Andreas HAIN is the new President of the German Table Tennis Association. The 57-year-old succeeds Claudia HERWEG who did not seek re-election after one term due to cancer. Besides the top position there were no changes to the Executive Committee. Dr. Hans-Jürgen HACKENBERG remains the Vice President responsible for finances Heike AHLERT has been re-elected as the head of competitive sport Ralf TRESSELT is responsible for youth sport and Arne KLINDT remains responsible for sports development. President HAIN’S cabinet is completed by Honorary President Hans Wilhelm GÄB and the two full-time employees General Secretary Matthias VATHEUER and Sports Director Richard PRAUSE. The new President HAIN has dedicated himself to table tennis for decades in various roles. The 57-year-old has been a member of the executive committee in Hesse one of the largest DTTB regional associations since 2003 and was the Vice President of Competitive Sports there for 13 years before becoming President. The former second division player and B-licence coach worked for the table tennis company JOOLA for a long time as Managing Director and previously as Promotion Director. He is still the long-standing President of the Federation of International Table Tennis Manufacturers FIT. Since 2017 he has worked as the manager of the German women’s record champions TTC Berlin Eastside. He also still actively plays table tennis himself. At the Bundesliga club TTC RhönSprudel Fulda-Maberzell the father of a family is competing at the district level this season.
Reigning champions in full swing
In their second encounter in Group A in the Champions League Men this season 1. FC Saarbrücken TT e.V. secured a victory over Tesla Batteries Havirov. The reigning champions from Germany succeeded in straight matches in Czechia tonight. Previously in the same group PONTOISE-CERGY TT also defeated Tesla Batteries Havirov. “We are satisfied with the 3-0 win and our performance. Personally I expected a tough match against Tomáš POLANSKÝ because we are good friends. However I played really well so I won clearly. In the second match fans saw why Yuto MURAMATSU is a world-class defender; he also won easily. And in the third singles Jan VALENTA played well and the spectators certainly had fun ” said Darko JORGIC. The next duel for 1. FC Saarbrücken TT e.V. is in December against a French club. “This was an important match for us because we are now facing the French club Pontoise Cergy who have a very good team. They are unpredictable will play at full strength and we must not underestimate anything. That’s why both wins over Havířov were important for us ” stated JORGIC. Tesla Batteries Havirov – 1. FC Saarbrücken TT e.V. 0-3 Tomas POLANSKY – Darko JORGIC 0-3 (6-11 4-11 4-11) Adam STALZER – Yuto MURAMATSU 0-3 (3-11 5-11 8-11) Jan VALENTA – Cedric MEISSNER 2-3 (4-11 11-9 20-18 10-12 5-6)
TTC Neu-Ulm needed five matches gainst KS DARTOM BOGORIA Grodzisk Mazowiecki
Germany’s powerhouse team TTC Neu-Ulm narrowly avoided defeat in Poland tonight. In Group B of the Champions League Men TTC Neu-Ulm managed to overcome KS DARTOM BOGORIA Grodzisk Mazowiecki after three and a half hours of play. They needed the full five matches and the decisive match concluded in the fifth game. Milosz REDZIMSKI gave the hosts a dream start with a victory over Dimitrij OVTCHAROV. It took five games but he eventually won it by a narrow margin. Truls MOREGARD was also stretched to the full distance but he managed to level the match with a victory over Panagiotis GIONIS. Truls MOREGARD recorded a second win against Milosz REDZIMSKI and in the decisive match OVTCHAROV was once again forced to go the full distance before sealing the victory after being tied at 2-2 and 4-4 in the fifth game. In the previous rounds TTC Neu-Ulm triumphed over HB Ostrov z.s. twice and the Czech team also suffered at the hands of the players from KS DARTOM BOGORIA Grodzisk Mazowiecki. KS DARTOM BOGORIA Grodzisk Mazowiecki – TTC Neu-Ulm 2-3 Milosz REDZIMSKI – Dimitrij OVTCHAROV 3-2 (4-11 11-7 11-7 6-11 6-5) Panagiotis GIONIS – Truls MOREGARD 2-3 (11-7 11-7 11-13 9-11 3-6) Takuya JIN – Quadri ARUNA 3-1 (12-10 11-4 8-11 11-8) Milosz REDZIMSKI – Truls MOREGARD 0-3 (8-11 10-12 8-11) Panagiotis GIONIS – Dimitrij OVTCHAROV 2-3 (11-7 5-11 17-15 7-11 4-6)
