Mikael APPELGREN will be one of the stars of the ITTF World Masters Table Tennis Championships Rome 2024 – presented by Stag Global. Among the 6 100 people who will play at the New Fair of Rome no one has won like him having been a four-time world champion and a nine-time European champion. The 62-year-old Swede will play MD55 doubles with Carsten JUNG from Germany. Roberto LEVI Italian press officer talked with APPELGREN in the eve of the Masters. “I practice just a little bit not much and then I have some trainings in my club Spårvägen BTK in Stockholm (the biggest club in Europe) for the first team. I also teach some elite players. That’s it. I do not play in the League anymore. I started playing table tennis in 1971 when I was 12 years old quite late and I stopped playing in the First Division when I was 52.” Of course you have a lot of wonderful memories. Which are the best? “The biggest team achievement was in 1989 when we beat China 5-0 in the finals of the World Championships in Dortmund. We had lost many times against China but that time we had a great win. My teammates were Jörgen PERSSON and Jan-Ove WALDNER with number four being Erik Lind and number five Peter KARLSSON. We were five very good players. During that period Sweden played in seven world finals in a row from 1983 to 1995 losing the first three and the last to China but beating China in 1989 and in 1993 in Göteborg and Yugoslavia in 1991 in Chiba.” And individually? “The best memory is when I won my third European title in singles in 1990 in Göteborg. I defeated Andrzej GRUBBA from Poland in the finals. It was historical for me. We were at home in Sweden we had television coverage every day and we were in the newspapers. The sport arena was crowded with ten thousand people. It was fun. My first gold medal in singles was in 1982 in Budapest against WALDNER and the second in 1988 in Paris against Andrey MAZUNOV the Russian player. In Göteborg it was also very nice to win the world title in doubles in 1985 with Ulf CARLSSON.” Did you expect such a great career when you started playing? “I did not think I would win so much but we had a very good team at that time we practiced a lot together we respected each other and helped each other to improve. In other teams there were one or two good players but in Sweden we had seven or eight European and world-class players and that made the difference. There was also a very good organization in the Swedish team.” Last year Sweden returned to the top step of the European podium in Malmö. “I was there for two days to watch and it was very nice. We have a lot of good players and the team is very strong. I think we have some chances for the Olympic Games in Paris. I am confident.” Are you still in contact with your teammates from your golden period? “Of course we meet very often and we speak a lot by telephone. Last month we were together to play golf and had a very good time.” What about the World Master Championships? “I won the Over 40 singles in 2004 in Yokohama and the Over 50 singles in Stockholm in 2012 and was a silver medalist in doubles in Yokohama. I lost in the semifinals of the singles in Bremen in 2006. Now I will play in Rome but only in the Over 55 doubles with Carsten JUNG from Germany. For me it’s enough.” What is your objective? “I do not know much about the other players. We will see what happens. Carsten was in Stockholm last December and we practiced a little.” Do you have memories of Italy? “The first time I was in Italy was in 1966 in Rimini with my family. I still have a picture of those days. As a player I was in Rome in 1979 at the Junior European Championships and after that I was in the capital for vacation maybe seven or eight times. I know Rome very well. I played the Italian Open many times in cities like Bolzano Como and Bologna. In Italy I remember a wonderful vacation with the family more or less twelve years ago when the children were younger. We visited Amalfi Positano and Sorrento. This time I will come with my wife Marita (she will play singles and doubles).” In Rome there will be 6 100 players. What do you think? “It’s unbelievable an incredible record. Rome is a very special place. Many people will come to play and then stay for holidays. I think I will meet many friends again. I’m looking forward to seeing them.”
