Czech clubs remain firmly in the race for silverware in the ETTU Europe Cup, with last year’s runner up SF SKK El Niňo Praha now just one step away from the final. Their semi-final opponent will be a familiar one Roskilde Bordtennis BTK 61, a team they have met several times in recent years. But while past encounters often leaned in favour of the Czech side, this time the feeling is slightly different. “In the past, we were the favourites against Roskilde. This year, it’s not so clear,” admitted coach Petr KAUCKÝ. “They have a very strong team and they are definitely in the semi-finals for a reason.” The Danish side arrives stronger than before, having reinforced their squad ahead of the season. The addition of experienced Swedish player Anders ERIKSSON has brought extra quality and balance, making Roskilde a more complete and dangerous opponent. For El Niňo, that means there is little room for complacency. With both teams evenly matched, the semi-final is expected to be decided by fine margins, something KAUCKÝ is well aware of. At the same time, the Czech side sees a potential advantage in the structure of the tie. “Playing the second leg in Prague could be very important for us,” he explained. “Our hall is quite specific, and if it comes down to a Golden Match, that could really help us.” The approach for the opening leg is therefore clear, stay close, stay competitive, and bring the tie back home in a strong position. “We want to go to Denmark and get as many points as possible.” El Niňo Praha have grown into the competition. They came through the Round of 16 against Enoli Borges Vall with confidence, and followed it up with another solid performance in the quarter-finals against TTC Sokah Hoboken. With a strong lineup expected, including David REITŠPIES, Tomáš KONEČNÝ and Yevgen PRYSHCHEPA, the Czech side has both experience and quality at its disposal.
Hodonín face tough challenge against Cagliari in Europe Cup Women semi-final
After reaching last season’s final, SKST Plus Hodonín are back in the semi-finals of the ETTU Europe Cup Women – and once again dreaming of going all the way. This time, their path to the final goes through ASD Quattro Mori Cagliari, a team that has been one of the standout performers this season. “I think the chances are open,” said coach Jaroslav MIKESKA. “The Italians are probably the favourites, but we will play in our strongest lineup and we definitely want to advance.” Hodonín come into this tie full of confidence after one of the most dramatic quarter-finals of the competition. Against TTC Novi Sad, everything went down to the very last moment. Both teams won one leg each, pushing the tie into a golden match. Under pressure, Hodonín kept their composure. Zhang BINYUE and Karin GROFOVÁ stepped up when it mattered most, securing the wins that sent the Czech side through. It was a tie that showed not only quality, but also character. Cagliari bring a strong and experienced lineup, something Hodonín fully recognise. “MA Hengyu, Elizabet ABRAAMIAN and Tania PLAIAN are players you have to respect,” MIKESKA said. “But we also have a good team.” The Czech champions will rely on their key trio – Zhang BINYUE, Karin GROFOVÁ and Markéta ŠEVČÍKOVÁ, hoping their balance and fighting spirit can make the difference. Preparation for the semi-final has been straightforward and focused. Rather than looking for outside help, Hodonín have relied on their own analysis of Cagliari’s matches throughout the season. “We didn’t contact Hana MATELOVÁ,” MIKESKA explained. “We are working with what we have seen from Cagliari during the season.” With experience from last year and confidence from a dramatic quarter-final, Hodonín know what it takes to compete at this stage. At the same time, they are aware that this will be another close battle.
A new look for ETTU Champions League
ETTU is proud to present a new visual identity for the Champions League Men and Women heading into the 2026/27 season, marking an important step in the evolution of the most prestigious club competition. The updated branding, including a redesigned logo and refreshed visual elements, reflects the ambition to modernise the competition’s image while preserving its heritage. The new look has been developed to strengthen the overall presentation of the Champions League to fans, clubs, and partners. While the Men’s and Women’s Champions League remain under the same competition scope, each will feature its own distinct visual identity. The logos differ in form and colour, helping to give both competitions a clearer and more individual presence. This approach recognises their shared foundation, while allowing each to develop its own identity and progress in parallel, with both sides contributing to raising the overall standard of the competition. This evolution represents more than a visual update. It underlines ETTU’s ongoing commitment to the growth and professionalisation of the competition, ensuring that the Champions League continues to reflect the highest standards of European table tennis. ETTU president Pedro MOURA, commented the following: “The introduction of the new visual identity for the ETTU Champions League marks an important milestone in the continued development of our flagship club competitions. While respecting the rich history and tradition of the Champions League, this new branding reflects our ambition to present a modern, dynamic and globally appealing product.” The new look will debut at next month’s Men’s and Women’s Final Four events, maximising exposure ahead of the new season. The men’s competition will continue as the HYLO ETTU Champions League Men, reflecting the ongoing partnership with HYLO, but presented with the new visual identity, whilst we aim to bring in a new title sponsor for the women’s competition as we enter this new chapter. This new implementation allows growth in all areas of the Champions League, playing a significant role in strengthening the identity and commercial appeal of the competition, staying relevant in an increasingly digital and media-driven world, making it more recognisable across broadcasts, social media and global marketing. For clubs, a stronger brand image associated with a prestigious, modern competition can elevate their own brand appeal, helping them expand international fan bases and commercial opportunities.
