The ITTF World Team Table Tennis Championships Finals Busan 2024 starting on Friday with Olympic tickets for Paris 2024 are at stake. Reaching the quarterfinals would secure a spot. According to ÖTTV web site mathematically Austria’s women have good chances of winning the group and advancing to the Round of 16 while the men hope for a second-place finish behind pool favorite France and aim to reach the Round of 16 through the playoffs. After that both teams are hoping for favorable draws… Austria’s men will face France Denmark Australia and Algeria in Group 4. “France is likely out of reach as a medal contender but we are clear favorites against Australia and Algeria. So the 50:50 match against Denmark will decide second place ” predicts ÖTTV Sports Director Stefan FEGERL. The group winner advances to the Round of 16 while the second and third-placed teams play in the Round of 32. All quarterfinalists qualify for the Olympics. The remaining slots for Paris will be determined by world ranking among the Round of 16 teams. In total 16 teams will compete in Paris. Andreas LEVENKO and Maciej KOLODZIEJCZYK took the opportunity to prepare with the Korean team in Incheon/Korea. Daniel HABESOHN and Robert GARDOS joined the team later. The ÖTTV women have even better chances in Group 6: Hong Kong Portugal Australia and Kazakhstan are all beatable for Sofia POLCANOVA and Co. Winning the group would see the ladies who prepared with the German team in Düsseldorf already in the Round of 16 and with a chance at an Olympic ticket within reach. For LIU Jia this could be her seventh Olympic appearance. The men’s team had won the World Championship title in 1936 in Prague while in 2018 both ÖTTV teams finished fifth in Halmstad/Sweden. A success that would be enough for an Olympic ticket this year. Austria has been most successful on the world stage at the Team World Cup in modern times. In 2015 Robert GARDOS Daniel HABESOHN current Sports Director Stefan FEGERL and current team coach CHEN Weixing even won silver in Dubai. In 2007 and 2010 the ÖTTV team finished third while at the Olympics they finished fourth in 2008 and fifth in 2012 and 2016. The women also finished fifth in the 2016 Rio Olympics. Team Austria in Busan/Korea (16.-25.2.) Draw for Women Group 6: Hong Kong (Fr.) Portugal (Sa.) Austria Australia (Di.) Kazakhstan (So.) Roster: Sofia POLCANOVA LIU Jia Anastasia STERNER Karoline MISCHEK Draw for Men Group 4: France (So.) Denmark (Di.) Austria Australia (Sa.) Algeria (Fr.) Roster: Daniel HABESOHN Andreas LEVENKO Robert GARDOS Maciej KOLODZIEJCZYK
French stars aim for the podium with players like the LEBRUN brothers and YUAN
Both French teams will compete at the ITTF World Team Table Tennis Championships Finals in Busan 2024. The women’s team is led by newly crowned CCB Europe Top 16 Cup champion Jianan YUAN along with Camille LUTZ Charlotte LUTZ Prithika PAVADE and Audrey ZARIF. The men’s team consists of brothers Alexis LEBRUN and Félix LEBRUN along with experienced players Simon GAUZY Lilian BARDET and Jules ROLLAND. A few days before the start of the World Team Championships in Busan captains Ludovic REMY and Nathanaël MOLIN along with delegation leader Emmanuel RACHEZ shared their latest impressions for the FFTT website. Nathanaël MOLIN captain of the French men’s team “The format is quite new with the reorganization of competitions by the WTT. The schedule is very busy and we haven’t had the opportunity to prepare collectively because the players train in different places. How will you adapt to this week without competition? “The competition starts four days after our arrival; the journey takes two days so the deadlines will be short. Nevertheless we will have the opportunity to discuss together taking into account everyone’s fatigue level; that’s the most important thing.” What is the main objective after the quarter-finals in Chengdu in 2022? “The last edition was special because it was the first competition of a new generation just after COVID. This year back to normal with a very young team but far from inexperienced as seen with Félix. The team can already rely on some experience.” What is your feeling about the draw? “I don’t pay much attention to the draw; there’s a randomness that no one can control and I tend to believe that it balances out over time. We drew Australia in the second position of the group which is obviously the most manageable draw. Conversely Denmark and Austria respectively positioned in the third and fourth