When Elizabeta SAMARA made her first appearance at the CCB Europe Top 16 Cup in 2009 in Düsseldorf, it was already a confirmation of her place among Europe’s elite, with the tournament reserved exclusively for the continent’s highest-ranked players. Fifteen appearances later, the Romanian star returns to Montreux once again, bringing with her unmatched experience at this level and renewed confidence following the most successful campaign of her career.
Last year’s edition marked a special milestone. Competing in Montreux for the 15th time, SAMARA reached the final for the first time in her career, surpassing her previous best result, third place in 2018.
“The 2025 final gave me a big confidence boost, both in terms of my game and the work I put in during training,” she reflects.
Over the years, Montreux has witnessed SAMARA’s evolution technically, mentally, and emotionally.
“I’m trying not to put pressure on myself anymore. I just want to enjoy the matches and be happy that I can still compete at the highest level.”
That balance between ambition and enjoyment has become one of her biggest strengths.
Heading into the 2026 CCB Europe Top 16 Cup, taking place from 5 to 8 February in Montreux, SAMARA feels well prepared.
“I trained quite a lot in January and only competed at the WTT Champions in Doha. I feel good and I’m really looking forward to arriving in Montreux.”
The Europe Top 16 remains one of the toughest individual events on the continent, with no room for error from the very first round.
“This is the Europe Top 16, where practically the best 16 players in Europe are competing, so the level is at its maximum,” she explains.
Beyond the sporting challenge, Montreux itself holds a special place in SAMARA’s heart.
“It’s an honor to still be among the top 16 players in Europe. Montreux will always be special for me, everything is perfect: the hotel, the view, the walk to the venue, everything is top-class.”
That unique atmosphere, combined with elite competition, continues to draw her back year after year.
With another world-class field awaiting her, SAMARA remains realistic and focused on the process rather than predictions.
“All the players are strong, so I will take each match as it comes and enjoy every match.”
As Montreux prepares to welcome Europe’s elite once again, Elizabeta SAMARA returns not just as a finalist from last year, but as one of the most experienced and respected figures in the competition, ready to write the next chapter of her long and special relationship with the CCB Europe Top 16 Cup.
Men’s event
In the Men’s event will play Truls MOREGARD of Sweden, Alexis LEBRUN of France, Felix LEBRUN of France, Darko JORGIC of Slovenia, Benedikt DUDA of Germany, Patrick FRANZISKA of Germany, Dang QIU of Germany, Dimitrij OVTCHAROV of Germany, Anton KALLBERG of Sweden, Anders LIND of Denmark, Simon GAUZY of France, Jonathan GROTH of Denmark, Marcos FREITAS of Portugal, Eduard IONESCU of Romania.
Qualification Stage – Men
Alvaro ROBLES of Spain, Andrej GACINA of Croatia, Milosz REDZIMSKI of Poland, Tomislav PUCAR of Croatia, Kristian KARLSSON of Sweden, Daniel HABESOHN of Austria, Joao GERALDO of Portugal and Pedro OSIRO of Switzerland.
Reserve players
Iulian CHIRITA of Romania, Thibault PORET of France, Andre BERTELSMEIER of Germany, Martin ALLEGRO of Belgium, Adrien RASSENFOSSE of Belgium, Luka MLADENOVIC of Luxembourg, and Ovidiu IONESCU of Romania.
Women’s event
In the Women’s event will play Sabine WINTER of Germany, Sofia POLCANOVA of Austria, Bernadette SZOCS of Romania, Ying HAN of Germany, Jia Nan YUAN of France, Elizabeta SAMARA of Romania, Prithika PAVADE of France, Jieni SHAO of Portugal, Nina MITTELHAM of Germany, Linda BERGSTROM of Sweden, Fu YU of Portugal, Maria XIAO of Spain, Natalia BAJOR of Poland, Xiaona SHAN of Germany.
Qualification Stage
Anna HURSEY of Wales, Annett KAUFMANN of Germany, Charlotte
LUTZ of France, Andreea DRAGOMAN of Romania, Izabela LUPULESKU of Serbia, Lea RAKOVAC of Croatia, Georgina POTA of Hungary, Rachel MORET of Switzerland.
Reserve players
Christina KALLBERG of Sweden, Giorgia PICCOLIN of Italy, Britt EERLAND of the Netherlands, Yuan WAN of Germany, Gaia MONFARDINI of Italy, Adina DIACONU of Romania, and Ivana MALOBABIC of Croatia.
