Their presence elevates the tie’s prestige, marking Montpellier as one of the strongest contenders in the competition. They are supported by a solid squad featuring Esteban DORR (ER 88), Grégoire JEAN (ER 503), and Manav THAKAR (WR 45). “The players are in very good shape, and they always want to competeboth in the League and in the Champions League. The atmosphere in our team is excellent. We are currently together preparing for our league match against Rouen, which is a very good test before entering the Champions League. The mood is positive, the players feel good, and everything is running smoothly,” said coach Vincent AVRIL. Seeded No. 5, Wiener Neustadt reached the quarterfinals last season and now field a refreshed line-up with Andrei ISTRATE (ER 56), Peter HRIBAR (ER 129), Navid SHAMS (WR 157), Shunsuke OKANO (WR 451), and Piotr CYRNEK (ER 366). “Champions League, however, is our biggest objective this year. We are fully prepared for this challenge. The Austrian team is dangerous, with very good players, and we respect them. We haven’t prepared the match in detail yet because we have an important league game tonight, but tomorrow we will analyse, adjust, and define our tactics and strategy. We will be ready.” Reflecting on the team’s domestic performance, coach AVRIL added: “In the French league we are performing quite well: two wins and two losses so far. Alex and Félix have played only two matches, which makes this balance even more promising. Our main goal is to reach the play-offs, and we are on the right path. It’s a good start to the season.” On their European ambitions, he was equally clear: “Our ambition is simple: to reach the Final Four and go as far as possible. With Alex, Félix, and the rest of the team, our aim is to win and to be in Saarbrücken. We are certainly better prepared now than during the group stage because we have the complete team available. We will play with our full team in the final stage, and now we are ready to face the Austrian club. Tonight’s league match is important, but our main focus remains the Champions League. We took every necessary step to arrive fully ready for this encounter, and we are motivated to give everything.”
TTC Sokah Hoboken Shock Last Year’s Final Four Side
Belgium’s TTC Sokah Hoboken delivered first upset in the opening leg of the ETTU Champions League Men Round of 16, defeating last season’s Final Four contenders KS Bank Spółdzielczy Orlicz 1924 Suchedniów with a 3–0 victory at home. The Belgian side, seeded 19th this season, have already exceeded expectations by advancing from Stage 1, where they overcame Austria’s SPG Felbemayr Wels, Czechia’s SKST Havířov, and Croatia’s STK Starr. Their momentum carried into the knockout round, where they stunned the No. 6 seeds from Poland. On paper, the visitors were considered strong favourites, but on the table, after a fierce fight the night belonged to Hoboken. The 3-0 win The opening match set the tone as Rémi BETELU delivered a strong performance to defeat KOZUL 3–1, sealing the fourth game with 11–1. Benjamin BROSSIER then edged out AIDA in a dramatic full five-game battle, surviving a tight 11–13 fourth game before completing the job in the decider by death point. With the Polish side under pressure, Quentin ROBINOT completed the upset. After losing the first two games to ZALEWSKI, the Frenchman mounted a remarkable comeback, saving key points to take the third game 14–12 and maintaining control through the fourth and fifth to secure the victory for Hoboken. Hoboken Manager Marc GIJS: “Totally unexpected to win 3:0 against last year’s Final Four semi-finalist! A very good match with high quality from both sides. We’re looking forward to continuing this journey!” TTC Sokah Hoboken – KS Bank Spółdzielczy Orlicz 1924 Suchedniów 3–0
KS Orlen Bogoria Grodzisk Mazowiecki Assert Dominance in Prague
