The 34th Finlandia Open kicks off today at the Kisakallio Sports Institute in Lohja, bringing together a strong international field for one of Europe’s traditional year-ending table tennis events. The tournament, recognized by the European Table Tennis Union (ETTU) and counting toward the ETTU ranking list, features Men’s and Women’s Singles as well as U21 categories. Schedule Overview Fans can follow the full programme, draws, and live scoring throughout the four days. Draws & Live Results: https://finlandia-open.sportsoftware.ai/brackets/421 Livestream: https://www.youtube.com/@suomenpoytatennisliitto/streams
France Fall Just Short in a Thriller Against Korea Republic
France produced one of the most dramatic performances of the tournament so far, pushing unbeaten Korea Republic to the edge before narrowly losing 8–7 in the Stage 2 of the ITTF Mixed Team World Cup 2025. In Chengdu The French side refreshed its lineup for Stage 2, with Félix LEBRUN and Prithika PAVADE starting the tie in mixed doubles, while Alexis LEBRUN and Jia Nan YUAN handled singles duties. Alexis delivered a world-class display in the men’s singles, stunning Woojin JANG 2–1 and later teaming up with Félix to win the men’s doubles in straight games — a result that brought France level at 6–6 and reignited their hopes. However, in the decisive women’s doubles, PAVADE and Jia Nan came agonizingly close to a huge upset. They won the opening game and fought back from 6–10 in the decider, but Nayeong KIM and Hyojoo CHOI held their nerve to seal victory for Korea and preserve their perfect record. Croatia faced an unstoppable Chinese team, falling 8–0, but not without moments of brilliance. In mixed doubles, Ivor BAN and Hana ARAPOVIĆ were outmatched by world champions Chuqin WANG and Yingsha SUN, while Man KUAI dominated the women’s singles against Ivana MALOBABIĆ. The European highlight came from Tomislav PUCAR, who pushed Lin Shidong to a spectacular 14–12 opening game. The second game produced one of the rallies of the day, featuring PUCAR’S stunning edge-ball winner after a sequence of acrobatic lobs. Despite the Croatian’s inspired play, LIN closed the match 2–0. Germany earned an important 8–5 victory over Sweden. The tie opened with a comeback from Annett KAUFMANN, Patrick FRANZISKA, who overturned a tough start to beat Christina KÄLLBERG, Kristian KARLSSON 2–1. Sweden immediately struck back, as Linda BERGSTRÖM edged Sabine WINTER in a dramatic 2–1 duel. Germany then grabbed control through Dang QIU, who produced a superb performance to defeat Anton KÄLLBERG 3–0 in the men’s singles, giving Germany crucial momentum. Sweden reduced the gap in the men’s doubles, with KÄLLBERG/Karlsson narrowly topping DUDA/QIU 2–1, but Germany quickly responded: WINTER/MITTELHAM claimed a tight first game (12–10) against KÄLLBERG/BERGSTRÖM, securing the final point needed for an overall 8–5 German win.
Romania Delivers a World-Class Event at the 2025 ITTF World Youth Championships
European table tennis enjoyed an outstanding showing at the ITTF World Youth Championships 2025, where the continent’s young stars collected nine medals across all categories. Hosted in Cluj-Napoca, Romania delivered a flawlessly organised event, earning widespread praise from delegations, coaches, and athletes. The exceptional environment, high-level presentation, and warm hospitality provided the ideal stage for Europe’s rising talents to excel. “I am excited and grateful. As the host of WYC Cluj-Napoca 2025, I dare to say that it was a truly memorable event, organized to the highest standards of the RTTF and ITTF in a perfect collaboration. It stands as a symbol of continuous value and growth, an example of recognising the young generation present in Cluj as the future of world table tennis, and of honoring them by offering an organisational standard equal to that of senior world events. This is how we can hope their dream of becoming great champions will continue,by ensuring that athletes and their coaches feel supported, respected, and inspired to give their best, knowing how much we all care about them. There were countless aspects that were acknowledged and appreciated by all delegations: eight days of competition, eight hours a day, broadcast live on TVR SPORT, the Romanian national television; an atmosphere filled with extraordinary, positive energy; and athletes genuinely happy to compete at the highest level. The outstanding results were a natural consequence of this environment. There was great passion and creativity behind the event, but what mattered most was the collective enthusiasm from everyone involved. I want to thank all contributors for making this edition of WYC Cluj 2025 truly unforgettable. I wish everyone a wonderful end of the year—filled with smiles and high dreams,” said ITTF Executive Vice President, WYC Cluj-Napoca Competition Director, and RTTF Executive Board Member and Marketing Manager Beatrice ROMANESCU. Europe celebrated two world titles: Three Silver Medals Four Bronze Medals
