In the opening leg of the Europe Cup played in Austria KS DEKORGLASS DZIAŁDOWO secured victory and gained a valuable advantage before the return leg to be played on Saturday. They are on a good path to compete in their third final of the Europe Cup in history. The backbone of the Polish club’s victory was Jonathan GROTH. The Dane defeated both Maciej KOLODZIEJCZYK and Andreas LEVENKO tonight. Andreas LEVENKO scored against Jakub DYJAS to bring the only point to the hosts. In position no. 3 Kaii KONISHI beat Jiri MARTINKO. In the 2017/2018 season when Dekorglass triumphed in the European Cup they played in the semi-final against another French team Angers TT – with results of 2:3 and 3:1. So far Dekorglass Działdowo has played finals against other teams from France – in 2018 against Chartres ASTT (3:1 3:1) and in 2023 against GV Hennebont (3:2 1:3). Polish Dartom Bogoria is also in the semi-final facing the French team Pontoise Cergy. SPG Felbermayr Wels – KS DEKORGLASS DZIAŁDOWO 1-3 Andreas LEVENKO – Jakub DYJAS 3-1 (14-12 11-9 8-11 11-5) Maciej KOLODZIEJCZYK – Jonathan GROTH 0-3 (8-11 5-11 9-11) Jiri MARTINKO – Kaii KONISHI 1-3 (6-11 11-8 12-14 9-11) Andreas LEVENKO – Jonathan GROTH 1-3 (11-9 9-11 8-11 8-11)
UCAM Cartagena TM and Real Cajasur Priego TM triumph in Tarragona
UCAM Cartagena TM extended its reign in the Iberdrola Queen’s Cup of table tennis adding the 18th title in its history. In the exciting final held this Tuesday at the Palau d’Esports Catalunya in Tarragona the Carthaginian team achieved a 3-2 victory over the Francisco Morales Almendra Museum. Real Cajasur Priego TM took the Copa del Rey trophy back to the Cordoba town after once again winning the title of champions and adding its ninth cup victory. The Prieguense team beat ASISA Borges Vall in the final by 3-1. The mayor of Tarragona Ruben VIÑUALES Councilor for Sports of Tarragona Berni ÁLVAREZ and Miguel Ángel MACHADO president of the RFETM were present at the awards ceremonies. On the women’s side the semi-finalist teams were Son Cladera TTC and Reus Ganxets Miró who completed the podium of the Copa de la Reina Iberdrola 2024. And on the men’s side El Tecnigen Linares and Irún Leka Enea A completed the podium obtaining the bronze medal.
Successful start of the Europe Youth Series new season: Croatia Open Sees Record Participation
https://www.ettu.org Last year the European Table Tennis Union (ETTU) launched the Europe Youth Series aiming to provide young players with valuable tournament experience and ample match opportunities. Following its inaugural season the Series has garnered widespread acceptance as demonstrated by the impressive figures from the second edition of the Europe Youth Series – Croatia Open held in Osijek. The tournament in Osijek which took place last week set a new participation record with 149 players from 18 associations in attendance. One of the primary motivations behind the inception of this event was to offer players the chance to compete in numerous matches. ETTU has successfully achieved this objective with an average of 19.1 matches per player during the Croatia Open. You can see the complete document here. STATISTIC – 2024 EYS CROATIAN OPEN Osijek (21.-25.02.2024.) number of participating players 149 number of participating Associations 18 total number of matches played in Osijek 1271 matches average number of matches per player (all players) 19.1 matches average number of matches per players who played in all events 22.5 matches average number of matches per player who did not played in team events 8.3 matches average number of matches per player/U13 players who played in all events 25.4 matches average number of matches per player/U15 players who played in all events 19.7 matches Association participating players total number of played matches average matches per player AUSTRIA 16 311 19.4 AZERBAIJAN 8 174 21.8 BELGIUM 5 90 18.0 BOSNIA HERZEGOVINA 12 228 19.0 CROATIA 31 629 20.3 CZECHIA 10 154 15.4 DENMARK 5 107 21.4 GERMANY * 6 69 11.5 HUNGARY * 12 86 7.2 IRELAND 2 47 23.5 ITALY * 4 32 8.0 MONTENEGRO 1 26 26.0 POLAND 10 248 24.8 ROMANIA 8 222 27.8 SERBIA 3 65 21.7 SWITZERLAND 2 55 27.5 SLOVAKIA 10 197 19.7 SWEDEN 4 104 26.0 * participating only in singles and doubles (no team events)
Portuguese become one of the official languages of the ITTF