positions on paper are two very strong teams.” So this is the final rehearsal before the Olympics. Will you pay special attention to certain teams? Do you expect to be watched more closely? “The competition is so important that we don’t even think about the Olympic Games. It’s a major competition; it stands alone and we are eager to leave our mark on it. Ludovic REMY captain of the French women’s team What is the team’s mindset approaching these World Championships in Busan? “It’s an important competition the last team event before the Olympics. The momentum right now is very good especially thanks to Jianan’s victory at the European Top 16 ” said REMY. What is the main objective? “The objective is first and foremost to advance through the group stage. It’s very evenly matched. No team stands out significantly and no team seems significantly weaker; all matches will be approached seriously.” Which team is the real threat in this Championships? “We are the eighth-best team on paper so all teams ranked higher are obviously to be feared. There are many evenly matched lower-ranked teams that could pose difficulties for us but it’s also up to us to challenge the top nations.” Emmanuel RACHEZ delegation leader What are the main objectives? “We have two relatively young teams mentored by Simon GAUZY and Jianan YUAN who are more experienced. After the two medals won in Malmö at the last European Championships the objective is quite clear: the podium.” So this is the final rehearsal before the Olympics. Will you pay special attention to certain teams? Do you expect to be watched more closely? “Yes and no because the contexts and formats are very different (there are no doubles in Busan). However the Chinese remain and will remain the clear favorites.”
ITTF World Team Table Tennis Championships Finals: Germany is always aiming high
From February 16 to 25 2024 the prestigious Busan Exhibition and Convention Centre (BEXCO) will witness a gathering of top-tier talent and fierce competition against the breathtaking backdrop of Busan – the ITTF World Team Table Tennis Championships Finals. The Germany’s national teams led by European champion Dang QIU and European Championship runner-up Nina MITTELHAM aim to be involved in the medal distribution as they were two years ago in Chengdu. In 2022 the men brought home silver and the women bronze from China. The defending champions from China are also the overwhelming favorites in 2024. At the championships at BEXCO the Busan Exhibition and Convention Centre men’s national team coach Jörg ROSSKOPF aims to stand on the winner’s podium once again with his team. The tournament begins for the favored Germans in Group 2 on February 16th at 9 a.m. German time against the USA who according to the seeding list alongside England are the toughest competitors in the preliminary round. ROSSKOPF leaves no doubt about the objective before the start: “Of course we want to win another medal. We always aim for the maximum which is why we are also fighting for the title at this World Championship. Despite our previous unsuccessful attempts it is an incentive for us to beat the great favorites China once. In sports there are enough examples of the underdog winning in the end. Behind China and Germany teams from France Sweden Japan Taiwan and host South Korea are among the strongest contenders for a place on the podium.” The men’s team ranked second behind China in the World rankings has not only set its sights on medals at the World Championships but also on Olympic qualification. DTTB Sports Director Richard PRAUSE explains how this can be achieved: “The women as European champions are already guaranteed a place in Paris. For the men it looks like this: All eight quarter-finalists from Busan will receive a spot. Another spot will be allocated based on the current world rankings. If nations like China or European champions Sweden who already have a guaranteed spot through the continental quota reach the quarter-finals the number of additional spots allocated based on the world rankings will increase accordingly. We are targeting the quarter-finals for Olympic qualification with the world rankings serving as our safety net.” The women’s team who will have to do without the injured ninth-ranked player Ying HAN (Achilles tendon rupture) in Busan have already secured their ticket to Paris as European champions. The team led by women’s national team coach Tamara BOROS will start on February 16th at 12 p.m. in Group 3 against