ASD Quattro Mori Cagliari booked their place in the ETTU Europe Cup Women final with a convincing 3-0 victory over SKST Plus Hodonin in the second leg, completing a successful semi-final campaign after their narrow 3-2 win away. Back on home soil in Italy, Cagliari looked confident from the start. Tania PLAIAN opened the tie with a solid win against Marketa SEVCIKOVA, setting the tone early. MA Hengyu followed up with another important point, overcoming Karin GROFOVA in a tight match to put the hosts firmly in control. With the momentum clearly on their side, Miriam CARNOVALE stepped in and finished the job in straight games against Ting Yao LIAO, sealing the team’s place in the final. After a dramatic first leg, this time Cagliari kept things under control and didn’t leave any room for a comeback. “It was an unexpected win because we didn’t have Elizabet with us, and in the first leg we only managed a very tough 3-2 victory. This time we were under pressure, but we never stopped believing in ourselves. Once again, our team spirit made the difference and we are very happy. My match against the defender was very difficult, especially as I was quite tired after the past few days, but I stayed focused on every point and followed the coach’s advice. The second match, MA Hengyu against GROFOVA, was really an epic battle. MA played at a very high level with the right tactics, and honestly, we didn’t expect that win. In the third match, Miriam CARNOVALE played extremely well and stayed fully focused on the game plan. I’m especially happy that she secured the point that took us into the final – we are best friends and we train together every day, also with MA Hengyu. It couldn’t have finished in a better way. Looking ahead to the match against Linz, we expect a big fight. We know it will be very tough because they have a strong team. For now, we will take some time to rest and then prepare as well as possible for the final. We hope to win this trophy for the second time and we will give everything to achieve that.” ASD Quattro Mori Cagliari – SKST Plus Hodonin 3-0 OPENING LEG SKST Plus Hodonin – ASD Quattro Mori Cagliari 2-3
Panathinaikos return to the top with Europe Trophy title in Niš
Panathinaikos A.C. are back on top of the Men’s Europe Trophy Grand Final, lifting the title in Niš after a convincing 3-0 win over CTT Olot in the final. Serbia has once again proven to be a happy hunting ground for the Greek club, who also lifted the trophy in Beočin two years ago. The final was closer than the scoreline suggests, with all three matches featuring tight moments, but Panathinaikos showed composure when it mattered most. Tamas LAKATOS edged a five-game battle in the opening match to give his team the lead, before Taehyun KIM extended the advantage with another strong performance. The title was sealed by Konstantinos KONSTANTINOPOULOS, who came through a hard-fought encounter to confirm the victory and spark celebrations for Panathinaikos. Reflecting on the final, Konstantinos KONSTANTINOPOULOS praised both the level of the match and the spirit within the team. “I’m very satisfied with my performance in the final. I think it was the toughest match, because the Spanish team had three very strong players. Still, we found solutions and all three of us performed at a very high level. We showed great team spirit throughout the competition. Everyone supported each other. Taehyun KIM played extremely well, as did Tamas LAKATOS, and we are all very happy with our overall performance. I’m especially proud that we won our second European trophy with Panathinaikos, the team of my heart. Step by step, we are becoming a traditional force in European table tennis. I really want to thank Panathinaikos, our supporters, the whole team, my family and every person who believed in us.” On their way to the final, CTT Olot impressed with a 3-1 semi-final win over TTC Radnički Beočin 1972. Rafael DE LAS HERAS set the tone early, and after Marko PETKOV briefly brought the Serbian side level, Damien PROVOST and DE LAS HERAS secured the win for the Spanish club. Panathinaikos A.C. booked their place in the final with a 3-1 victory over UKS Piast Poprawa Ostrzeszów. Taehyun KIM dominated the opening match, while Tamas LAKATOS added a crucial second point. Adrian SPYCHALA kept the Polish side in contention, but KIM returned to seal the tie. FINAL CTT Olot – Panathinaikos A.C. 0-3 MATCH FOR 3rd PLACE UKS Piast Poprawa Ostrzeszów – TTC Radnički Beočin 1972 3-0 SEMI-FINAL CTT Olot – TTC Radnički Beočin 1972 3-1 Panathinaikos A.C. – UKS Piast Poprawa Ostrzeszów 3-1