Europe Shines in Cluj-Napoca: Nine Medals and Landmark Performances at the ITTF World Youth Championships
The ITTF World Youth Championships 2025 concluded after eight days of world-class action at the BT Arena in Cluj-Napoca, marking a standout edition for European table tennis. With a total of nine medals, Europe celebrated a strong performance, highlighted by Wales’ Anna HURSEY, Germany’s Mia GRIESEL and Koharu ITAGAKI, the impressive mixed doubles run of Romania’s Iulian CHIRIȚĂ and HURSEY, as well as the doubles success of Türkiye’s Gorkem OCAL and Kenan KAHRAMAN. Europe also shone in the team events, with Italy’s Under-15 Boys’ Team reaching the final. Wales’ Anna HURSEY delivered one of the standout European campaigns, clinching bronze in the Under-19 Girls’ Singles. She fell in the semifinal to China’s Yuxuan QIN, who went on to defeat teammate Geman ZONG for the title. To reach the podium, HURSEY defeated Taipei’s Yi-Tian YEH, Ukraine’s Veronika MATIUNINA, and Czechia’s Veronika POLAKOVA HURSEY added a second medal, a gold in the Under-19 Girls’ Doubles alongside Germany’s Mia GRIESEL. The pair overcame the Ukrainian–Egyptian duo of Veronika MATIUNINA and Hana GODA in the semifinal before reaching the ultimate stage. France’s Leana HOCHART and Elise PUJOL and Belgium’s Lilou MASSART / Spain’s Maria BERZOSA also reached the quarterfinals. In the Under-19 Boys’ Singles, Japan secured both gold and silver through Ryuusei KAWAKAMI and Kazuki YOSHIYAMA, with China earning both bronze medals (Hechen LI and Ruibo WEN). Europe did not reach the podium but delivered several deep runs. Romania’s Iulian CHIRIȚĂ, Spain’s Daniel BERZOSA, and France’s Flavien COTON all reached the quarterfinals, finishing just one step short of a medal. Europe did climb the podium in the Under-19 Boys’ Doubles, where Portugal’s Tiago ABIODUN and Romania’s Iulian CHIRIȚĂ secured bronze. Chinese Taipei’s Guan-Hong KUO and Hsien-Chia HSU claimed the title ahead of Japan’s KAWAKAMI and YOSHIYAMA. Quarterfinal positions went to Hungary’s Balazs LEI and David SZANTOSI and Spain’s Daniel BERZOSA and Poland’s Marcel BLASZCZYK. In Mixed Doubles, Anna HURSEY celebrated her third medal, joining Iulian CHIRIȚĂ for a superb silver medal run. The European pair reached the final before falling to China’s Hechen LI and Yuxuan QIN. France’s Flavien COTON and Leana HOCHART and Slovakia’s Samuel ARPAS and Spain’s Maria BERZOSA reached the quarterfinals. In the Under-19 Teams Events, Europe’s best placements came from Poland and France in the boys’ competition, and Germany and France in the girls’ event, each finishing in the quarterfinal stage. A major highlight for Europe came in the Under-15 Girls’ Singles, where Germany’s Koharu ITAGAKI added the World Championship title to the European crown she had won earlier this year in Czechia. She defeated China’s Qihui ZHU in the final, confirming her status as one of the brightest young stars in world table tennis. Germany’s Josephina NEUMANN reached the quarterfinals. ITAGAKI and NEUMANN then combined for a bronze medal in the Under-15 Girls’ Doubles. France’s Nina GUO ZHENG and Alexia NODIN and Czechia’s Hanka KODET and Romania’s Patricia STOICA finished among the quarterfinalists. In the Under-15 Boys’ Singles, Italy’s Danilo FASO reached the quarterfinals, the highest European finish in the category. Europe added another significant medal in the Under-15 Boys’ Doubles, where Türkiye’s Gorkem OCAL and Kenan KAHRAMAN secured silver, pushing China’s Guanhong ZHOU and Haiyang YU all the way in the final. Quarterfinalists included Germany’s Jonas RINDERER and Poland’s Jan MRUGALA and Italy’s Francesco TREVISAN and Danilo FASO. Italy delivered a standout performance in the Under-15 Boys’ Teams Event, reaching the final and earning silver after a narrow loss to Chinese Taipei. The Italian squad, Francesco TREVISAN, Danilo FASO, and Giulio CAMPAGNA, produced a major upset by defeating China on their way to the gold-medal match. Türkiye concluded their campaign in the quarterfinals. In the Under-15 Girls’ Teams Event, Germany and France both reached the quarterfinals.
