The European Table Tennis Union (ETTU) is pleased to announce the addition of Carla FERNANDEZ and Chiara COLANTONI to its professional structure, reinforcing its commitment to digital media and marketing event promotion. Carla FERNANDEZ joins ETTU as Digital Media and OTT Content Manager. In this role, she will be responsible for developing and implementing the digital content strategy across various platforms. Her primary focus will be on strengthening ETTU’s online presence, engaging with fans, and optimizing content across the ETTU website, social media channels, and OTT platform to enhance audience interaction and global reach. As part of this transition, Chiara COLANTONI has stepped down from her role as Chair of the Athletes Commission and as a member of the Executive Board to take on the position of ETTU Marketing Assistant. Her responsibilities will include managing sponsor engagements, developing branding strategies, and coordinating promotional activities to enhance the visibility of ETTU competitions and their respective sponsors. With these strategic appointments, ETTU continues to enhance its professional team, ensuring that its marketing and digital media efforts evolve alongside the growing demands of modern sport.
Unbeatable Brunetti Castel Goffredo: The Seventh Italian Cup Joins Their Trophy Case
At the PalaTennistavolo in Cagliari, Brunetti Castel Goffredo triumphed with a 3-1 victory over Quattro Mori Cagliari, securing their seventh Women’s Italian Cup. The medals and the trophy were presented by FITeT President Renato Di Napoli. In the doubles match, Nicole ARLIA and Nikoleta STEFANOVA dominated the first and fourth games, while Miriam CARNOVALE and Arianna BARANI fought hard to save several set points, making comebacks in the second and third games. However, in the decisive fifth game, the Italian champions asserted their superiority to claim the win. In the first singles match, Anastasiia Kolish started strong, but Tania PLAIAN staged an impressive comeback, securing victory in four games. STEFANOVA then delivered a commanding performance, defeating BARANI in straight games. The fourth match saw CARNOVALE dominate KOLISH in the opening game. However, KOLISH leveled in the second and, after a hard-fought battle in the next two games, ultimately secured a crucial victory, breathing a sigh of relief as she sealed the match. Coach Alfonso LAGHEZZA reflected on the team’s triumph: “We are very happy with this result. It was not an easy match at all. The opening doubles were crucial for us—we knew we could do well, but we didn’t expect such difficulties. Looking at the scores, when we won, we did so convincingly, and even in the sets we lost, we had several chances to close them out but failed to capitalize. I did not expect the first singles match to go differently. KOLISH can be inconsistent, whereas PLAIAN has gained significant international experience and is very solid. Stefanova played excellently and secured a straightforward win over BARANI. In the third singles, CARNOVALE started very well, but thankfully, KOLISH regained control, playing with more confidence and calculated risks. Her win was decisive—had she lost, the final match between ARLIA and PLAIAN would have been extremely close and unpredictable. Winning this seventh Italian Cup is another major achievement this season, especially after our seventh Super Cup. To do so without Bernadette SZŐCS and Andreea DRAGOMAN, our two strongest foreign players, makes this victory even more special—for us and for the girls, who were truly determined to succeed.” Final Match Score: Brunetti Castel Goffredo – Quattro Mori Cagliari 3-1
ETTU Executive Board and Committees Meet in Sarajevo to Shape the Future of European Table Tennis
During the European Team Championships Stage 1 in Sarajevo, the European Table Tennis Union held a series of important meetings, bringing together the Executive Board, Committee Chairs, and staff for a productive working week in Bosnia. “For the third year in a row the ETTU Executive Board members, Committee Chairs and professional staff met during the month of January to set common goals and align plans for the year ahead. 2025 will be another challenging year as ETTU is implementing at full speed the 2023-2028 Strategic Plan ratified by their member associations. As the result of all meetings and encounters, motivation from all the structure is at high level and as consequence I feel very positive about ETTU future, ” said ETTU President Pedro MOURA. The primary focus of the Executive Board was on senior event presentations by various member associations. A significant highlight was a Sustainability Presentation by Karine TEOW (ITTF Head of Sustainability), emphasizing the importance of eco-friendly initiatives within the sport. For the first time, the Committee Chairs held an independent meeting before presenting their proposals to the Executive Board the following day. This new structure allowed for a more coordinated approach to committee-led initiatives. ETTU staff also played a important role, presenting new projects, outlining the strategic roadmap for the upcoming events. The Executive Board reviewed the applications received through its Tender on Development and the Europe Youth Series, aiming to expand the ETTU Suppliers Pool and enhance youth table tennis programs across Europe. Additionally, an ETTU Development Plan Update introduced new projects, reinforcing ETTU’s commitment to grassroots development and broader participation. A special initiative was also arranged through ETTU’s Supplier Pool members to support the Ukrainian Table Tennis Federation, providing table tennis tables for their underground halls to help sustain training opportunities. In a move to honour the legends of European table tennis, ETTU will renew its Hall of Fame, ensuring that past champions receive the recognition they deserve. The future of European Club Competitions was also a key discussion point, with a detailed plan set to be prepared for the further development of professional club-level events in Europe. With these important discussions and strategic initiatives, ETTU continues to drive innovation, sustainability, and growth in European table tennis, ensuring a bright future for the sport.