Borussia Düsseldorf Wins the Liebherr TTBL Final and Becomes 2024 German Champion
Borussia Düsseldorf has successfully defended its title as the German Champion. In a high-class and partly dramatic Liebherr TTBL Final the record-holding team of the Tischtennis Bundesliga (TTBL) triumphed over their perennial rivals 1. FC Saarbrücken TT 3:1 once again relegating Saarbrücken to second place. For Düsseldorf this marks their first double of championship and cup titles in three years. The Liebherr TTBL Final was witnessed by 3 000 fans at the Süwag Energie ARENA in Frankfurt. Just minutes after the match ended Borussia Düsseldorf’s coach Danny HEISTER summed up the atmosphere: “You never get used to this ” he said referring to his team’s ongoing success. On Sunday the record champions secured the German Championship for the fourth consecutive time in the Liebherr TTBL Final yet the celebration did not feel routine. The victory was hard-fought: In the perennial giant duel with 1. FC Saarbrücken TT Düsseldorf delivered a match of world-class caliber ultimately triumphing with a 3:1 score and celebrating the 34th championship in the club’s history. “Our season didn’t go entirely smoothly ” Düsseldorf’s Dang QIU admitted afterward. “But in the past few weeks we performed well again and we’re very happy to have won the title. We can be very proud of that.” Saarbrücken had won the regular season of the Tischtennis Bundesliga (TTBL) with Düsseldorf finishing in second place significantly behind. “We were all pretty tense ” explained Timo BOLL “because we know how tough it is against Saarbrücken – and it was a cauldron from the start.” In January Düsseldorf had already won the Liebherr Cup Final (3:0) thus achieving the double for the first time since 2021. Meanwhile FCS triumphed in the Champions League at Easter (3:2). For the past three years the Liebherr TTBL Final has consistently seen a duel between Düsseldorf and Saarbrücken each time ending in favor of the record champions. This time the key role was played by QIU. The German national player won the opening singles against Patrick FRANZISKA 3:1 (6:11 11:7 11:4 11:4) and eventually also the day’s final match against Darko JORGIC 3:2 (9:11 11:0 11:8 10:12 11:4). “The match against Patrick could have ended in a 0:3 loss in just 15 minutes considering how he played the first game ” QIU admitted afterward. However in the second set QIU improved and also benefited from FRANZISKA’S thigh injury. “It kept getting worse ” said FRANZISKA. “I really wanted to continue playing and somehow help the team. So I tried to play more backhand. But even without the injury it would have been very very difficult. Dang played fantastically very aggressively and tactically flawless.” The highlight of the day came in the second match. BOLL and JORGIC delivered a table tennis drama in five acts: JORGIC initially led 2:0 in sets later seemed hopelessly behind 5:10 in the fifth set – and then mounted an almost historic comeback. JORGIC fended off a total of seven match points from BOLL winning 3:2 (11:6 11:9 4:11 9:11 13:15) tying the score at 1:1 and giving FCS new life. Anton KÄLLBERG won the third match 3:0 (11:8 11:9 11:8) against Cedric MEISSNER. “Had we lost the match again despite several match points like the Champions League final it would have been very bitter ” BOLL said about his defeat to JORGIC. “This time fortunately it wasn’t a total disaster. Darko played some great shots even under extreme pressure.” Borussia coach HEISTER remarked on the rich final history of the opponents: “Between these two teams it can always end 0:3 or 3:0. Every match is almost 50:50 – anything is possible. I am very proud of my team.” Three thousand spectators followed the Liebherr TTBL Final live at the Süwag Energie ARENA in Frankfurt creating great emotions in the stands and making the event a significant success for the hosting Tischtennis Bundesliga. Final Borussia Düsseldorf – 1. FC Saarbrücken TT 3:1 Dang Qiu – Patrick Franziska 3:1 (6:11 11:7 11:4 11:4) Timo Boll – Darko Jorgic 2:3 (6:11 9:11 11:4 11:8 13:15) Anton Källberg – Cedric Meissner 3:0 (11:8 11:9 11:8) Dang Qiu – Darko Jorgic 3:2 (9:11 11:0 11:8 10:12 11:4)
Clash of the Titans in the LIEBHERR TTBL Final: Düsseldorf and Saarbrücken Aim for the Championship