The ITTF Summit 2024 concluded today February 27 with the Annual General Meeting (AGM). Held in conjunction with the ITTF World Championships Finals 2024 the summit brought together key stakeholders and visionaries from the global table tennis community. At the AGM member associations received comprehensive updates from all three entities including insights into the upcoming Paris 2024 from Gilles de la BOURDONNAYE the table tennis sport manager for the Olympic and Paralympic Games. Notably as part of ITTF’s commitment to inclusivity a significant decision was made to include Portuguese as one of the official languages of the ITTF alongside Arabic Chinese French German Russian and Spanish. Among the key highlights of the summit was the convening of the ITTF Executive Board where important decisions were made to steer the federation’s strategic direction. Crucial sessions took place each offering unique insights and perspectives on the future trajectory of the sport. The ITTF Summit also featured several pivotal sessions highlighting the federation’s dedication to various aspects of the sport. The Sustainability and Gender Equality Diversity and Inclusion (GEDI) session provided a platform for profound discussions on environmental stewardship and gender equality enriched by insights from UN Women Korea Director Jeongshim LEE. Returning to its in-person format the ITTF Finance Forum drew over 100 individuals to discuss the Federation’s financial status and future outlook. Led by ITTF Executive Vice-President Dr. Alaa MESHREF the forum provided a platform for transparency reflection and strategic planning amid challenging economic conditions. The ITTF Governance Session emphasised transparency and accountability positioning the federation as a benchmark for good governance. Meanwhile the ITTF Sports and Development Session featuring insights from ITTF Group CEO Steve DAINTON highlighted the federation’s commitment to driving global excellence in table tennis with esteemed figures offering strategic insights and prospects on event results and performance levels. The following ITTF Committees were also held during the summit addressing critical issues ranging from sports science and medical support to equipment regulations playing a pivotal role in shaping the sport’s evolution worldwide. ITTF Sports Science and Medical Committee Meeting Sustainability Committee Meeting ITTF Rules Committee Meeting ITTF Umpires and Referee Committee Meeting ITTF Equipment Committee Meeting The next summit scheduled to take place next year in Doha Qatar. Happening in conjunction with the ITTF World Table Tennis Championships Finals 2025 the host for the ITTF World Championships Finals 2027 will be voted and announced at next year’s AGM.
ITTF Awards Night – Nathanaël MOLIN Coach of the Year 2023
The ITTF Awards Night was a glittering affair filled with excitement anticipation and celebration as the table tennis community came together to honour the outstanding achievements of players coaches associations and event organisers from around the world for the year 2023. Hosted in Busan Korea Republic a day after the conclusion of the ITTF World Team Championships Finals 2024 the Awards Night showcased the best of the sport and provided a platform to recognise the remarkable talent and dedication of individuals who have contributed to the success and growth of table tennis on a global scale. Here is the full list of winners from the ITTF Awards Night: Male Player of the Year 2023: FAN Zhendong FAN Zhendong demonstrated remarkable consistency securing an impressive 81% singles winning rate and reaching seven finals. His outstanding performances include winning five titles in 2023 including the prestigious ITTF World Table Tennis Championships (WTTC) Finals 2023 and Singapore Smash. FEMALE PLAYER OF THE YEAR 2023: SUN Yingsha SUN Yingsha has amassed an impressive collection of titles including the WTTC in Durban Singapore Smash and WTT Champions Xinxiang and WTT Finals Women. Her exceptional success extends beyond her performances as she holds the highest number of titles won among both male and female players with a total of seven competitions 61 matches and nine finals. Male Para Player of the Year 2023: William BAYLEY William BAYLEY’S outstanding achievements in Para table tennis have earned him the prestigious title of Male Para Player of the Year 2023. BAYLEY’S remarkable feat of winning 36 matches in a row and his current status as the World and European Champion exemplify his exceptional skill and dedication to the sport. FEMALE PARA PLAYER OF THE YEAR 2023: SEO Su Yeon SEO Su Yeon holds an impressive 94% success rate for 2023 winning 16 out of 17 matches. Her remarkable achievements include securing three gold medals in the latest Asian Para Games for Singles Doubles and Mixed Doubles. With her unwavering determination and outstanding success on the court Seo Su Yeon is a deserving recipient of this prestigious award. Most Active Member Association of the Year 2023: Ecuador Ecuador’s Member Association’s dedication to the development and promotion of table tennis has earned them the prestigious title of Most Active Member Association of the Year 2023. Their