Lille ready to fight for the final: “It will come down to courage, tactics and the will to win”
There is a growing sense of belief inside Lille Métropole TT as they prepare for the opening leg of the ETTU Europe Cup Men semi-final against Real Club Cajasur Priego TM. For coach Mathis PRODHOMME, the feeling is clear, the team is arriving at the right moment. “The team’s form is pretty good, the momentum is there,” PRODHOMME said. “We had a tough season in our league, but our run in the European Cup has been fantastic so far.” Lille’s path to the semi-finals has been anything but routine. While the Round of 16 against SKST Havirov was relatively controlled, the quarter-final against STK Vyhne pushed them to their limits. “In the Round of 16, the players were solid, we weren’t really troubled,” PRODHOMME explained. “But in the quarter-finals, a few matches won in golden sets could have turned the tide. It was much closer.” The second leg in particular tested the team’s character. “It started badly; we lost the first match. But the guys fought hard to come back and win the second leg.” That comeback says a lot about this Lille side young, hungry, and unwilling to give up. Now, with a place in the final within reach, Lille are not hiding their ambitions. “Our expectations are high; we’re going to try to reach the final and give it our all,” said PRODHOMME. At the same time, he is clear about what defines his team. “Our strengths are our great team spirit, a fairly young team, and a real desire to perform. Of course, the fans will also be there at home to support us.” Facing Real Club Cajasur Priego TM, Lille expect another step up in difficulty. “We’re expecting a tough match against a very good team. Every match will be important; it will come down to the details.” Preparation is already focused on those margins. “We’re going to focus on tactics; we still have a few details to iron out.” And when it comes to what will make the difference, PRODHOMME does not hesitate: “It will come down to courage, tactics, and the will to win. I hope we can bring all of that together.” Interestingly, this semi-final also brings an element of unpredictability. “I don’t think we’ve ever played them before,” PRODHOMME admitted. That lack of direct experience adds another layer to the tie, where adaptation and in-match decisions could prove decisive. While Lille’s European campaign has been impressive, their domestic season has been more demanding. Still, they have achieved their primary objective. “We managed to stay in Pro B; we’re safe. Now we’re focusing on the European Cup. Then we’ll start working on next year.” With momentum on their side, strong team unity, and a clear belief in their identity, Lille Métropole TT approach the semi-finals ready to embrace the challenge. In matches where “every detail” will matter, they are counting on courage, discipline, and the energy of their home crowd to push them one step closer to the final.
PLAIAN: “Our power is team spirit” as ASD Quattro Mori Cagliari target Europe Cup final
There is a quiet confidence around ASD Quattro Mori Cagliari as they prepare for the opening leg of the ETTU Europe Cup Women semi-final against SKST Plus Hodonin. It’s not just about results, it’s about momentum, belief, and a team that clearly enjoys fighting for each other. Tania PLAIAN’s words reflect both confidence and clarity. “I think we are having very good shape in this moment and we are very excited to play the ETTU Cup semi-final,” PLAIAN said. “Elizabet just won her first WTT title and this means that she is really well prepared in this moment. About me, I feel that I am almost 100 percent recovered after hip surgery and it means I can play at a high level. We all are working hard to win this match.” Cagliari’s path to the semi-finals came through a challenging tie against Fenerbahce Sports Club, one that tested both their quality and mental strength. “The previous match… was really hard because Ece HARAC and Sibel ALTINKAYA are really strong players,” PLAIAN explained. “The first leg we had ABRAAMIAN and we won 3-0, but it was not easy at all.” The second leg brought a different kind of pressure, with the Italian side missing their leading player. “In the second leg, at home, we didn’t have Elizabet and of course we had a little bit of pressure because we wanted so much this victory. I think my match against ALTINKAYA was the key match, and I am happy I managed to win it.” Facing Hodonin, preparation has taken a slightly different direction, with limited previous encounters between the teams. “We are preparing the matches because we never played against these players,” PLAIAN noted. “We are trying to find some good tactics, but for us the most important thing is being united and supporting each other. For us, team spirit is the most important thing.” She also underlined the importance of consistency in execution: “Of course, playing the ball on the table every time is necessary.” The semi-final brings a new level of uncertainty, something the team is fully aware of. “For sure it will be very tough because it’s a semi-final, so this means Hodonin is a strong team,” she said. “The difference compared to previous matches is that we don’t have so much information because we never had the chance to play against them, so it will be interesting.” Although the teams met in the past, PLAIAN points out that little