Young Talents Shine Across All Singles and Mixed Doubles Events in Beočin
A full programme of finals at the JOOLA Europe Youth Series Serbia Open in Beočin showed the rising stars of European table tennis. Across six title events, players from Poland, Czechia, Slovakia, and Spain captured gold after a series of high-quality performances, dramatic comebacks, and notable upsets. Under-15 Girls’ Singles Poland’s Aleksandra NAWROCKA, seeded No. 9, claimed the Under-15 Girls’ Singles crown after defeating Austria’s Sophia PICHLER in a tight final. NAWROCKA showed she can withstood the pressure in key moments to secure a 3–1 victory (12–10, 12–10, 10–12, 11–5). PICHLER reached the final following a hard-fought 3–1 win against Czechia’s Laura MARSICKOVA (11–7, 11–8, 6–11, 13–11), while NAWROCKA advanced with a strong semifinal performance against Romania’s Bianca Stefania TOMA (6–11, 11–6, 11–9, 11–4). Under-15 Boys’ Singles Czechia’s Ondrej MORAVEK, the No. 2 seed, clinched the Under-15 Boys’ Singles title after a dramatic five-game battle with Poland’s Jakub TURECKI. In a match full of momentum shifts, MORAVEK ultimately prevailed 3–2 (12–14, 9–11, 11–3, 11–6, 12–10). Despite the defeat, TURECKI delivered the biggest upset of the tournament, reaching the final as the No. 24 seed. Earlier, MORAVEK booked his place in the final with a confident 3–0 win over Spain’s Francisco SERRANO (11–9, 11–2, 11–7), while TURECKI advanced by defeating Spain’s Roger QUESADA 3–0 (11–1, 11–8, 11–4). Under-13 Boys’ Singles Top seed Filip NAGY of Slovakia delivered a strong performance to win the Under-13 Boys’ Singles title, defeating No. 2 seed Marcos GÓMEZ of Spain in straight games (11–8, 11–9, 11–9). NAGY reached the final with a 3–0 victory over Greece’s Theofanis MARKOULAKIS (11–7, 11–5, 11–6), while GÓMEZ battled past Moldova’s Nicolae BUCUR 3–1 (11–3, 11–6, 17–19, 11–2). Under-13 Girls’ Singles Czechia’s Adela BRHELOVA, seeded No. 2, secured the Under-13 Girls’ Singles title by overcoming top-seeded Barbora Melisa GUASSARDO of Slovakia in a strong four-game final. After losing the first game, BRHELOVA took control and closed the match 3–1 (9–11, 11–9, 11–4, 11–5). To reach the final, BRHELOVA won a tight five-game duel against Slovakia’s Bianka BACSOVÁ (10–12, 11–6, 10–12, 11–4, 11–8). GUASSARDO advanced with a 3–1 win over Croatia’s Sara RIVETTI (11–3, 11–7, 8–11, 11–8). Under-15 Mixed Doubles Czechia celebrated another gold through Ondrej MORAVEK and Laura MARSICKOVA, who captured the Under-15 Mixed Doubles title after a spectacular comeback. The Czech pair overturned a two-game deficit to defeat Poland’s Aleksandra NAWROCKA and Jakub TURECKI 3–2 (8–11, 7–11, 11–7, 11–7, 11–5). In the semifinals, NAWROCKA and TURECKI advanced with a 3–1 win over Austria’s Sophia PICHLER and Croatia’s Mateo TERIHAJ (11–7, 6–11, 11–3, 11–6), while MORAVEK and MARSICKOVA defeated Slovakia’s Barbora Melisa GUASSARDO and Rastislav ŠVEC 3–1 (11–7, 10–12, 11–8, 11–8). Under-13 Mixed Doubles Spain’s Carmen GÓMEZ and Marcos GÓMEZ secured the Under-13 Mixed Doubles gold after a remarkable comeback in the final. Trailing 0–2, the Spanish players rallied to defeat Slovakia’s Filip NAGY and Bianka BACSOVÁ 3–2 (3–11, 6–11, 11–5, 11–9, 11–6). Earlier, the Spanish pairings swept Elina HU (SUI) and Milan VUČETIĆ (MNE) in straight games (11–4, 11–8, 11–9). On the opposite table, NAGY and BACSOVÁ edged Croatia’s Karla IVČIĆ and Ivan SMILJANIĆ 3–2 (10–12, 12–10, 9–11, 11–5, 11–6).