Indiana Games shine on final stage to take Europe Trophy title
C.D Indiana Games completed a perfect run at the ETTU Europe Trophy Grand Finals, overcoming last year’s runners-up STK Josip Kolumbo Niš 3-1 in the final to secure the title. For the Serbian side, it was another painful finish at the final hurdle on home soil, despite a bright start. Chen SUN gave Josip Kolumbo the lead with a dominant opening win, raising hopes of going one better than last season. However, the Spanish side responded immediately and never looked back. Haruna OJIO, Roxana ISTRATE and Marta PERALES GONZALEZ all delivered strong performances, turning the match around with three consecutive victories. OJIO once again proved to be the key player, sealing the title in the fourth match with a strong display under pressure. Reflecting on the victory, Roxana ISTRATE highlighted the importance of preparation and team spirit: “The hardest moment was actually the draw, because we knew they have a very strong team, and we were playing with a young third player. In the end, it came down to tactics, and I think we managed that really well. We really enjoyed our time in Niš, not only inside the hall but outside as well. The people were very welcoming, everything was great. We’re very happy with this title, and hopefully next year we can achieve at least the same result.” Earlier in the semi-finals, STK Josip Kolumbo Niš secured their place in the final with a 3-1 win over CDTM Hujase Jaén. The decisive fourth match saw Chen SUN edge Margaryta PESOTSKA to confirm the victory. C.D Indiana Games, meanwhile, advanced with a confident 3-1 success against Panathinaikos A.C. Roxana ISTRATE and Haruna OJIO set the tone with straight-games wins, and although Dina MESHREF kept Panathinaikos in contention, OJIO closed the tie to send her team into the final. In the match for third place, Panathinaikos A.C. finished on a high note, defeating CDTM Hujase Jaén 3-0. Nikoleta STEFANOVA, Dina MESHREF and Aikaterini TOLIOU all delivered convincing victories to secure the win. FINAL STK Josip Kolumbo Niš – C.D Indiana Games 1-3 MATCH FOR 3RD PLACE CDTM Hujase Jaén – Panathinaikos A.C. 0-3 SEMI FINAL CDTM Hujase Jaén – STK Josip Kolumbo Niš 1-3 Panathinaikos A.C. – C.D Indiana Games 1-3
Real Club Cajasur Priego TM advance to ETTU Europe Cup final (VIDEO)
Spanish Real Club Cajasur Priego TM confirmed their place in the ETTU Europe Cup Men final with a 3-1 win over French Lille Metropole TT in the second leg, completing a confident performance across both matches. After the 3-0 victory away, the Spanish side came into the return leg with control of the tie and handled the situation calmly. Robert GARDOS turned the opening match around after dropping the first game, and Hampus SODERLUND followed with another strong win to put Priego in a very comfortable position. Lille showed some resistance through Fabio RAKOTOARIMANANA, who pulled one point back, but there was never a real shift in momentum. GARDOS stepped up once again in the fourth match and closed the tie with a composed straight-games win, sending Priego through to the final. “I had a bit of a difficult start. Tom CLOSSET, even though he is still a junior, played very aggressively and at a high level. He had some really good points, but I stayed calm. I knew I could turn things around by changing the rhythm, and in the end I managed to do that. Hampus SODERLUND played a great match against their number one, Romain BRARD, and that meant we were already in the final, which helped us relax a bit. Carlos MACHADO lost to Fabio RAKOTOARIMANANA, but by the last match I felt comfortable. I received BRARD’s serves very well and was also happy with my own serve. Overall, my serve and receive game worked better today. We are very happy to be in the final. We have raised the bar for our club’s history,” said Robert GARDOS. Real Club Cajasur Priego TM – Lille Metropole TT 3-1 Opening leg Lille Metropole TT – Real Club Cajasur Priego TM 0-3
Young stars shine in Sarajevo as JOOLA Europe Youth Series wraps up in style