can be taken from that encounter. “We played against each other in 2021 in Novi Sad, but they didn’t have these players at that moment. I remember I won 3-1 and 3-0, but our team lost 3-2. Now it will be different because we also have different players.” Despite clear ambitions, Cagliari are determined to keep expectations under control. “We don’t want to have expectations because this will put pressure on the team,” PLAIAN said. “But of course we want to repeat the performance from 2023, when we won the Cup.” She believes the team’s identity remains their biggest advantage. “Our main strength is that we are young players with a lot of fighting spirit and, as I said before, our power is team spirit.” Preparation for the semi-final has been intense, with the core group working closely together. “We know that a semi-final is always hard and we have to prepare as well as possible to arrive in good shape,” PLAIAN explained. “We are working every day together, me, MA Hengyu and Miriam CARNOVALE in the hall with coach Curcio, and we will prepare as good as possible.” Alongside their European campaign, ASD Quattro Mori Cagliari have also been battling in the Italian league, but their play-off hopes have now come to an end. “We lost 3-0 against Sudtirol Bolzano,” Tania PLAIAN explained. “Two matches finished 3-2, very, very close, and my match against Gaia MONFARDINI was 3-1 but also very close… so we will not play the play-off unfortunately.” With form, confidence and unity on their side, ASD Quattro Mori Cagliari head into the semi-final driven by a clear philosophy stay together, fight for every point, and let the results follow.
WINTER: The best decision of my table tennis career
Since December 2024, Sabine WINTER’S career has followed only one direction sharply upwards. The key to this development lies in an extraordinary decision she made at that time: a complete transformation of her playing system. Since then, her results have spoken for themselves. The latest highlight, a bronze medal at the prestigious World Cup in Macau, has propelled her to a new career-high in the world rankings. As of today, the 33-year-old, who was ranked No. 60 just 16 months ago, has entered the Top 10 for the first time, now standing at World No. 9. In this DTTB interview, Sabine Winter speaks about her new milestone and her success at the World Cup. Your third-place finish at the World Cup in Macau earned you the points needed to break into the Top 10. As of today, you are World No. 9 for the first time how does that feel? “I would never have thought it possible. It all feels completely crazy.” Not even after the Singapore Smash, where you became the first non-Asian player to reach the semi-finals of a Grand Smash tournament? “Before the change, I would never have believed it. After the Singapore Smash, I allowed myself to think about it for the first time, but I quickly stepped away from that and focused again on my main goal: to continue developing my new playing system and to get the very best out of it while I am still able to compete at the highest level.” So for you, the journey itself is the main focus? “I definitely want to keep the joy of experimenting. I really enjoy figuring out what works and what doesn’t, in order to optimise my system and become even more dangerous for my opponents.” Enjoyment and development are one side, what role do results play for you? “When results come from that, like the bronze medal at the World Cup or reaching the Top 10, it’s fantastic and of course gives me even more motivation to keep going.” In December 2024, you started a very unusual experiment for a professional athlete completely changing your playing system. Was that the key to your success? “The complete transformation of my system, including switching to an anti-topspin rubber on the backhand, which I integrated into my uncompromising attacking game, initially felt like a big risk. In the end, it turned out to be the best decision of my table tennis career.” After winning the Europe Top 16, finishing runner-up at WTT Champions Montpellier and third at the Singapore Smash, winning bronze at the World Cup is the highlight of your career so far. How do you place this achievement? “It is the biggest success of my career so far. The World Cup may not be stronger than a Grand Smash in terms of field but it is the World Cup. Everyone wants to win it. And unlike WTT events, it only takes place once a year. To be completely honest: it feels crazy to be flying home from Macau with a bronze medal. It makes me very proud and very happy.” You are only the second German player after your former teammate Petrissa SOLJA in 2015 to achieve this. “Peti is a very good friend – we also became European doubles champions together in 2013. I am very happy and proud to be the one following her with this medal.” The schedule is very tight. Have you had the chance to properly celebrate your success? “I will celebrate properly later. There are always new challenges waiting. But as a reward, I will take two or three days off to let everything sink in. That’s something that often gets overlooked.” What role does your environment play in your success? “As with all athletes, a very big one. The World Cup success is a great opportunity to say a big thank you to everyone who supports and has supported me, here in Macau, but also in training halls and behind the scenes.”