The Table Tennis Bundesliga (TTBL) is ready for the showdown: Borussia Düsseldorf and 1. FC Saarbrücken TT will face off in the LIEBHERR TTBL Final on June 30 promising another world-class duel. Fans can expect an almost sold-out Süwag Energie ARENA Frankfurt for the German Championship decider. For the fourth consecutive year Borussia Düsseldorf and 1. FC Saarbrücken TT will battle for the German Championship in the TTBL Final. This will be the fifth major final between these two teams in a row across seasons and competitions. Despite this it’s hard to pick a favorite ahead of the duel. Both teams promise top-level sport. German Olympians Timo BOLL and Dang QIU (both Düsseldorf) will be there as will WTT Grand Smash finalist Patrick FRANZISKA and Europe Top-16 winner Darko JORGIC (both Saarbrücken). Saarbrücken seems to have a slight edge before the rematch. After Borussia won the last three TTBL finals (3:1 3:2 3:1) FCS is considered a slight favorite this year. That’s what Andreas PREUSS believes: “I see Saarbrücken as stronger this season than in previous years ” says the Borussia manager pointing to JORGIC’S progress FRANZISKA’S consistency Yuto MURAMATSU’S transfer and FCS’s squad depth. “Saarbrücken has clearly been the better team this season.” A look at the regular season of the Table Tennis Bundesliga (TTBL) supports this assessment: Saarbrücken secured the top spot with a significant lead over Düsseldorf – 34:6 points compared to 26:14 – and won both home and away matches 3:2. More significantly they triumphed in the Champions League final. Saarbrücken won 3:2 against Düsseldorf on Easter Monday defending their TTCLM title. However the LIEBHERR Cup final in January went 3:0 to Düsseldorf. “I don’t think you can infer what will happen in the Liebherr TTBL Final in Frankfurt from these two finals ” says FCS team manager Nicolas BARRIOS about the recent duels between the two teams. If Saarbrücken lifts the trophy on June 30 it will be their second German Championship title after 2020. Düsseldorf has already celebrated the championship 33 times. “It’s a completely new game under completely new conditions especially since lineups are always a particular factor.” A special focus on June 30 will be on Timo BOLL. With the announcement of his retirement – internationally after the Olympics nationally after the 2024/25 season – the 43-year-old table tennis legend recently made headlines worldwide. Now he may play his last Liebherr TTBL Final. Therefore it is a “special final ” says PREUSS: “I’m starting to enjoy every appearance every game from him. Since it’s not certain we’ll reach a final again next year Frankfurt is special because it might be his last final for and with us. This of course triggers special emotions the team knows that Timo knows that and everyone will give their all.”
ETTU Announces New Season for European Club Competitions Women
We are looking forward to the new season in the European Club Competitions. From today you can access all relevant documents forECC Women online on our website: The 2024-2025 European Club Competitions women seeding list Directives (clean and marked versions) Regulations (including propositions for the 2024 ETTU Congress) The form for teams’ online registration Key dates and deadlines: Wild Card Applications and Team Registrations: The closing date for wild card applications and team registrations is Tuesday July 16th 2024 (midnight CET). Registrations (wild card requests and teams) must be made via the clubs’ National Association through the ETTU online entry system. Clubs may fill in and submit the attached form for online registration to their National Association. National Associations can also forward accepted forms after entering them into the online registration system to club@ettu.org if a check-over is needed. Teams Not Included in the Seeding List: These teams may register for the Europe Trophy or request a wild card for the Europe Cup or Champions League according to Directive 2.2. Teams Included in the Seeding List: Teams that are not in a position to play in a higher league may also request a wild card according to Directive 2.2. Player and Additional Team Information: The deadline for submitting player registrations and additional team information including pictures is Thursday August 15th 2024 (midnight CET). Player registrations must be made via the clubs’ National Association while additional information must be submitted by the clubs. ETTU will provide further details soon on when and how to register players and additional team information. The European Champions League and Europe Cup women’s draw will be held on Saturday July 20th 2024 with the start time to be confirmed in Malmö Sweden at the venue of the European Youth Championships. Competition Dates (in 2024): European Champions League women: GS1: 06-08.9.2024 GS2-R1: 04-06.10.2024 GS2-R2: 25-27.10.2024 GS2-R3: 31-02.11.2024 GS2-R4: 15-17.11.2024 GS2-R5: 13-15.12.2024 GS2-R6: 20-22.12.2024 Europe Cup Women: GS1: 15-17.11.2024 GS2: 13-15.12.2024
Olympiacos champion again in Greece