DTTB Marks 100 Years: A Century of Table Tennis Celebrated in Düsseldorf
The German Table Tennis Federation (DTTB) celebrated its 100th anniversary with a modest yet dignified gala at the German Table Tennis Centre (DTTZ) in Düsseldorf. Guests from sport, politics, and public institutions gathered to honour a century of achievements, milestones, and the people who shaped German table tennis. Among the guests were also the ETTU top representatives, led by ETTU President Pedro MOURA and Secretary General Pierre KASS. “As we reached the 100th anniversary of the German Table Tennis Association, we celebrate not only a century of sporting excellence, but also a federation that has profoundly shaped the identity of European and global table tennis. Germany has produced champions who have inspired generations, advanced our sport, and upheld the highest values of fair play and professionalism,” stated ETTU President MOURA. “The DTTB’s legacy is one of leadership, innovation, and unwavering commitment to progress, qualities that continue to strengthen table tennis across Europe. On behalf of the European Table Tennis Union, I extend my warmest congratulations and look forward to honoring this historic milestone together with the entire table tennis family.” The choice of the DTTZ as the venue underlined the symbolism of the moment: a place where national squad players train daily, and where tradition and future naturally meet. The centre, founded in 2006, stands as a testament to performance, passion, diversity, integration, and the intergenerational spirit of the sport. DTTB President Konrad GRILLMEYER opened the ceremony by reflecting on the long and rich history of the federation, whose founding dates back to 8 November 1925 in Berlin. “This day allows us to look back with pride, not only on historical milestones, but above all on the people who have shaped, carried and loved this sport over generations,” President GRILLMEYER said. Hans Wilhelm GÄB’s contribution to German table tennis spans nearly five decades. GÄB’s vision, persistence, and leadership were key to the creation of the DTTZ and to establishing professional structures that continue to underpin the federation today. GRILLMEYER highlighted his legacy: “Hans Wilhelm GÄB was a stroke of luck for German table tennis; without his vision and dedication, our sport in Germany would look very different today.” From organising the unforgettable 1989 World Championships in Dortmund, highlighted by the World Championship title won by Jörg ROSSKOPF and Steffen FETZNER, to shaping the federation as President, Adviser, and Honorary President, GÄB’s impact remains deeply rooted in the DTTB’s identity. The centenary celebration revisited defining moments of German table tennis. “This century of German table tennis is filled with breakthroughs and successes, setbacks and renewals. When the association was founded in 1925, table tennis was still a young sport: light, elegant and already fascinatingly fast. Progress came quickly. As early as 1926, the DTTB became a founding member of the ITTF. In 1929, Erika METZGER and Mona RÜSTER won Germany’s first World Championship title in women’s doubles. In 1930, Berlin hosted the first of seven World Championships to be held on German soil. The most recent edition took place in 2017, once again in Düsseldorf – another sign of the city’s strong connection to the sport.” President GRILLMEYER also spoke about dark chapters and historical responsibility: “The history of the association was not untouched by the difficult times Germany experienced. National Socialist persecution did not spare table tennis. The exclusion of Jewish athletes was an injustice that obliges the association to this day. Particular remembrance is given to Heinz NICKELSBURG, a leading player of his era who was ostracised and forced into emigration. His story remains a reminder to uphold fairness, openness and respect – the core values of both the sport and society.” DTTB returned through rebuilding, European integration, and the journey back to the top. “After the Second World War, table tennis in Germany began anew. In 1947, the first German Championships were held in Heppenheim, with future President Dr Dieter MAURITZ and Hilde BUSSMANN among the winners. In 1957, the DTTB became a founding member of the European Table Tennis Union. Players such as former World Championship bronze medallist Heinz SCHNEIDER – who represented both the DTTB and later the DTTV, the federation of the former GDR – helped Germany regain its footing internationally. They laid the groundwork for a gradual return to the world’s leading table tennis nations. A milestone came in 1966 with the establishment of the Bundesliga, giving table tennis a performance-oriented national league structure for the first time.” Another