Five days of high-quality action came to an end at the JOOLA Europe Youth Series in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, where Europe’s brightest young talents delivered exciting matches and memorable performances across all categories. See the photos here. In the Under 15 Boys Singles, Nazar BAKIROV (AIN) overcame Alexander MALOV of Spain to take the title, while Hubert KWIECINSKI of Poland and Roger QUESADA of Spain shared bronze. Poland celebrated gold in the Under 15 Boys Doubles, where Jakub TURECKI and Hubert KWIECINSKI defeated Nazar BAKIROV and Artem SAVELEV (AIN) in the final. Bronze medals went to Roger QUESADA of Spain and David TORO of Romania, as well as Sung Bing CHEN and Louis FEGERL of Austria. In the Under 15 Girls Singles, Varvara TOLMACHEVA (AIN) prevailed over Alisa USMANOVA (AIN) in the final. Bronze medals were secured by Aleksandra NAWROCKA of Poland and Daria KHARLOVA (AIN). The Under 15 Girls Doubles crown also went to AIN, with Amina ILIMBETOVA and Varvara TOLMACHEVA overcoming Daria KHARLOVA and Alisa USMANOVA in the final. Nadalia IONASCU and Kariss Yasmin SERBAN of Romania, alongside Anna WALTER of Germany and Lena PUZIO of Poland, finished with bronze. Spain’s success was particularly evident in the Under 13 Girls events. Carmen GOMEZ and Lola URIA claimed gold in the doubles, ahead of Mia WU of Austria and Hanna KUFEL of Poland. Bronze medals were earned by Lejla BOTONJIC of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Martina GOLOSMANOVA of Bulgaria, as well as Meylin OSMANOVA and Maya TSANKOVA of Bulgaria. In the Under 13 Girls Singles, an all-Spanish final saw Carmen GOMEZ take the title against Julia FERNANDEZ, with Derin MÜLAZIM of Turkey and Hanna KUFEL of Poland securing bronze. Austria celebrated victory in the Under 13 Boys Singles, where Louis FEGERL defeated Dimitar DIMITROV of England in the final. Nicolae BUCUR of Moldova and Richard FEBER JR. of Czechia completed the podium. The Under 13 Boys Doubles title went to Türkiye’s Emre BUCAK and Berk TURAN, who overcame Filip BEDNAR and Richard FEBER JR. of Czechia. Bronze medals were claimed by Dimitar DIMITROV and Malek SHAMAKH of England, as well as Nicolae BUCUR and Alex MITIC of Moldova. Sarajevo once again proved a strong stage for the next generation, with five days of competition highlighting both individual excellence and the growing depth of talent across Europe.
Linz AG Froschberg seal final spot after another five-match thriller (VIDEO)
Linz AG Froschberg booked their place in the Europe Cup Women final after overcoming MIRÓ Ganxets Costa Durada 3-2 in the second leg, completing the tie with back-to-back victories. The Austrian side set the tone early, with Suthasini SAWETTABUT and Britt EERLAND delivering convincing wins to establish control. Although Guo RUICHEN responded with a strong performance to keep the Spanish side in contention, Linz AG Froschberg held firm, with Ivana MALOBABIC securing the decisive third point to confirm progression. With both legs ending 3-2, it was a close battle throughout, but Linz AG Froschberg handled the key moments better to secure their place in the final. “I would say the start was crucial – the coach made a change in the line-up and that was very important for today. It felt like a chess game, and this time we made the right moves. Of course, we still had to go out there and give everything. This win gives us confidence for the final,” said Britt EERLAND. Ivana MALOBABIC added: “This semi-final was all about the team. Every player contributed to the victory, together with our coach, who made an important tactical change to the line-up. We are a great team and we’re really looking forward to the final.” Linz AG Froschberg – MIRÓ Ganxets Costa Durada 3-2 Opening leg MIRÓ Ganxets Costa Durada – Linz AG Froschberg 2-3
ETTU launches Para Table Tennis Scholarships for 2026
The European Table Tennis Union (ETTU) has announced the launch of the ETTU Para Table Tennis Scholarships 2026, a new initiative aimed at supporting the development of young Para players across Europe. As part of the programme, ETTU will award four scholarships in 2026 – two for male players and two for female players in the Under 23 category. Each scholarship is valued at €2,500, providing targeted financial support to help athletes progress in their sporting careers. Member Associations are invited to nominate eligible players, with the deadline set for 13th May. With this initiative, ETTU continues to strengthen its commitment to the growth and development of Para table tennis across Europe, offering young talents additional opportunities to reach their full potential.