Olympiacos has been crowned Greek champion for the third consecutive year triumphing 4-3 against Panathinaikos in a thrilling final. Olympiacos retained the title in the men’s A1 national league in Greece. In a gripping final against Panathinaikos on Tuesday night June 25th at the Peace and Friendship Stadium Olympiacos won 4-3 celebrating their third consecutive championship and the 17th in their history. It was an impressive conclusion to the postponed playoffs for positions 1-4 where Pera Athens and AEK Athens also competed. World-class athletes from Europe and Greece delivered a unique “show” in front of 350 fans. The decisive moment came in the doubles match just before midnight after 4 hours and 45 minutes of play. For the third time this year in as many league matches the clash between the traditional rivals went down to the wire. The teams’ line-ups varied but in the decisive doubles match PUCAR and OVTCHAROV teamed up for Olympiacos showing a slight superiority and securing the final result in three sets. The third place was won by Pera Athens who defeated AEK Athens 4-1 in the small final. In the semifinals Olympiacos beat AEK 4-0 and Panathinaikos overcame Pera with the same score. Dimitrij OVTCHAROV who will return to the German league next season commented: “You have just seen that a championship in the Greek league means a lot to me as well. I fought every match every point participated with a very strong spirit and managed to win in two individual matches and in doubles. I have won championships in Germany Russia Belgium and now I am a champion in Greece. I am happy. Next year I will play in the German league and I am not allowed to play in a second league but I really enjoyed my time here and would be happy to come back at some point.” Panagiotis GIONIS who appeared in the Greek league again after 23 years added: “The fact that we managed to put Olympiacos on the ropes is a great success. A team with two players in the world’s top 20 and of course SGOUROPOULOS. The draw didn’t work out for us. We wanted me to face PUCAR and KONSTANTINOPOULOS to face SGOUROPOULOS pairs in which I think we would have had a better chance of winning but it didn’t happen. Then we had to achieve the absolute knowing that OVTCHAROV was in excellent condition and that the doubles would be very difficult. It became a real advertisement for the sport. An amazing Champions League level match and I am happy that we offered special emotions to the audience.” The coach of Olympiacos is George CHRISTOPHORAKIS. George STAMATOUROS and Tasos RINIOTIS were also part of the team. Lefteris MAKRAS was the coach for Panathinaikos with Konstantinos ANGELAKIS not playing in the final and George KONSTANTINOPOULOS also part of the team. Olympiacos – Panathinaikos 4-3 Tomislav PUCAR – Konstantinos KONSTANTINOPOULOS 3-0 (11-9 11-6 15-13) Ioannis SGOUROPOULOS – Emmanuel LEBESSON 2-3 (11-7 8-11 11-6 8-11 8-11) Dimitrij OVTCHAROV – Panagiotis GIONIS 3-1 (11-7 11-6 11-13 11-6) PUCAR – LEBESSON 2-3 (11-9 11-9 2-11 6-11 8-11) OVTCHAROV – KONSTANTINOPOULOS 3-0 (11-6 11-3 11-6) SGOUROPOULOS – GIONIS 2-3 (5-11 6-11 11-6 11-9 14-16) OVTCHAROV/PUCAR – KONSTANTINOPOULOS/LEBESSON 3-0 (11-8 11-4 11-9)
KTS Enea Siarkopol Tarnobrzeg Defends Title in Polish League; LI Qian Officially Retires
The reigning Champions League winner KTS Enea Siarkopol Tarnobrzeg has defended its title in the Polish League marking the 32nd title in the club’s history. Additionally LI Qian has officially ended her career. Present at the event were Stefan DRYSZEL on behalf of the Polish Table Tennis Federation President of Tarnobrzeg Łukasz NOWAK representatives of sponsors and spectators. Li Qian said: “I am very happy and grateful. Time flies; I first came to Tarnobrzeg in 2002. In the blink of an eye over 20 years have passed. I became a Polish citizen in 2007. Coach NĘCEK my sister Kinga and many friends who have helped me are like family too. We have worked together and achieved great results in our careers. Although I want to leave Tarnobrzeg and go back to live in China this place will always be my home and I will definitely come back. Thank you for the precious gifts and wonderful memories. I wish you good luck and happiness forever!”
Győr to Host 4th International Cup of Hopes
The city of Győr in Hungary is set to host the 4th International Table Tennis Competition known as the “Cup of Hopes ” at the Club Aréna. Scheduled for October 10-13 2024 this event will see young table tennis talents from around the world compete in various age groups including U11 U12 U13 and U15 for both boys and girls. The Cup of Hopes has grown in popularity since its inception. The previous edition held in April was a resounding success attracting 100 competitors from seven different countries. This year’s competition promises to build on that success offering a platform for young athletes to showcase their skills and gain international experience.