defining figure emerged during this era: Eberhard SCHÖLER. The defensive specialist captivated audiences in the late 1960s with his unique style and earned silver at the 1969 World Championships in Munich – generating unprecedented attention for the sport. As sports director and vice president, he shaped the association for 26 years with clarity and dedication. Together with Hans Wilhelm GÄB, he laid the professional foundation that continues to support German table tennis success today. The era of the “Golden Girls” in the late 1990s, followed by the emergence of Timo BOLL—whose achievements across Olympic Games, World and European Championships set new standards, ushered in a new era. The continuing success of German players including Dimitrij OVTCHAROV, Dang QIU, Patrick FRANZISKA, Benedikt DUDA, and the women’s team featuring Ying HAN, Sabine WINTER, Annett KAUFMANN, and Nina MITTELHAM further reinforced Germany’s status on the world stage. Beyond elite sport, the anniversary highlighted the social dimension of table tennis. More than 540,000 members in 9,000 clubs now play under the DTTB umbrella, with numbers rising for the third consecutive year. Millions more play recreationally across schoolyards, parks, pools, and public spaces. “Table tennis connects people, regardless of age, origin, language or religion. It creates encounters that might never happen elsewhere,” GRILLMEYER emphasised. The DTTB reaffirmed its commitment to the values that have guided the federation for a century: fairness, openness, inclusion and respect. It also reaffirmed its love for table tennis at every level. The DTTB is the home of sport for all. The “Mini Championships” have been a perennial favourite among DTTB campaigns since 1983 and
Team Titles Decided in Beočin as JOOLA Europe Youth Series Serbia Open Continues With Singles Events
The JOOLA Europe Youth Series – Serbia Open continued in Beočin with the completion of all team events in the Under 13 and Under 15 categories, before the focus shifted to the singles programme. You can see pictures here. The U15 Girls Teams event concluded with strong performances from the leading contenders, as Spain 1, Croatia 1, and Spain 2 secured the top three positions after a demanding round-robin phase. The duo of Teresa CARRASCO VIEITO and Celia VALPUESTA guided Spain 1 to the top of the standings, finishing with an impressive 6–1 record and the highest points total in the group. The Spanish pairing displayed consistency throughout the stage, registering six 3–0 wins and one 1–2 defeat. Their only defeat came against Croatia 1. Top seeds Croatia, represented by Karla IVČIĆ and Sara RIVETTI, delivered a flawless performance on court with a perfect 7–0 match record. Despite winning all their matches, Croatia finished second due to the points allocation system (3:0 win – 3 points, 2:1 win – 2 points, 1:2 loss – 1 point, 0:3 loss – 0 points). The Spanish second team, featuring Aina CASANOVAS, Oumnia EL MOUHMOUH, and Ariadna ARNAU, secured third place with a positive 5–2 record. The U15 Boys Teams group stage concluded with outstanding performances from the Spanish squads, as Spain 1 secured the top place, followed closely by Spain 2 and Serbia 1. Top seeds Spain 1, represented by Ekain GÓMEZ and Alexander MALOV, delivered a flawless group campaign, finishing with ten wins from ten matches and collecting a group-leading 28 points. The Spanish second team, featuring Roger QUESADA, Francisco SERRANO, and Antoni RUSCALLEDA, completed the group in second position with 25 points. They collected nine victories. Seeded second, Serbia with David ČAPANDA, Branko DRAGOLJEVIĆ, and Marko MIHAJLOV accumulated 24 points with seven wins and three defeats. In the U13 Girls Teams event, Spain 1, Romania 1, and Denmark 1 emerged as the top three teams. Spain’s top girls’ team, represented by Ana CHEN HU and Carmen GÓMEZ, dominated the group phase with an excellent 7–2 match record and a total of 22 points. Seeded first, Romania’s Teodora SARDENI and Bianca Stefania TOMA claimed second place with a powerful 8–1 campaign and 22 points. Their only loss came against the Spanish leaders. The Danish pair Andrea GREGERSEN and Chelinda VOONG finished third with seven wins, two defeats, and 19 points. Only the Under 13 Boys Teams event concluded with knockout matches. Spain captured the title after a strong 3–1 victory over Moldova/Romania in the final, while Croatia secured the bronze medal after prevailing in the match for third place against Spain 2. Spain’s team of Marcos GÓMEZ, Luca ROMERO, and Victor DOBATO overcame Nicolae BUCUR and Denis FONARIUC by 3–1. Croatia’s pair of Šimun MILOŠEVIĆ and Ivan SMILJANIĆ claimed the bronze medal after a solid performance in the match for third place against Spain’s Daniel CASQUERO and Lucas PARDO.