commitment is evident through their participation programs hopes and cadets activities mentorships and gender balance projects. Coach of the Year 2023: Nathanaël MOLIN Nathanaël Molin’s exceptional coaching abilities and dedication to his players have earned him the esteemed title of Coach of the Year 2023. His coaching has led to the remarkable achievements of his players especially the LEBRUN brothers Alexis and Felix. With Felix’s remarkable ascent to number 6 in the world at just 17 years old and the French Men’s Team reaching the finals MOLIN’S impact on the sport is undeniable. His unwavering commitment to excellence and dedication to his players make him a deserving recipient of this prestigious award. Match Official of the Year 2023: Kerstin DUCHATZ Kerstin Duchatz’s outstanding performance as a match official in 2023 has earned her the esteemed title of Match Official of the Year. Duchatz’s excellent performance can be seen in the results of her assessments showcasing her professionalism and expertise on the court. Additionally she has dedicated herself to giving back to the community by serving as a mentor for young umpires providing online and onsite training to support their development. Recognition of 2023 Event Organisers: Durban South Africa (for ITTF World Table Tennis Championships Finals 2023) The South Africa Table Tennis Board made history by hosting the first ITTF World Table Tennis Championships Finals in Africa after 84 years in the vibrant city of Durban. Nova Gorica Slovenia (for ITTF World Youth Championships 2023) Organised with precision and passion by the Slovenian Table Tennis Association this event provided a platform for budding stars to showcase their skills and compete against the best in the world. Bangkok Thailand (for ITTF Summit 2023) Organised with meticulous attention to detail by the Thailand Table Tennis Association this summit provided a platform for meaningful discussions and collaborations aimed at driving the sport forward. Chengdu China (for ITTF Mixed Team World Cup 2023) Hosted with flair and finesse by the Chinese Table Tennis Association this event captivated audiences with its fast-paced action and competitive spirit. Muscat Oman (for ITTF World Veteran Table Tennis Championships 2023) Organised with warmth and hospitality by the Oman Table Tennis Association this event brought together veteran players from around the world for a week of intense competition and camaraderie.
TF Executive Board Announces Key Decisions During Busan 2024 Summit
The ITTF Executive Board convened during the Busan 2024 Summit marking the conclusion of fruitful deliberations and decisions. Commencing the session the Board extended congratulations to the hosts of the highly successful ITTF World Team Championships Finals Busan 2024. As the inaugural ITTF World Team Championships in Korea Republic draws to a close heartfelt appreciation was extended to the Korea Table Tennis Association the Local Organising Committee and the city of Busan for their exceptional hospitality and flawless execution of the event. Acknowledging the exemplary leadership of fellow member Ryu Seungmin the event was lauded as one of the best in ITTF history. In a significant move towards ensuring fairness and equal opportunities across all continents in the realm of table tennis the ITTF Executive Board has approved a crucial proposition regarding the incorporation of continental events in player rankings. Currently according to the ITTF Table Tennis World Ranking Regulations a player’s ranking is based on their best eight non-expired results with the provision of only one Continental/Regional event counting at any given time. Under the proposed change Continental Championships Continental Games and Continental Cups will maintain their ranking impact for an additional twenty-six weeks if a continent hosts fewer than two such events in the ranking cycle. This proactive measure underscores the ITTF’s steadfast commitment to fostering fairness within the global table tennis community further solidifying its reputation as a champion of equitable competition. For further information please consult the ITTF Table Tennis World Ranking Regulations available here. Furthermore the Board endorsed the implementation of the Table Tennis Review (TTR) system at the ITTF World Championships Finals 2025. A trial period will now begin shortly. Designed to enhance the adjudication process the utilization of advanced technology through TTR will facilitate more accurate application of existing Laws and Regulations. TTR will provide instantaneous replays of circumstances pertinent to a disputed decision thereby empowering video match officials to review and potentially overturn rulings based on concrete evidence.