Europe Trophy Grand Finals bring club battle to Niš
The 2025/26 Europe Trophy Grand Finals will bring together an exciting mix of clubs from across Europe, with both men’s and women’s teams ready to battle for the title in Niš from 24 to 26 April. The men’s draw features a balanced and competitive lineup, where several teams have realistic chances to go all the way. Clubs like Panathinaikos A.C. and STK Zagreb bring experience and tradition, while CTT Olot and ASD Tennistavolo Sassari arrive with strong, well-balanced squads. At the same time, teams such as Sanberg – Evopipes and UKS Piast Poprawa Ostrzeszów add further depth, while host club STK Železničar Niš will look to make the most of playing on home soil. With MITTC Butterfly Malta, STK Pula and TTC Radnički Beočin 1972 also in the mix, the men’s event promises tight matches and very few clear favourites. The women’s competition reflects a similar balance, with several teams capable of making a deep run. Greek clubs Panathinaikos A.C. and AEK Athletic Club headline a strong field, while TTV Gartenstadt Tulln and STK Josip Kolumbo bring consistency and experience at this level. Italian sides ASD Tennistavolo Norbelo Blu and ASD Tennistavolo Norbelo will also be among those aiming high, alongside C.D Indiana Games and CDTM Hujase Jaen. Recent editions of the Europe Trophy underline just how competitive and unpredictable this competition has become. In the men’s event, a variety of clubs have stepped onto the top podium in recent years. Panathinaikos A.C. claimed the title in 2023/24, while Olympiacos SFP and SKST Tesla Havířov were also among recent winners. Last season, STK Novi Herceg Novi lifted the trophy, confirming how wide the field has become. The women’s competition tells a similar story. Dr. Časl, TT Joué-les-Tours and Panathinaikos A.C. have all celebrated success in recent seasons, while defending champions STK Aquestil Duga Resa highlighted the strength of Croatian clubs last year. Played over just three days at Hala Čair, the tournament leaves little room for error. For many of these clubs, the Europe Trophy Grand Finals represent more than just a title, it is a chance to make a mark on the European stage and write a new chapter in their history. With a balanced field, motivated teams, and a format that rewards consistency and courage, Niš is ready to host three days of intense competition, where a new name could once again be added to the list of champions.