Poland who along with Slovakia will challenge Germany for the group win. Of the 40 participating teams the group winners from eight preliminary round groups will directly advance to the round of 16 while the second and third-placed teams will have to fight for a place in the round of the best 16 in an additional match. Tamara BOROS sees her team traveling to South Korea with good chances: “Without Ying this World Championship will of course be a bit more difficult. But I am very optimistic: We are well prepared and have a strong team. The team is ready to play a good World Championship in Busan. Our first goal is of course to win the group and then we want to reach the quarterfinals. If we achieve that anything is possible. In Busan Germany is ranked third behind China and Japan. Other contenders for medals include host South Korea Hong Kong Taiwan and European Games winner Romania. Dang QIU on assessing his current form: “It’s hard to gauge your shape solely from training. I’ve had some good results in January but also some games I wasn’t satisfied with. I hope I can add the missing percentage points to reach my best form by the start of the World Championships.” On the pressure of being favorites: “When we won the silver medal two years ago in Chengdu without Dima Timo and Patrick we didn’t expect to reach the final. This time we’re competing in full strength. We have a team that doesn’t need to hide from anyone and I don’t know if Germany has ever had such a strong team. But: The competition is also extremely strong. However I am sure that we will be at the forefront if we perform at our best.” Dimitrij OVTCHAROV on assessing the World Championship competitors: “England has a top player in Liam Pitchford who has beaten almost everyone in the world including the best Chinese players. The English team is strong and our toughest competitor in the group. There are many competitors in the race for the medals. Defending champion China will be well prepared. France has an exceptional player in Felix LEBRUN his brother Alexis is incredibly strong and former number one GAUZY is now third in the team. Sweden has at least three very strong players and Taiwan with Frankfurt Champions winner LIN Yun-Ju can defeat anyone. And South Korea is always a strong contender at home. However a more precise assessment of the opponents as was possible in the past is hardly available today. The level at the top has become extremely broad. Among the contenders for the medals there are many competitors and it feels like every match against these teams is a fifty-fifty match.” Timo BOLL on the unusual situation as the nominal number 5: “I’ve come to terms with that a long time ago. I don’t always have to play the leading role and will contribute to the team. If I’m not playing I’ll ensure good spirits. I’m very happy to have such good guys in the team.” On his performances in recent months: “It’s been tough months. Partly with good performances like the recent tournament win in Doha and occasionally more mixed. Right now I feel in good form.” Nina MITTELHAM on her current form: “I’m in good form. I’ve been playing very well lately and
International Table Tennis Competition “Cup of Hopes” in Győr
The city of Győr in Hungary in collaboration with Club Aréna is pleased to announce the organization of the International Table Tennis Competition “Cup of Hopes” for the third time. The Club Arena Sport Centre one of the most important table tennis complex in Hungary part of the ETTU’s Network of European Training Centres. This competition will feature categories for both boys and girls in the U11 U12 U13 and U15 age groups. Date: 25-28 April 2024 Phone: (+36-30)-580-2519 e-mail: herendiivan@gmail.com
Despiet the defeat MUSEO DE LA ALMENDRA FRANCISCO MORALES reached semis
“Despite the defeat in the second leg of the Europe Cup Women quarterfinal MUSEO DE LA ALMENDRA FRANCISCO MORALES reached the semis. They went the full distance against UCAM CARTAGENA after the club from Priego De Cordoba won the opening leg 3-1. The hosts the club who clinched the title in Europe Cup four times before last time in 2022 had a better start tonight. Maria XIAO beat Patricia SANTOS but she failed to repeat the success against Meng JIAQI. Meng also defeated Sofia-Xuan ZHANG. In the middle Ye LIN overcame Marija GALONJA. “Although we lost 3:2 we managed to win two matches which was important for us to advance. I think it will take us a couple of days to really believe that we succeeded