ETTU Opens Application Process for Hosting 2028 European Events
The European Table Tennis Union has officially released the hosting documents for all major European events scheduled in 2028. Member Associations are invited to submit their applications, with all relevant materials now available at the following link: The package includes the official application form as well as the directives for organisers for each event. Application Deadline Member Associations wishing to host an ETTU event in 2028 are kindly reminded that the deadline for submitting completed applications is: Monday, 2 March 2026 EVENTS OPEN FOR APPLICATION 2028 European Individual Championships 2028 European TOP 16 Cup 2028 European U21 Championships 2028 European Youth Championships 2028 European U13 Championships 2028 Europe Youth Top 10 The ETTU looks forward to receiving your hosting applications.
JOOLA Europe Youth Series – Serbia Open Commenced in Beočin
The 2025 JOOLA Europe Youth Series – Serbia Open officially commenced in Beočin, Serbia, bringing together Europe’s most promising young table tennis talents across the Under-13 and Under-15 categories. You can see the pictures from Day one here. Competition began on today with group stages in all team events. Singles events start on Friday with qualification rounds, before three days of main-draw action culminate on Sunday. Mixed doubles will also run from Friday to Sunday, completing an intensive five-day programme. In the Under-15 Boys’ Teams event, Spain enters as the top-seeded squad, with Serbia leading the host nation’s challenge as the no. 2 seed. Croatia follows as the third seed. In the Under-15 Girls’ Teams, Croatia, Serbia and Spain form the top three seeded teams. In Under-13 Boys’ Teams, Spain, Montenegro and Croatia lead the list, while in the Under-13 Girls’ Teams, Romania, Spain and Serbia head the seeding. According to the seeding lists, Spain’s Alexander MALOV is the top seed in U15 Boys’ Singles, followed by Czechia’s Ondrej MORAVEK and Serbia’s David ČAPANDA. In U15 Girls’ Singles, Czechia’s Adela BRHELOVA stands as the no. 1 seed, closely followed by Austria’s Sophia PICHLER and Slovakia’s Barbora Melisa GUASSARDO. Slovakia’s Filip NAGY holds a commanding lead in U13 Boys’ Singles, ahead of Spain’s Marcos GOMEZ and Montenegro’s Milan VUČETIĆ. In U13 Girls’ Singles, Slovakia’s Barbora Melisa GUASSARDO is the top-ranked player, followed by Czechia’s Adela BRHELOVA and Croatia’s Sara RIVETTI.
Doubles Events Conclude at European Para Championships 2025
The 2025 ITTF European Para Championships in Helsingborg (20–25 November) concluded with an outstanding show of a world-class performances. The Championships not only celebrated medal winners but also the spirit of Para table tennis, unity, inclusion, and high-performance competition at its finest. Below are the full doubles results from Helsingborg. Men’s Doubles Class MD4 Men’s Doubles Class MD8 Men’s Doubles Class MD14 Men’s Doubles Class MD18 Men’s Doubles Class MD22 Women’s Doubles Class WD5 Women’s Doubles Class WD10 Women’s Doubles Class WD14 Women’s Doubles Class WD20 Mixed Doubles Class XD4 Mixed Doubles Class XD7 Mixed Doubles Class XD10 Mixed Doubles Class XD14 Mixed Doubles Class XD17 Mixed Doubles Class XD20 Mixed Doubles Class XD22
