The ETTU Europe Cup Men returns to action this weekend in Lille Métropole, where sixteen ambitious clubs will fight for the eight available places in the Round of 16. The stakes are high: the group winners and runners-up will move forward to the knockout phase, where they will meet the teams dropping down from the ETTU Champions League Round of 16.
Group A: Toruń Look to Build on Stage 1 Dominance
Energa Manekin Toruń (POL) arrive as one of the most convincing teams from the previous stage. Led by Dimitrije LEVAJAC, Asuka SAKAI, and Konrad KULPA, the Polish side swept every match in Stage 1 without dropping a single individual encounter, emerging as perhaps the most dominant squad of the opening phase.
Joining them are the Stage 1 runners-up Alicante TM (ESP), who battled past KTS Gliwice and pushed Marcozzi hard in a dramatic five-match duel. Alicante’s squad Alberto LILLO, Diego LILLO, and Jose GUILLOT, will aim to carry that resilience into Lille.
From the Champions League come two dangerous opponents: SPG Felbemayr Wels (AUT) and Roskilde Bordtennis BTK 61 (DEN).
Both clubs bring significant international experience and the pedigree of competing against Europe’s strongest teams in the opening phase of the Champions League.
Group B: Stockerau and Odorheiu Secuiesc Face Champions League Pressure
UTTC Paneceo Stockerau (AUT) topped their Stage 1 group thanks to consistent performances from Mykhailo LOVHA, Khalid ASSAR, and Tarek AL-SAMHOURY. Their decisive victory over KS Olesno in a dramatic five-match encounter secured their place in Stage 2.
CSS-SZAK Odorheiu Secuiesc (ROU) also impressed in Romania, finishing second in Group B after pushing Enoli Borges Vall to a full-distance thriller. The home team showed quality through Sebastian LOSO, Szilard GYÖRGY, and Szabolcs TAMAS.
They now face two Champions League representatives: ASD TT Santa Tecla Nulvi (ITA) and Lille Metropole TT (FRA), the tournament hosts.
Group C: A Balanced Group with Champions League Heavyweights
Group C offers perhaps the most balanced mix of styles and strengths. Spain’s Enoli Borges Vall, winners of Group B in Stage 1, arrive after a gritty performance in Romania. Led by Francesc CARRERA, Marc DURAN, and José Luis ANDRADE, the Spanish team showed impressive composure under pressure.
They are joined by KS Olesno (POL), who advanced from a difficult Stage 1 group after consistent efforts from Alan KULCZYCKI, Daniel LIS, and Radek MRKVIČKA.
However, Group C becomes even more formidable with the arrival of STK Vyhne (SVK) and TTC Ostrava 2016 (CZE) from the Champions League. Ostrava bring particular weight to the field, they reached the Round of 16 of the Champions League last season, demonstrating they are capable of competing with Europe’s elite.
Group D: Marcozzi and Linz Meet Pontoise and Starr in a Group Full of Contenders
ASD Marcozzi Cagliari (ITA) impressed in Romania by winning Group A behind the strong trio of Federico VALLINO, Rares SIPOS, and Massimo FERRERO.
SPG Linz (AUT) also advanced convincingly, finishing second in Group C with solid performances throughout the weekend.
Their opponents come from the Champions League: AS Pontoise Cergy TT (FRA), historically one of Europe’s most respected clubs and a Champions League Round of 16 team last season and STK Starr (CRO), who add firepower and unpredictability.