in reaching the semifinals ” said Marija GALONJA. Maria XIAO showed true sport spirit after the match. “We knew it would be a very tough match as we lost in the first leg 3-1. They have a strong number 1 player and that made the difference in both matches. It’s great to have a Spanish club in the semifinals of the competition so we congratulate them and wish them good luck for the semifinals.” Hungary’s SH-ITB Budaörsi Sport Romania’s SM Constanta and Portugal’s Clube Ténis de Mesa de Mirandela are also in the penultimate stage of the Europe Cup Women. UCAM CARTAGENA – MUSEO DE LA ALMENDRA FRANCISCO MORALES 3-2 Maria XIAO – Patricia SANTOS 3-0 (11-7 11-7 11-2) Sofia-Xuan ZHANG – Meng JIAQI 1-3 (11-6 7-11 5-11 5-11) Ye LIN – Marija GALONJA 3-0 (14-12 11-5 11-9) Maria XIAO – Meng JIAQI 1-3 (8-11 11-3 7-11 10-12) Sofia-Xuan ZHANG – Patricia SANTOS 3-1 (11-5 11-2 9-11 11-5)
SH-ITB Budaörsi Sport justified their status
Last year’s runners-up SH-ITB Budaörsi Sport justified their status by reaching the semi-finals of the Europe Cup Women after a victory over HB Ostrov z.s. from Czechia. Hungary’s club joined Romania’s SM Constanta and Portugal’s Clube Ténis de Mesa de Mirandela in the penultimate stage of the Europe Cup Women. In the quarterfinals two clubs were forced to play the Golden match after both legs concluded in favor of the hosts in five matches. Tonight Dora MADARASZ Helga DARI and Georgina POTA all scored for the Hungarian club while Zdena BLASKOVA was the only player to score for the guests. In the golden match POTA and MADARASZ emerged successfully after a tight finish. SH-ITB Budaörsi Sport Club – HB Ostrov z.s. 3-2 Dora MADARASZ – Tatiana KUKULKOVA 3-0 (11-7 15-13 11-8) Georgina POTA – Zdena BLASKOVA 1-3 (11-7 7-11 8-11 7-11) Helga DARI – Linda ZADEROVA 3-2 (7-11 8-11 11-8 13-11 6-3) Dora MADARASZ – Zdena BLASKOVA 0-3 (9-11 5-11 8-11) Georgina POTA – Tatiana KUKULKOVA 3-0 (11-7 11-3 11-7) Golden match SH-ITB Budaörsi Sport Club – HB Ostrov z.s. 2-0 Georgina POTA – Linda ZADEROVA 11-9 Dora MADARASZ – Zdena BLASKOVA 13-11
Bosnia and Herzegovina Set to Host the European Team Championship Stage 1
The ETTU Executive Board has awarded the hosting right for the European Team Championships First Stage to Sarajevo. The Bosnia and Herzegovina Table Tennis Federation is gearing up for a significant challenge as it prepares to host the third event in the third year. Scheduled to take place from January 21 to 26 2025 the Championships will be held at the same venue that will host the Olympic Singles Qualifications in 2024 and in 2023 welcomed the European Under 21 Championships. “We are delighted to announce that Sarajevo Bosnia-Herzegovina has been awarded the honour of hosting not only the 2024 European Olympic Singles Qualification event but also the 2025 European Team Championships First Stage. As the President of ETTU I extend my warmest congratulations to the Table Tennis Federation of Bosnia-Herzegovina and the city of Sarajevo for securing the hosting rights for these significant table tennis competitions. We anticipate that Sarajevo’s unique blend of cultural richness warm hospitality and sporting fervour will contribute to the success and prestige of these events. The decision underscores the Table Tennis Federation of Bosnia-Herzegovina capacity to organize top-tier events and solidifies its standing as a premier destination for high-stakes competitions in Europe. We have full confidence that the local organizing committee in collaboration with the National Federation and the city of Sarajevo will deliver exceptional events that showcase the best of European table tennis ” stated ETTU Acting President Pedro MOURA. Highlighting the unique aspect of the competition being held in a winter setting President of the TTF Bosnia and Herzegovina Mirsad PAJEVIĆ mentioned “This competition is organized in a winter ambiance providing an opportunity to visit the Olympic mountains of Igman Jahorina and Bjelašnica.” Expressing enthusiasm for the upcoming challenge the director of the national team Anes ALIĆ stated “This poses a great challenge for our association and we will strive to ensure the best possible conditions for these qualifications.” BiHF Secretary General Amela MUJAZINOVIC emphasizing the significance of organizing and hosting the team qualifications said “Organizing and hosting team qualifications is a great recognition for us and in the future we plan to be applicants for competitions at the highest European level.”