Türkiye double up with U13 and U15 Mixed Teams titles in Sarajevo
Türkiye enjoyed a standout performance at the JOOLA Europe Youth Series in Sarajevo, capturing both the Under 13 and Under 15 Mixed Teams titles. In the Under 15 event, Türkiye edged Slovakia in a dramatic final, securing the title with a narrow 18-17 victory. It was a true team battle from start to finish, with momentum constantly shifting between the two sides. Slovakia made the stronger opening, as Bianka BACSOVÁ and Filip NAGY delivered key wins, while Barbora Melisa GUASSARDO also added an important point. Türkiye responded with depth and resilience. Ela Su YÖNTER played a crucial role with two important victories, while Salih YILDIRIM stepped up in key moments, including a strong performance towards the end of the tie. Kuzey GUNDOGDU also proved decisive, adding two valuable wins to keep his team in contention. With everything on the line, Türkiye held their nerve in the closing stages to seal a hard-fought and well-deserved victory. Earlier in the semi-finals, Slovakia (Bianka BACSOVÁ, Filip NAGY, Barbora Melisa GUASSARDO, Matus KOSICKY) defeated England/Scotland (Soraya RAHMANI-WALENTYNSKA, Pablo RAMIREZ, Dimitar DIMITROV, Kiishi ADEKOLA) 20-9. Türkiye (Ela Su YÖNTER, Salih YILDIRIM, Kuzey GUNDOGDU, Belinay DAVUŞ) overcame Croatia (Sara RIVETTI, Nikola JURIC, Karla IVCIC, Mateo TERIHAJ) 19-5. England/Scotland and Croatia secured bronze medals. In the Under 13 competition, Türkiye once again proved their strength, defeating Spain 1 with a convincing 16-8 victory in the final. The Turkish team set the tone early by winning the doubles, as Defne UZUMCU and Emre BUCAK edged a tight five-game match against Carmen GOMEZ and Luca ROMERO. Spain responded through GOMEZ, who produced a strong singles win to keep her team in the contest. However, Türkiye maintained control of the tie. Emre BUCAK delivered a dominant performance against Daniel CASQUERO, while Derin MÜLAZIM added another important point with a straight-games victory over Lola URIA. Although Luca ROMERO managed to pull one back for Spain, Türkiye remained composed. In the final stages, UZUMCU and BUCAK once again stepped up to close out the tie and secure another well-deserved title. Earlier in the semi-finals, Türkiye 1 (Defne UZUMCU, Emre BUCAK, Derin MÜLAZIM, Berk TURAN) defeated Moldova (Andreea PROHOROVICI, Nicolae BUCUR, Iulia CAZAC, Alex MITIC) 18-7, while Spain 1 (Carmen GOMEZ, Luca ROMERO, Lola URIA, Daniel CASQUERO) overcame Spain 2 (Julia FERNANDEZ, Pablo MARTINEZ MARTINEZ, Lucia LAZARO, Nil SALAN GIBERT) 22-13. Moldova and Spain 2 secured bronze medals. Pictures here.
SF SKK El Nino Praha take control in Denmark
SF SKK El Nino Praha secured a valuable 3-1 away victory over Roskilde Bordtennis BTK 61 in the opening leg of the ETTU Europe Cup Men semi-final, placing themselves in a strong position ahead of the return match on Sunday. The tie opened with a tight battle, as Tomas KONECNY edged past Jens LUNDQVIST in five games, setting the tone for a match expected to be decided by fine margins. David REITSPIES then extended the lead with a composed straight-games win over Anders ERIKSSON, underlining the Czech side’s experience and control. Roskilde responded through Tobias RASMUSSEN, who fought back from two games down to defeat Yevhen PRYSHCHEPA in a dramatic decider, keeping the hosts in contention. However, REITSPIES proved decisive once again, overcoming LUNDQVIST in four games to seal the overall victory for El Nino Praha. “The opening singles match was definitely key. Tomáš KONEČNÝ, who often plays five-set matches against Jens LUNDQVIST, was behind early on, but then the momentum shifted and from that moment we were in control. David REITSPIES was a real anchor for us, and I believe Yevhen PRYSHCHEPA also delivered a strong performance, even though he lost in the shortened deciding set – that can happen. Overall, we were the better team and achieved the result we wanted ahead of the return leg. I hope that on Sunday we can reward our fans, show a strong performance, and secure our place in the final,” said coach Petr KAUCKÝ. As anticipated in the build-up, this semi-final delivered a close and competitive contest, but the Czech side’s consistency and experience made the difference. With the second leg set to be played in Prague, El Nino Praha now hold the advantage as they look to convert it into a place in the final. Roskilde Bordtennis BTK 61 – SF SKK El Nino Praha 1-3
