Germany will once again be strongly represented in the women’s event at the CCB Europe Top 16 Cup in Montreux from 5 to 8 February, with an experienced group ready to challenge Europe’s best.
Leading the German challenge is Ying HAN, the fourth seed and reigning champion, who returns to Montreux after a remarkable comeback. The world-class defensive specialist was unable to defend her titles in 2024 after winning three consecutive crowns in 2022 and 2023, due to a torn Achilles tendon. However, she returned in style at the 2025 edition, reclaiming the trophy and once again proving her class.
“Of course, I would be happy to win the title for a fourth time. But I am going into the Europe Top 16 in a very relaxed way, will give my best round by round and simply enjoy the tournament. We are represented by five German players, and these four are also the most difficult opponents for me,” said Han.
At the top of the field stands Sabine WINTER, the number one seed in Montreux and a player who has consistently delivered strong performances on the big stage. The 2026 edition marks WINTER’S fourth appearance at the Europe Top 16, and she arrives as one of the main contenders.
“I would have liked to set winning the title as my goal. However, several muscular problems came together in recent weeks, which meant I was not able to train as much as I would have liked. My goal now is to be fit by the start of the tournament and to offer the fans top-level table tennis,” said WINTER.
Also in the German squad is Nina MITTELHAM, the 2021 champion, who knows exactly what it takes to lift the trophy. With her style and big-match experience, MITTELHAM remains one of the most dangerous players in the field and a key part of Germany’s strong presence in Montreux.
Germany’s main draw strength is further boosted by Xiaona SHAN, seeded 14th and making her third appearance in Montreux. Shan was a semi-finalist in 2025, alongside WINTER, and is once again determined to push deep into the tournament.
“Winning the first round, the round of 16, is the most important thing. If I clear that hurdle, it might be possible to go even further. I will fight for every ball so that I have nothing to reproach myself for in the end,” said SHAN.
Germany will also be represented in the qualification stage by Annett KAUFMANN, one of Europe’s most promising young talents, who will be aiming to earn her place in the main draw.
“I am really looking forward to the tournament and will take it step by step. My first goal is to make it out of the qualification. In the main draw, a lot will then depend on the draw, some players suit me better than others,” said KAUFMANN.
With WINTER, HAN, MITTELHAM and SHAN in the main draw and KAUFMANN in the qualification phase, Germany once again fields the strongest national contingents in Montreux.
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.