SPG Felbermayr Wels won the thriler against Sporting
In the Champions League Men Group D SPG Felbermayr Wels overcame Portugal’s Sporting Clube de Portugal. It is the first win for the Austrian team after they lost to Borussia Düsseldorf twice. Tonight Andreas LEVENKO beat Diogo CARVALHO and Bode ABIODUN lost to Joao MONTEIRO as well. SPG Felbermayr Wels – Sporting Clube de Portugal 3-2 Joao MONTEIRO – Bode ABIODUN 3-0 (11-8 11-9 11-6) Andreas LEVENKO – Diogo CARVALHO 3-2 (9-11 9-11 11-9 11-7 6-4) Jiri MARTINKO – Diogo CHEN 0-3 (13-15 7-11 4-11) Joao MONTEIRO – Diogo CARVALHO 0-3 (6-11 11-13 9-11) Andreas LEVENKO – Bode ABIODUN 3-0 (11-6 11-7 13-11)
Drama in Tours ended in favor of Novi Sad
The longest match in tonight’s Champions League women’s program took place in France. In Group A after three and a half hours Novi Sad from Serbia emerged victorious against JOUE LES TOURS TT with a 3-2 score. In Group B in Czechia SKST Plus Hodonín defeated UCAM CARTAGENA 3-1 while in Group C GRAND-QUEVILLY ALCL in France lost to LINZ AG Froschberg 1-3. In Tours Novi Sad from Serbia fielded a strengthened lineup with Hong Kong’s LAM Yee Look making her season debut and securing two points for Novi Sad with victories over China’s HE Li and Audrey ZARIF. Tijana JOKIC added the third point in the duel against Nolwenn FORT. “This is a huge win for us one of the most important since we started playing in the Champions League. Beating such a strong team on home soil is a great achievement for us ” said coach Slobodan Stojanov. Novi Sad had lost the opening encounter in the group against reigning champions KTS ENEA SIARKOPOL Tarnobrzeg 1-3; the Polish team also beat JOUE LES TOURS TT 3-0. In Group B SKST Plus Hodonín proved too strong for UCAM CARTAGENA once again. In the previous encounter the Czech club won 3-2 and this time they needed one match less. SAINT QUENTIN TT also defeated the Spanish club. “We are happy that we won today. The whole team played really well and teamwork paid off. I am happy that I was able to win two points today but the most important thing is that I played really well and enjoyed the match ” said Natalia PARTYKA. She overcame LIN Ye and Maria XIAO. “In the match against Maria after it was 2:1 for me and I was down 8:4 somehow I leveled to 9:9 and eventually won 3:1. I wanted to avoid the 5th set ” added PARTYKA. After two defeats in Group C against ETIVAL ASRTT and GRAND-QUEVILLY ALCL top seed LINZ AG Froschberg managed to record their first win. The Austrian club avenged their defeat against GRAND-QUEVILLY ALCL. Suthasini SAWETTABUT recorded two wins against Anais SALPIN and WU Jiaduo while Sofia POLCANOVA beat SALPIN in the opening match to give her team a good start. JOUE LES TOURS TT – Novi Sad 2-3 HE Li – LAM Yee Look 2-3 (18-20 11-9 7-11 11-9 5-6) Audrey ZARIF – Aneta MAKSUTI 3-1 (12-10 8-11 11-9 11-7) Nolwenn FORT – Tijana JOKIC 1-3 (8-11 11-8 8-11 9-11) HE Li – Aneta MAKSUTI 3-1 (5-11 12-10 11-6 11-9) Audrey ZARIF – LAM Yee Look 1-3 (11-8 8-11 6-11 9-11) SKST Plus Hodonín – UCAM CARTAGENA 3-1 Natalia PARTYKA – LIN Ye 3-1 (11-8 4-11 11-8 11-5) Solomiya BRATEYKO – Maria XIAO 2-3 (7-11 11-7 11-5 5-11 3-6) JEE Minhyung – Sofia-Xuan ZHANG 3-0 (11-7 11-7 11-9) Natalia PARTYKA – Maria XIAO 3-1 (4-11 11-8 11-9 11-9) GRAND-QUEVILLY ALCL – LINZ AG Froschberg 1-3 Anais SALPIN – Sofia POLCANOVA 0-3 (7-11 8-11 3-11) WU Jiaduo – Suthasini SAWETTABUT 2-3 (11-3 9-11 11-5 3-11 5-6) Isa COK – Yana NOSKOVA 3-2 (6-11 11-7 11-7 8-11 6-2) Anais SALPIN – Suthasini SAWETTABUT 0-3 (6-11 5-11 7-11)