KS DARTOM BOGORIA Grodzisk Mazowiecki completed the Europe Cup semi-final line-up
After a thrilling Europe Cup quartefinal opening leg that went the full distance KS DARTOM BOGORIA Grodzisk Mazowiecki overcame SKI CUKIER GWIAZDA in three matches at home soil. The duel between two Polish clubs ended in favor of Marek BADOWSKI Panagiotis GIONIS and Takuya JIN. In the semis KS DARTOM BOGORIA Grodzisk Mazowiecki will play against the French A.S PONTOISE-CERGY TT and Austria’s SPG Felbermayr Wels will meet the second Polish representative in the penultimate stage KS DEKORGLASS DZIAŁDOWO. Tonight the duel commenced with a dream start from BADOWSKI who beat Taku TAKAKIWA and continued with a close encounter between the Greek GIONIS and Moldova’s Vladislav URSU. Takuya JIN beat Leonardo MUTTI. The winer of the two gold medals in singles and doubles at recently finished European Under 21 Championships in Skopje Milosz REDZIMSKI was not listed to play tonight. “From the beginning it was very tough. We had to play without Milosz REDZIMSKI. He is very tired because he had so many matches in previous weeks. In addition we lost the opening leg 2-3 so there was no room for errors. The key point was to beat URSU ” explained GIONIS. “On the other side at home soil we always play very well. We have great support from our fans; they give us energy and passion. I also found the right tactics for URSU. Our record before the game was 2:2 and I managed to find the right way this time to beat him although he presented very strong opposition. In the end Takuya JIN also played an incredible match against Leonardo MUTTI. We are very happy to reach the semi-final.” KS DARTOM BOGORIA Grodzisk Mazowiecki – SKI CUKIER GWIAZDA 3-0 Marek BADOWSKI – Taku TAKAKIWA 3-1 (11-8 9-11 11-5 11-6) Panagiotis GIONIS – Vladislav URSU 3-2 (9-11 11-7 9-11 11-4 6-0) Takuya JIN – Leonardo MUTTI 3-2 (9-11 12-10 8-11 11-4 6-1)
European Youth Championships Returning to Czechia for Centennial Anniversary
The ETTU Executive Board has awarded the 2025 European Youth Championships to the Czech city of Ostrava. This marks the third time that Ostrava will host the event at the same venue – the RT Torax Arena. The Championships are scheduled to take place from the 11th to the 20th of July in 2025. “I wish to congratulate the Czech Table Tennis Association and the city of Ostrava for securing the hosting rights for this prestigious ETTU event. The decision reflects their dedication to fostering the growth of table tennis among the youth and their commitment to providing a memorable and competitive platform for young talents across Europe ” stated Acting President Pedro MOURA.”We look forward to witnessing the next generation of table tennis stars competing in the heart of Ostrava and we are confident that the Czech Table Tennis Association and the city will create an exceptional environment for these young athletes to shine. Our sincere appreciation goes to the Association for their bid and following presentation to the Executive Board. The European Table Tennis Union is excited about the collaboration and is confident that the 2025 European Youth Championships will be a resounding success.” Czech Table Tennis Association President Nikolas ENDAL pointed out that 2025 is a special year for the Association. “We previously held the Youth European Championships at the same venue in 2013 and 2019 so the RT Torax Arena is a well-established table tennis venue. The Executive Board of the Czech Table Tennis Association is very pleased to have been entrusted with the organization. In 2025 Czech table tennis will celebrate its 100th anniversary since its foundation. The Youth European Championships in Ostrava will be one of the highlights of the celebration and we believe that all its participants will once again be satisfied with the hospitality.”
The Europe Top 16 Cup stays in Swiss Montreux in 2025
The ETTU Executive Board awarded the 2025 Europe Top 16 Cup to Swiss Montreux. For a fourth season in the row and for seventh time in eight years the best 32 players in Europe will be invited to compete in the Salle Omnisport du Pierrier with an exclusive view of Lake Geneva. The conditions location and the continuance were the strong points in favor of the Swiss hosts which brings the Europe Top 16 Cup in Switzerland for a 54th edition of the tournament. “I am thrilled to confirm that Montreux Switzerland will continue its legacy as the proud host of the 2025 Europe Top 16 Cup. This decision is a testament to Montreux’s exceptional track record unparalleled hospitality and its dedication to providing an outstanding stage for top-tier table tennis competition. We are confident that the local organizing committee the Swiss Table Tennis Association and the city of Montreux will once again set the standard for excellence making the year of 2025 edition of the Europe Top 16 Cup a truly memorable experience for players and fans alike ” stated ETTU Acting President Pedro MOURA.