Poland clinched five gold medals in Osijek
The opening tournament in 2024 Europe Youth Series’ season Croatia Open concluded with the duels in individual events. After Poland clinched the titles in Under 13 and Under 15 Mixed Teams Events 8 more titles were distributed today. In individual events Poland added three more titles to the record in both boys and girls Under 15 singles and Under 13 girls singles. In Under 15 Boys Singles Event Samuel MICHNA of Poland clinched the title afte he beat his teammate Aleks PAKULA of Poland in the final 3-1 (6-11 11-8 11-8 13-11) Bronze medalists: last year’s Under 13 singles vice-champion Francesco TREVISAN of Italy and Robert Alexandru ISTRATE Romania. In Under 15 Boys Doubles Event Francesco TREVISAN and Erik PAULINA of Italy secured victory over Robert Alexandru ISTRATE and Mihai NAGY of Romania 3-1 (11-9 6-11 11-6 11-8). Bronze medal: Aleks PAKULA and Samuel MICHNA of Poland and Filip RACAK and Jakub KABELKA of Czechia. In Under 15 Girls Singles Poland’s Katarzyna RAJKOWSKA overcame Romania’s Andreea BAIASU to secure gold (11-8 11-7 7-11 12-10) Bronze medal: Austria’s Nina SKERBINZ and Romania’s Iarina PRECUP In Under 15 Girls doubles Nora DOHOCZKI and Sophie BARCSAI of Hungary overcame Romania’s Andreea BAIASU and Iarina PRECUP (11-5 11-8 11-8) Bronze medals: Katarzyna RAJKOWSKA and Maja LAKOMA of Poland and Austria’s parings Nina SKERBINZ and Elina FUCHS. In Under 13 Boys Singles Event Lukas WANG of Germany beat Ondrej MORAVEK of Czechia in the final (14-12 11-5 11-7). Bronze medal: Alexandru POP of Romania and Onur GULUZADE of Azerbaijan. In Under 13 Boys Doubles event Romania’s Alexandru POP and David TORO beat Germany’s Tien Nghia PHONG and Jeffrey WEI 3-0 (11-5 1-6 11-1) to secure the gold. Bronze medals: Austria’s Seung Jin CHEN and Sung Bing CHEN and Polish pairings Hubert KWIECINSKI and Adam STACHOWIAK. In Under 13 Girls Singles Event Lucja KOBOSZ of Poland beat bronze medalist from the Under 13 European Championships in Zagreb last year Lizett FAZEKAS Of Hungary 3-1 (11-5 4-11 11-9 11-9). Bronze medal: Maya Roberta MADAR of Romania and Natasza RUDOLF of Poland. In Under 13Girls Doubles Event Enya HU and Michelle WU of Switzerland overcame Lucja KOBOSZ and Aleksandra NAWROCKA of Poland 3-1 (7-11 11-9 11-7 11-5). Bronze medal: Malgorzata POREBA and Natasza RUDOLF of Poland and Laura MARSICKOVA of Czechia and Bianka BACSOVÁ of Slovakia.