From Jeju to Havířov: Eurospins Camp Continues to Unite European and Korean Youth
For the second time, young Europeans aged 13 to 16 are practicing in a joint Eurospins camp with their peers from South Korea. Last December it was in Asia, in the beautiful Jeju Island, this time the players met in Havířov in Czechia. And the Koreans are very satisfied with the environment in the National Training Center. This was confirmed in an interview by the Secretary General of the Korean Table Tennis Association, KIM Minseok. How do you like the conditions in this training center? “I have to say that we are very pleasantly surprised. The conditions are really excellent. There are enough tables, perfect lighting and a high-quality surface. Overall, the environment is at a very high level. We have ten young players from South Korea here and they are all very satisfied. It is not just about the hall itself, but also about the overall facilities, hospitality and other available services. The entire complex looks very professional and creates ideal conditions for a training camp that lasts approximately ten days.” What do you think about the cooperation project between ETTU and the Korean Table Tennis Association? “We consider this project to be very beneficial, both for European and Korean young players. First of all, I would like to thank the initiators of the whole event: the ETTU Executive Board and the ETTU Vice President Jaroslaw Kolodziejczyk, as well as the members of the Korean Table Tennis Association for the initiative and implementation of this project. The European coaches welcomed us very warmly, which we greatly appreciate. This experience is extremely important for our young players. In South Korea, the players have a similar level and train together every day, so it is difficult for them to objectively assess their own performance. Thanks to this international project, they have the opportunity to confront the European style of play and better understand their level in a global context. Moreover, we perceive that the level of European table tennis, especially among men, has increased significantly in recent years. Therefore, it is very valuable for us to observe how European players develop their skills, how the coaches work and what conditions are available for them.” Do you think it is sufficient that the players meet for approximately 10 days once every six months? “Unfortunately, more frequent meetings are not possible due to the busy international calendar. However, we consider the format of joint training lasting 8-10 days to be very suitable and effective. Unlike short events, longer concentration allows not only high-quality training, but also better understanding of the players, comparison of performance and adaptation to different playing styles. European players can be inspired by the Korean approach, and Korean players can adopt some elements of European training. This mutual exchange of experience is one of the greatest values of the entire project.” Do you plan to continue this project in the future? “Yes, definitely. We would like this project to become an annual tradition. We are planning another meeting in Korea in September, where we will discuss the continuation of cooperation. At the same time, we would like to keep the date in Europe during the Easter period, when the players have school holidays, which makes the organisation easier. Of course, we will also adapt to our possibilities. The goal is to create a stable and long-term program that will be beneficial for both parties. I would like to emphasize that although the project was initiated by specific individuals, it is a joint effort of multiple organisations and partners.” More pictures here.
ETTU celebrates 25 years of partnership with LIEBHERR
The European Table Tennis Union (ETTU) proudly marks 25 years of partnership with LIEBHERR, one of the world’s leading technology companies and a long-standing supporter of European table tennis. “For a quarter of a century, LIEBHERR has been a trusted and valued partner of the European Table Tennis Union. Their commitment has played an important role in strengthening the prestige of our flagship events and supporting the continued growth of table tennis throughout Europe. Long-term partnerships built on shared values are essential for the sustainable development of sport. Together with LIEBHERR, we look forward to building on this strong foundation and continuing to elevate European table tennis, inspiring new generations of athletes and bringing our sport closer to fans across the continent,” said ETTU President Pedro MOURA. The collaboration began at the European Championships in Zagreb in 2002 and has since developed into one of the most recognised and enduring partnerships in European sport. Over the years, LIEBHERR has served as Title Sponsor of the European Championships on 15 occasions, including Zagreb 2002, Courmayeur 2003, Aarhus 2005, Belgrade 2007, St. Petersburg 2008, Stuttgart 2009, Ostrava 2010, Schwechat 2013, Ekaterinburg 2015, Budapest 2016, Luxembourg 2017, Alicante 2018, Nantes 2019, Warsaw 2020 and Linz 2024. In recent years, LIEBHERR has continued to support major European table tennis events across different sponsorship roles, including as Major Sponsor at Malmö 2023 and Zadar 2025. The company will continue this involvement at the upcoming European Individual Championships in Ljubljana, Slovenia, underlining its long-term commitment to the sport. Reflecting on the long partnership, Bernhard KÖSLER, LIEBHERR Group Communication & Brand Management, highlighted the significance of the collaboration. “Over the past 25 years, the partnership between LIEBHERR and the European Table Tennis Union has proven to be both valuable and enduring. Throughout this time, we have passionately supported the sport – from nurturing young talent