Job Offer: Part-Time ETTU Financial Manager
The European Table Tennis Union (ETTU) is excited to announce an opening for a Financial Manager based in Luxembourg. As the governing body for Table Tennis in Europe the ETTU is dedicated to promoting and developing the sport across the continent. We are seeking a detail-oriented and experienced individual to join our team managing and overseeing our financial operations. If you have a strong background in accountancy and financial management this could be the perfect opportunity for you to make a significant impact in the world of European Table Tennis. Job Offer: Part-Time Financial Manager (20h/week) Location: Luxembourg Company: European Table Tennis Union (ETTU Asbl) Position: Financial Manager About Us: The European Table Tennis Union is the governing body for Table Tennis in Europe. We are committed to promoting and developing Table Tennis across the continent. We are currently seeking a skilled and detail-oriented Financial Manager to join our team on a part-time basis. Job Responsibilities: Manage and oversee daily financial operations including accountancy tasks using BOB or Gesall. Liaise effectively with auditors in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (ISA). Ensure accurate filing and management of financial documents. Process payments and manage the preparation of invoices. Draft and analyze budgets providing insightful financial analysis to support decision-making. Required Skills and Qualifications: Proven experience in accountancy preferably with proficiency in BOB or Gesall. Strong understanding of financial management principles and practices. Experience liaising with auditors. Excellent organizational skills with a keen eye for detail. Proficiency in preparing invoices and managing payment processes. Ability to draft budgets and conduct comprehensive financial analysis. Fluent in English and French; knowledge of German is considered an asset. Strong communication and interpersonal skills. High level of integrity and ability to handle sensitive information confidentially. What We Offer: A dynamic and supportive work environment. Flexible working hours to accommodate a part-time schedule. How to Apply: If you meet the qualifications and are excited about this opportunity please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience to pierre.kass@ettu.org by Tuesday 30th July 2024. Application Deadline: Tuesday 30th July 2024 Join the European Table Tennis Union and contribute to our mission of promoting and developing table tennis across Europe. We look forward to welcoming a dedicated and skilled Financial Manager to our team.
ETTU has opened the nomination process for positions within the ETTU and the ITTF Council
https://www.ettu.org The nomination process has officially opened for positions within the ETTU and the ITTF Council for the upcoming term. The deadline for nominations is Thursday 15th August 2024. The Congress will be held (17th October) during the 2024 LIEBHERR European Championships which will take place from 15th to 20th October 2024 in Linz Austria. POSITIONS FOR NOMINATION: ETTU Executive Board: President (1) Deputy President (1) Vice President for Finances (1) Vice President (5) ETTU member of the ITTF Council (vacancies tbc by ITTF) ETTU Board of Appeal (10) ETTU Officials: Club Competitions Official (1) Medical and Anti-Doping Official (1) ETTU Committees: Coaches Committee (7) Gender Equality Committee (8) Para Table Tennis Committee (6) Ranking Committee (7) Technical Committee (6) Umpires and Referees Committee (9) Veterans Committee (7) Youth Committee (7) Medical and Sport Science Committee (5) Nomination Rules: Executive Board: Each Member Association is entitled to nominate one person and only for one post. ETTU members of the ITTF Council: No nomination limitation. Board of Appeal: No nomination limitation. Officials: No nomination limitation. Committees: No nomination limitation. Terms of reference for each Committee are accessible on the ETTU Website. Click Here Terms of reference for Executive Board and Board of Appeal are incorporated into the ETTU Constitution. Click Here Terms of reference for ITTF Council are specified within the ITTF Statutes. Click Here Confidentiality and Campaign Guidelines: All submissions will be only received and registered exclusively by the ETTU General Secretariat. The list of candidates for election will be published after the nomination deadline. While candidates are free to conduct their campaigns it is important to note that ETTU staff and ETTU online platforms will remain neutral and will not endorse any candidates.
Busy summer for ETTU Development
ETTU is gearing up for a busy August with two major development camps where young athletes will undergo rigorous training and evaluation getting the chance to be selected for the ETTU Eurotalents Program and the ITTF Hopes program. In Riga Latvia from August 3rd to 10th the Eurotalents Selection Camp II will bring together young talents born in 2012 or later from associations across Europe. In this camp the top player of each gender will be selected to join the ITTF Hopes as well as the additional players that will join the 2025 Eurotalents Program. The coaching team in Riga will feature a blend of local and ETTU coaches including the former Serbia National team player and current Spain Women’s team Coach Silvia Asis de Souza Erdelji and the physical coach Tatiana Garnova highlighting ETTU’s commitment to promoting female coaches. Meanwhile Strasbourg France will host the Eurotalents Development Camp II from August 15th to 22nd. This is the second camp of the year following the initial meeting in February in Izvorani Romania. For the participating players born in 2012 or later this camp will also serve as a selection for the ITTF Hopes: the top two boys and top two girls will be selected to join the ITTF Hopes. Additionally Ida Bønding Schøsler from Denmark a scholarship holder from the “My Gender My Strength” initiative will participate as part of her professional development. The entries for both camps are still open and all the information and deadlines can be found here.