Silver and bronze medals for France at the ITTF World Team Table Tennis Championships Finals in Busan
After 10 action-packed days in Busan the ITTF World Team Championships 2024 is finally complete with China successfully defending its Men’s Team and Women’s Team titles. France clinched silver in the Men’s event and bronze in the Women’s event. Table Tennis legend MA Long signed off on his final World Championships appearance in iconic fashion after leading China to a historic 23rd Swaythling Cup at the ITTF World Team Championships 2024 in Busan adding the decisive touch to an imperious 3-0 win over France in Sunday’s Men’s Team final. Facing off in a repeat of the 1997 World Championships final France was back in the Men’s Team title match for the first time since that famous day 27 years ago. Returning with unsettled business France set its sights on a huge upset against a team going for 11 titles in a row. One of the standout players of the event Felix LEBRUN won all eight of his individual matches leading up to the final and the 17-year-old superstar was ready to inspire the French team on its long-awaited return to the title showdown. However LEBRUN was a little off the pace on this occasion and showed visible signs of frustration after game one against WANG Chuqin thrusting his racket down on the table in disappointment. Returning with an improved showing in game two LEBRUN had a chance to strike back immediately moving 5-7 ahead but WANG wasn’t prepared to let his young opponent back into the contest dominating the fast exchanges to double his advantage to two games. Now very much in the ascendancy WANG kept the pressure on opening up a 5-1 lead in game three and there was simply no way back for LEBRUN from that moment on (11-4 11-8 11-3) as China opened the scoring. With China taking the opening point France turned to Felix’s older brother Alexis LEBRUN. The 20-year-old had a monstrous task ahead of him with World No.1 FAN Zhendong stepping forward for China but Alexis knew he had the ability to unlock his opponent having beaten Fan in their only previous showdown at WTT Champions Macao 2023. Looking to dent his opponent’s confidence with a strong opening game statement FAN knew he had to be ruthless right from the start and appeared to be well on track after opening up a healthy 9-6 lead in game one. But LEBRUN was only just getting warmed up dispatching the next four points in a row before delivering a rocket backhand down the line at 9-10 to steal the early initiative. The two showmen got the crowd up on its feet on numerous occasions as the match progressed going toe-to-toe in breathtaking top spin rallies away from the table. FAN responded well in game two but would find himself in deep trouble soon after as LEBRUN hit back in game three to inch closer to dreamland. Looking to rush his opponent by taking as little time as possible between serves LEBRUN’S tactic paid off as FAN received a yellow card in game four as a consequence of taking too much time between points for the umpire’s liking and that appeared to get under the World No.1’s skin. With momentum on his side LEBRUN held a glorious match point opportunity at 9-10 but a fired-up FAN wasn’t done yet hitting back with three points on the bounce to force a decider. Dejected after missing out at the business end of game four LEBRUN tried his best to keep his head up in the final game but the 20-year-old wouldn’t get an opportunity to make amends as FAN showed no mercy to close out a grueling affair (9-11 11-4 8-11 12-10 11-7). Down but not out France had one more opportunity to make an impact on the scoreboard placing its faith in Simon GAUZY and the 29-year-old made an excellent start to the third match racing into a one-game lead against MA Long. However the latter player took things up a gear after the early setback draining French optimism with powerful responses in games two and three to move one game from the title. GAUZY kept MA honest right to the end but it wasn’t to be for the Frenchman as the Dragon soared high above his counterpart (7-11 11-2 11-4 11-6) to guide Team China to yet another title. Tightening its grip on the historic Swaythling Cup China’s last defeat in a World Team Championships Men’s Team final came 24 years ago against Sweden at the 2000 event in Kuala Lumpur. The record-extending 23rd title sees China put more distance at the top of the all-time list of champions pulling 11 clear of nearest challenger Hungary. While admittedly not the final result France was dreaming of the team’s silver medal will be celebrated back home as a long-awaited return to form ending a 27-year wait for medals at the World Team Championships. With four of the five team members in the squad for Busan aged 23 and below the future of French table tennis is looking very bright. China clinched their 23rd title in the Women’s event narrowly avoiding an upset in a fiercely contested Women’s Team final. They clinched victory with a hard-fought 3-2 triumph over Japan showing their enduring dominance on the global stage. Bronze medalists are France and Hong Kong.