to backing major international tournaments. We take particular pride in the achievements of German and Austrian players, especially when they win medals or become European champions, as LIEBHERR proudly sponsors both men’s and women’s national teams.” LIEBHERR has also played an important role in ETTU’s premier individual event, the Europe Top 16 Cup, contributing in particular to the visibility and prestige of elite European competitions. “LIEBHERR’S involvement in table tennis has significantly enhanced the brand’s visibility, especially through title sponsorship of prestigious events like the European Championships. This engagement has helped us reach new markets and strengthen our presence in established ones. Beyond brand recognition, our sponsorship reflects LIEBHERR’S sense of social responsibility.” The longevity of the partnership is rooted in strong shared values between the sport and the company. “Table tennis is a global sport that embodies dynamism, precision, fair play, and strategic thinking – all qualities that resonate with LIEBHERR’S corporate values. Our company has experienced dynamic growth, and our products are renowned for their quality and accuracy. Table tennis, as a sport that promotes health, inclusivity, and fairness, aligns perfectly with the principles that guide our family business.” Looking ahead to the European Individual Championships in Ljubljana, LIEBHERR sees continued opportunities to support the sport’s growth and expand its reach. “We are committed to fostering the ongoing growth of European table tennis by helping the sport reach new audiences and continually raising the bar for both athletic and organisational excellence. We believe that the synergy between top-level sport and technological innovation will continue to drive progress for both table tennis and the LIEBHERR brand.” At the end, Bernhard KÖSLER, LIEBHERR Group Communication & Brand Management, stated: “Looking ahead, we are excited to keep supporting the development of European table tennis and to create many more unforgettable sporting moments together.” About the LIEBHERR Group The LIEBHERR Group is a family-run technology company with a highly diversified product programme. The company is one of the largest construction equipment manufacturers in the world. It also provides high-quality, user-oriented products and services in a wide range of other areas. The LIEBHERR Group includes over 150 companies across all continents. LIEBHERR was founded by Hans Liebherr in 1949 in the southern German town of Kirchdorf an der Iller. Since then, the employees have been pursuing the goal of achieving continuous technological innovation, and bringing industry-leading solutions to its customers.
Webinar Social Media Conduct for Umpires and Referees attracts strong interest
As part of a new initiative, the ETTU Umpires and Referees Committee hosted a webinar dedicated to social media conduct for match officials, drawing significant interest from across the community. With the visibility of table tennis continuing to grow, so too does the exposure of umpires and referees. The landscape has changed considerably compared to 10 or 15 years ago, making it increasingly important to address how officials engage with social media. The webinar therefore focused on sharing experiences, as well as providing practical guidance and best practices. Kerstin DUCHATZ, Mark BECKMANN and Mircea STEFF offered valuable insights, discussing the challenges officials face online. Particular attention was given to the nature of social media interactions, where comments can often be more extreme than in face-to-face situations. The speakers also presented strategies for handling such situations in a professional and composed manner. Clear recommendations were outlined, including key do’s and don’ts. Participants were advised to avoid engaging with posts, whether by commenting, liking, or disliking and to refrain from any social media activity during tournaments. The webinar gathered more than 80 participants, generating active discussion and a wide range of questions, all of which were addressed during the session.
Jersey launches fundraising campaign to rebuild TT Centre after Storm Ciarán
The Jersey Table Tennis Association has launched a fundraising campaign to rebuild its home venue following the devastation caused by Storm Ciarán in November 2023. The storm destroyed the island’s dedicated table tennis centre, leaving a significant gap in both sporting infrastructure and community life. For many, the Jersey Table Tennis Centre was far more than a playing hall – it was a place where young players discovered the sport, friendships were formed, and a strong sense of belonging was created. In response, the association has set a target of £120,000 to rebuild the Geoff Reed Table Tennis Centre, with strong progress already made. More than £100,000 has already been raised, and construction plans are underway, with hopes of reopening the new facility by September 2026. Despite the loss of their home base, the Jersey table tennis community has remained resilient. Clubs have adapted to challenging conditions, continuing to train, compete, and achieve success, while players, coaches, and volunteers remain united in their determination to restore their centre. The rebuilding project aims not only to replace a physical structure, but to revive a vital hub for sport and community engagement on the island. The association is calling on the wider table tennis family and supporters to contribute to the campaign, emphasizing that every donation will help rebuild opportunities, reconnect the community, and strengthen the future of table tennis in Jersey. Donations can be made via: https://jerseygiving.je/donate/jersey-table-tennis-association or by contacting the fundraising team at: jttafundraising@gmail.com