Table Tennis Making Strides in the Health Sector: The NeuroPongTM Project
Antonio BARBERA an Italian doctor living in the United States for over two decades faced a significant life shift when he experienced two episodes of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) causing severe physical impairments. MS is a neurodegenerative condition affecting the central nervous system leading to damage to nerve fibers’ protective sheath (myelin) and nerve cells. After battling the aftermath of MS attacks BARBERA noticed that playing table tennis (TT) seemed to alleviate one of his “invisible symptoms”—a constant sense of chest tightness. Inspired by this personal revelation he delved into research to explore the potential benefits of TT for individuals with neurodegenerative conditions like MS Parkinson’s (PD) and Alzheimer’s (AD). Antonio founded the non-profit organization Table Tennis Connections aiming to raise awareness about TT’s multitude of benefits. He initiated the NeuroPongTM Project a TT program tailored for people with neurodegenerative conditions. Antonio’s objective is not only to promote the physical emotional and social advantages of TT but also to scientifically support its efficacy in aiding brain functionality. Understanding the concept of neuroplasticity the brain’s ability to form new cells and connections through proper training Antonio aims to utilize TT as a tool to enhance the cognitive abilities of those with neurodegenerative conditions. The NeuroPongTM Project has taken root in various locations in the United States collaborating with medical institutions and Memory Care centers. Expanding the project globally Antonio brought it to Italy in collaboration with the Mondino Foundation and the ASD TT 2009 Association. A research protocol on the benefits of TT for individuals with MS was established involving local medical professionals and TT enthusiasts. Dr. Barbera’s collaboration with the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) Foundation further underscores the scientific backing of his project. Presenting his findings at the first World Congress TT4 Health Congress in Crete Greece organized by the ITTF Foundation Antonio showed the positive effects of TT on individuals living with PD. Another protocol focusing on participants with AD is set to commence in Colorado. The NeuroPongTM Project aspires to engage more European locations fostering collaboration between healthcare providers TT clubs and local communities to promote the holistic benefits of this remarkable sport. Table Tennis Connections http://neuropong.org http://tabletennisconnections.org
A.S PONTOISE-CERGY TT secured points in Havirov
In Czechia A.S PONTOISE-CERGY TT overcame Tesla Batteries Havirov in Group A of the Champions League Men. In the same group 1. FC Saarbrücken TT e.V. also defeated the Czech club. Marcos FREITAS LIM Jonghoon and Mehdi BOULOUSSA managed to beat Tomas POLANSKY Jan VALENTA and Adam STALZER without losing an individual match. “Of course we are happy that we won 3-0. It was our first game in the Champions League this season which always means a bit of nervousness. But we performed very well. We are doing well in the French PRO A so we believed in ourselves. The match with Tomáš POLANSKÝ was not easy. I know him from international tournaments and I know he is a very good player. The first game didn’t work out for me; I had to get used to the venue and the balls. But then I got into a good pace and I was better ” said Marcos FREITAS. On Thursday Havirov will host 1. FC Saarbrücken TT e.V. in the third match in Group A. Tesla Batteries Havirov – A.S PONTOISE-CERGY TT 0-3 Tomas POLANSKY – Marcos FREITAS 1-3 (11-9 7-11 10-12 4-11) Jan VALENTA – LIM Jonghoon 0-3 (11-13 6-11 4-11) Adam STALZER – Mehdi BOULOUSSA 1-3 (12-10 12-14 5-11 3-11)