The Czech capital hosted a high-profile open leg Round of 16 clash in the ETTU Champions League Men as El Niňo Praha welcomed Polish KS Orlen Bogoria Grodzisk Mazowiecki. Despite the passionate home support and a spirited effort from the Prague side, the No. 3 seeds displayed their full strength and recorded 3–0 victory. Bogoria arrived in Prague with an all-star, internationally seasoned line-up featuring Miłosz REDZIMSKI, Marek BADOWSKI, and legendary Greek defender Panagiotis GIONIS a trio that made the visitors clear favourites on paper. El Niňo Praha, fielding Yevhen PRYSHCHEPA, Tomáš KONEČNÝ, and David REITŠPIES, were determined to challenge the odds but ultimately could not halt the Polish powerhouse. El Niňo gained early hope as REITŠPIES took the opening game with confident shot-making. But BADOWSKI quickly reset, tightening his rhythm and taking control of the match with three straight games to put Bogoria ahead. The rising Polish star REDZIMSKI proved unstoppable. His speed, accuracy, and aggressive timing gave PRYSHCHEPA little room to breathe, securing a dominant straight-games win and doubling the visitors’ lead. Against one of the sport’s most iconic defenders, KONEČNÝ worked patiently to break through GIONIS’ impenetrable wall of chops and counters. The Greek veteran, however, controlled every phase of play and sealed the tie for Bogoria. “We played against them last year and we knew this is a very good team. Although we won both matches last season, it was never easy. We were prepared for a difficult encounter and ready to stay fully focused. It is not easy to play in their venue, it’s a small hall, but the crowd is very enthusiastic. We had to perform at the top of our game, and I think we gave 100 percent. Now we wait for the return leg; we are not completely out of danger, only half of job is done. We have to stayed alert” said GIONIS. SF SKK El Niňo Praha – KS Orlen Bogoria Grodzisk Mazowiecki 0–3
UCAM Cartagena Ready for New Challenge in ETTU Champions League Women
Four-time Europe Cup champions UCAM Cartagena T.M. are set to begin their European campaign in the ETTU Champions League Women Stage 2, competing in Group 4 alongside top-seeded Etival ASRTT (France) and TTC Novi Sad (Serbia). This season, the Spanish club holds the No. 8 seeding and presents a powerful line-up featuring Maria XIAO (No. 10 in Europe), Tin-Tin HO (No. 46 in Europe), Daniela ORTEGA of Chile (World No. 117), Angela RODRIGUEZ, Carmen LOZANO, Miriam SEGURA, Silvija ERDELJI, and Yao LI. “We are looking forward to starting our Champions League journey. Everyone is ready to fight,” said Maria XIAO. Last year, UCAM Cartagena reached the quarterfinals, where they lost to eventual champions ttc berlin eastside. In the previous season’s Stage 2, they were also drawn with Etival ASRTT, losing both encounters but still managing to progress from the group. What are your expectations for this season? “We are playing Etival again as we did last year in the group stage. They are a very strong team, so we have nothing to lose. Novi Sad is a dangerous opponent, but I believe we will have our chances.” Where do you see your team’s strengths this year? “Etival are favourites to win the group. They have top players and are a very solid team. I think we are quite strong ourselves, especially with our Chinese player, so hopefully we can aim for a better result in this year’s ETTU Champions League.” How is the team performing domestically? “We’ve started well in the national league, we’re currently at the top of the table together with two other teams.” How important is the Champions League for UCAM Cartagena this season? “As I said, with our Chinese player available, we can aim for a better result than last year. She couldn’t play in the quarterfinals last season, which was unfortunate. Hopefully this year she’ll participate in more matches. Everyone is performing well so far. Daniela ORTEGA has improved a lot and can be dangerous, while Tin-Tin is back on the international stage and I believe she’ll reach her top form soon. Every player has a role to play, each one is important, and everyone will be key in the upcoming matches. I hope people will follow the Women’s Champions League, it’s an exciting competition, and hopefully they’ll cheer for us.” The two best-ranked teams from each of the four groups will advance to the quarterfinals those who failed to qualify will proceed to Stage 2 of the Europe Cup. For the first time in history, the ETTU will introduce a Final Four format to conclude the ETTU Champions League Women.
