ETTU - European Table Tennis Union - News

[Milica Nikolic]

Romania secured their place in the quarterfinals of the ITTF World Team Table Tennis Championships Finals in London after overcoming Egypt 3-2 in a dramatic and closely contested Round of 16 encounter.

The European side appeared in control after strong performances from Bernadette SZOCS and Elizabeta SAMARA, but Egypt fought back through an inspired display by Hana GODA to push the tie to a deciding fifth match.

SZOCS gave Romania the perfect start with a straight-games victory over Dina MESHREF. The Romanian controlled the rallies from the beginning and handled the pressure well in the key moments to put her team ahead.

Egypt responded in spectacular fashion through teenage star GODA. Facing Andreea DRAGOMAN, she recovered after losing the opening game to claim an impressive 3-2 victory and level the tie.

Romania regained the advantage thanks to the experience of Samara, who produced a composed performance against Farida BADAWY. Samara edged a tense opening game before taking full control to move Romania within one point of victory.

However, GODA once again kept Egypt alive. The young Egyptian delivered another excellent performance, this time defeating SZOCS in four games to force the tie into a deciding match.

Everything came down to DRAGOMAN against MESHREF, and the Romanian held her nerve in a tense five-game battle. After losing a dramatic opening game 17-19, Dragoman fought back twice from behind before sealing victory in the deciding game to send Romania into the last eight.

“We knew from the beginning that it would be a tough match and we were ready for it. I am happy I managed the match very well at 2-2 and that I helped my team secure the victory,” said DRAGOMAN after the win.“It feels amazing. I tried to stay focused and think about what I needed to do during the match. I can say I am very proud,”

Romania – Egypt 3-2

• Bernadette SZOCS – Dina MESHREF 3-0 (11-9, 11-6, 11-8)
• Andreea DRAGOMAN – Hana GODA 2-3 (11-8, 5-11, 4-11, 11-6, 2-11)
• Elizabeta SAMARA – Farida BADAWY 3-0 (14-12, 11-6, 11-7)
• Bernadette SZOCS – Hana GODA 1-3 (6-11, 11-6, 9-11, 7-11)
• Andreea DRAGOMAN – Dina MESHREF 3-2 (17-19, 11-6, 6-11, 11-9, 11-8)

The post Romania survive Egyptian challenge to reach quarterfinals in London first appeared on European table tennis union.

Continue reading...

 

[Milica Nikolic]

Sweden experienced mixed emotions on Wednesday at the ITTF World Team Championships Finals in London, as the men’s team advanced confidently to the quarterfinals while the women’s campaign came to an end against defending champions China.

The Swedish women faced a daunting challenge in the Round of 16 against the six-time consecutive world champions, and China once again demonstrated why they remain the dominant force in women’s table tennis.

Despite the straight-games defeat, Sweden showed determination throughout the tie. Linda BERGSTRÖM, Stina KÄLLBERG and Filippa BERGAND all battled hard, but the class and consistency of China’s stars proved overwhelming.

Whether it was SUN Yingsha, WANG Manyu or WANG Yidi, the pattern remained the same. Sweden created opportunities in rallies, but the Chinese players repeatedly found solutions and maintained extraordinary control under pressure.

Later in the day, Sweden’s men produced a much more comfortable evening, defeating Croatia 3-0 to secure a quarterfinal place against Chinese Taipei.

Team captain Marcus SJÖBERG selected Anton KÄLLBERG, Truls MÖREGÅRDH and Elias RANEFUR for the knockout clash, and all three delivered strong performances.

KÄLLBERG opened the tie against Tomislav PUCAR, an opponent who had previously caused him plenty of problems internationally. This time, however, the Swede played with great confidence and attacking intent, overcoming the Croatian in four games to give Sweden the lead.

MÖREGÅRDH then faced experienced veteran Andrej GACINA in a dramatic five-game battle. The Swedish star twice moved ahead before eventually dominating the deciding game to double Sweden’s advantage.

“It feels really good. I had never beaten GACINA before because his spin variation usually causes me a lot of trouble. It was difficult again today, but I managed to find solutions at the most important moments and I’m especially happy with the way I played the final game. The whole team showed great confidence today,” said MÖREGÅRDH.

The tie was closed out in convincing style by RANEFUR, who completely controlled his match against Filip ZELJKO. The young Swede maintained relentless pressure from start to finish and secured victory in straight games.

“I gain confidence from all the hard work I’ve put in over many years. Even though this is my first World Championships, I feel calm because I trust my ability to find solutions during matches. Today I moved very well and found good quality both in my serve and attacking shots, which made things very difficult for him,” explained RANEFUR.

Sweden will now face Chinese Taipei in Thursday’s quarterfinal.