Away Victory for QUATTRO MORI Cagliari
In Group D of the Champions League Women SH-ITB Budaörsi Sport Club faced defeat against QUATTRO MORI Cagliari. “It was a very tough match; in the morning we didn’t feel very comfortable with the hall but we tried to adapt and stay positive. I am very proud of my performance; I played with a really good tactic and I am happy with this win because Dora is a very strong player. I am also pleased with my teammates and we are looking forward to the next matches ” said Tania PLAIAN. In Group D French Metz TT remains unbeaten with two wins against Italian and Hungarian clubs. “Our players fought well but the opponents played better today. I believe the girls did their best and we had some really close games. Considering these games I have to say I am satisfied but the final result not so much. We will welcome Metz here in Hungary and then we have to travel to Italy so we will have a hard week ahead ” said Krisztina SZVITAN head of SH ITB Budaörs. SH-ITB Budaörsi Sport Club- QUATTRO MORI Cagliari 1-3 Dora MADARASZ- Tania PLAIAN 0-3 (9-11 9-11 9-11) Georgina POTA Elizabet ABRAAMIAN 1-3 (11-8 8-11 5-11 8-11) Helga DARI -WU Xinxin 3-1 (11-8 11-7 6-11 16-14) Dora MADARASZ- Elizabet ABRAAMIAN 2-3 (11-7 6-11 13-11 7-11 5-6)
Germany’s Clubs in Dominant Form
Borussia Düsseldorf is setting a commanding pace in Champions League Men Group D with three consecutive victories. Tonight they once again secured a triumph this time against SPG Felbermayr Wels. The German club had previously emerged victorious against Portugal’s Sporting Clube de Portugal in Group D. Simultaneously in Group B TTC Neu-Ulm fulfilled their duty by defeating HB Ostrov z.s. for the second time. The Czech club also faced defeat at the hands of Poland’s KS DARTOM BOGORIA Grodzisk Mazowiecki. Following their 3-0 victory in the quarterfinals against Bad Königshofen Borussia Düsseldorf on the back of impressive performances has moved a step closer to securing a spot in the semi-final of the Final 4. “I am very happy that I won my first Champions League match. It was not the best performance ever but I am satisfied with the win ” said HAUG. “It was a very solid performance from the whole team. Kay at the beginning gave us a good start. He lost the opening game but made a good return to the match. Anton was on his usual top performance.” TTC Neu-Ulm continued their excellent form against HB Ostrov z.s. displaying no vulnerabilities in their performance tonight. The group winners will progress to the semi-finals. SPG Felbermayr Wels – Borussia Düsseldorf 0-3 Andreas LEVENKO – Kay STUMPER 1-3 (11-6 9-11 10-12 3-11) Joao MONTEIRO – Anton KALLBERG 1-3 (7-11 8-11 11-5 7-11) Jiri MARTINKO – Borgar HAUG 1-3 (11-6 5-11 11-13 8-11) TTC Neu-Ulm – HB Ostrov z.s. 3-0 Dimitrij OVTCHAROV – David REITSPIES 3-1 (11-9 8-11 11-8 11-5) Truls MOREGARD – Tomas MARTINKO 3-0 (11-6 11-8 11-8) Quadri ARUNA – Pavel IRUCEK Pavel 3-1 (11-8 7-11 11-5 15-13)
POLSKI CUKIER Gwiazda won – Two Polish Clubs in Quarters
The list of clubs that emerge victorious from the Round of 16 to the Europe Cup Men quarterfinals is complete. The last club to secure a spot in the quarters was POLSKI CUKIER Gwiazda. POLSKI CUKIER Gwiazda beat Spanish C.E.R ROBIN HAT PRISCO L´Escala in straight matches once again. Vladilav URSU Leonardo MUTTI and Zbigniew LESZCZYNSKI were listed in the lineup today. The Polish team KS Global Pharma Orlicz 1924 Suchedniów Czechia’s SF SKK EL Niño Praha and Belgium’s TTC Sokah Hoboken have already secured a pass to the next stage where the clubs will await the teams finishing second in their respective Champions League Men groups. POLSKI CUKIER Gwiazda – C.E.R ROBIN HAT PRISCO L´Escala 3-0 Vladislav URSU – Iker GONZALEZ 3-0 (11-6 11-6 11-5) Leonardo MUTTI – Xavier PERAL 3-0 (11-6 11-3 11-7) Zbigniew LESZCZYNSKI – David GONZALES 3-0 (11-5 14-12 11-7)