France reached the final at the World Championships ending almost three decades of drought
Team France battled against Chinese Taipei to advance to their first Men’s Teams final at the ITTF World Team Championships since 1997. France secured a 3-1 win to defeat their opponents and advance to tomorrow night’s final against China. The semifinal battle began with a duel between 42-year-old Chuang Chih-Yuan who clinched the bronze medal at the 2014 World Championship and 17-year-old World No. 6 Felix LEBRUN. LEBRUN lost only the opening game before winning the match 3-1 (5-11 13-11 11-8 11-6) to give France a dream start. Felix also sealed the match with a victory over LIN Yun-Ju 3-0 (11-7 12-10 11-8). Felix remains undefeated in Busan winning all 8 matches. “I feel amazing. It’s been an amazing week for us and we played the semifinal quite well. I’m just super happy ” Felix expressed his excitement. His focus was already on the final. “For tomorrow’s match we will just focus on the tactics and on the match. Just enjoy the match. And don’t think about who the guy in front of me is. So yes we will just think like this and try to play harder. We will enjoy a little bit tonight go to the restaurant maybe. And after that we will watch a video of our match against China and we will try to win this match. But we know China is a tough team but we will try our maximum ” said Felix. His brother Alexis lost to LIN Yun-Ju 0-3 (10-12 10-12 5-11). “I’m happy about the team’s performance. We played a good match but it was a little bit difficult to finish. I’m very happy about the team. I feel we are a very dangerous team because we all play at a very good level during this tournament. So I have good hope for tomorrow and we will fight and we will try to win. I don’t know against who I will play but if I play against Zhendong I will see the match and I will try to play differently and try to change some details to surprise him. And I will just try to have fun at the table and play my best level ” said Alexis LEBRUN. Simon GAUZY overcame KAO Cheng-Jui in straight games (11-5 11-7 11-6) to add his 6th win to his record in 7 matches. “It’s just an outstanding feeling. And I have to say I had tears in my eyes. I am really happy about our team’s performance today. Felix and Alexis played a great match. I played also a great game and I’m just really happy to be in the final. China have definitely been the best team in the world for 20 or more years. But we don’t want to go in as victims. We definitely have small chances of course but we will try to take our opportunities and make a great match ” stated GAUZY. The last time Team France made the final of the World Team Championships was at the 1997 edition of the event in Manchester England. There they walked away with the silver medal losing to China 3-1.
Both titles for Poland in the Mixed Teams events
The competition in the Mixed Teams event at the Europe Youth Series Croatia Open in Osijek concluded with the triumph of the Polish team in the Under 15 and Under 13 Mixed Teams events. In both events Romania secured the consolation prize with silver. In the Under 15 Mixed Teams Final Poland overcame Romania 1 to clinch the gold medal recording a 5-2 victory. In the decisive match the Polish team comprised Aleks PAKULA Samuel MICHNA Katarzyna RAJKOWSKA and Maja LAKOMA. Romania was represented by Robert Alexandru ISTRATE Mihai NAGY Andreea BAIASU and Iarina PRECUP. In the match for the third position the Denmark and Croatia team composed of Malik SEVERINSEN Sally LOU Nika CRNOGAJ and Emil HASSELBALCH defeated the combination of Serbia and Croatia with David ČAPANDA Arien KOVACIC Teodora SUDZUM and Maja VANJO with a final score of 5-4. At the final hurdle in the Mixed Teams Under 13 event Poland represented by Hubert KWIECINSKI Lucja KOBOSZ Aleksandra NAWROCKA and Adam STACHOWIAK beat Romania 1 represented by David TORO Maya Roberta MADAR Nadalia IONASCU and Alexandru POP with a score of 5-2. In the semifinals Romania defeated Czechia 1 with Ondrej MORAVEK Oliver OLEJNIK Adela BARTOVA and Zuzana ONDRACKOVA with a score of 5-3. Poland defeated the combined team of Ireland/Switzerland with Peadar SHERIDAN Stefan BONCHEV HU Enya and Michelle WU with a score of 5-3.