Sweden – China 0-3

• Linda BERGSTRÖM – SUN Yingsha 0-3 (3-11, 4-11, 4-11)
• Stina KÄLLBERG – WANG Manyu 0-3 (5-11, 0-11, 3-11)
• Filippa BERGAND – WANG Yidi 0-3 (7-11, 4-11, 4-11)

Sweden – Croatia 3-0

• Anton KÄLLBERG – Tomislav PUCAR 3-1 (12-10, 8-11, 11-3, 11-8)
• Truls MÖREGÅRDH – Andrej GACINA 3-2 (11-6, 10-12, 11-9, 6-11, 11-5)
• Elias RANEFUR – Filip ZELJKO 3-0 (11-5, 11-6, 11-5)

The post Sweden men power into quarterfinals while women fall to China first appeared on European table tennis union.

Continue reading...

 

[Milica Nikolic]

During the ITTF World Team Table Tennis Championships Finals, ETTU President Pedro MOURA met with KTTA President Taesung LEE to discuss the growing cooperation between the European Table Tennis Union and the Korean Table Tennis Association, with a particular focus on the ongoing “Eurospins” project and future joint initiatives.

The meeting highlighted the positive relationship already established between the two organisations through the Eurospins training camps, which bring together some of Europe’s and Korea’s most promising young players in a unique high-performance and cultural exchange environment.

Speaking about the meeting in London, Pedro MOURA underlined the importance of strengthening the collaboration between the two associations.

“We discussed the cooperation between the European Table Tennis Union and the Korean Table Tennis Association, as well as ways to further improve and develop it in the future. The Eurospins project has already created a very positive connection between our young players, coaches and federations, and we believe this cooperation can continue to grow through future projects and training camps together,” said Pedro MOURA.

The first edition of the project was staged on the Korean island of Jeju in December 2025, where eight selected European players trained alongside their Korean counterparts during an intensive programme featuring daily practice sessions, friendly matches and cultural activities. The initiative continued this year in Havířov, Czechia, where young European and Korean players once again had the opportunity to share experiences and develop together.

ETTU and the Korean Table Tennis Association are expected to continue their cooperation later this year, with another joint training camp planned in Korea in September 2026 as part of the ongoing development of the project.

The post Future cooperation in focus as Pedro MOURA meets Korean TTA President Taesung LEE first appeared on European table tennis union.

Continue reading...

 

[Milica Nikolic]

Germany’s women booked their place in the semifinals of the ITTF World Team Table Tennis Championships Finals after overcoming Hong Kong 3-1 in a tense and emotional quarterfinal clash in London. Sabine WINTER, Ying HAN and Annett KAUFMANN secured Germany’s 57th medal in the history of the World Championships and guaranteed a place on the podium once again.

The German team will now face either Japan or Ukraine in Saturday’s semifinal. Japan, seeded second in the tournament, handed Germany their only defeat during the group stage.

Sabine WINTER played a decisive role in the victory by collecting two crucial points. She produced a remarkable comeback in the opening match against Doo Hoi Kem after trailing by two games and facing a difficult situation midway through the third game. WINTER gradually turned the momentum around with clever variation and strong forehand play before sealing the match in five games.

Ying HAN then delivered one of the most dramatic encounters of the tournament against NG Wing Lam. The experienced defender survived a marathon battle filled with spectacular rallies and momentum swings. In the deciding game, HAN also showed great sportsmanship by correcting a point in favour of her adversary after the umpire missed an edge ball. Despite missing several match points herself, she eventually closed out the contest 15-13 to double Germany’s lead.

“It was a crazy match. I kept believing in myself until the very last point,” said Ying HAN afterwards.

Hong Kong responded through SU Tsz Tung, who defeated Annett KAUFMANN in four games to reduce the gap to 2-1. However, WINTER stepped up once more in the fourth match, producing a dominant straight-games win over Ng Wing Lam to secure Germany’s place in the semifinals.

“It’s something huge to be in the semifinal,” said Sabine WINTER. “The score may say 3-1, but every match was extremely close. We fought for every single ball and stayed mentally strong in the key moments.”

Germany – Hong Kong 3-1

• Sabine WINTER – Doo Hoi Kem 3-2 (10-12, 8-11, 11-8, 11-9, 11-4)
• Ying HAN – Ng Wing Lam 3-2 (11-9, 7-11, 15-17, 13-11, 15-13)
• Annett KAUFMANN – Su Tsz Tung 1-3 (10-12, 11-8, 8-11, 4-11)
• Sabine WINTER – Ng Wing Lam 3-0 (11-1, 11-5, 11-6)

The post Germany’s women secure World Championships medal after victory over Hong Kong first appeared on European table tennis union.

Continue reading...

 

[Milica Nikolic]

Belgian table tennis has lost one of its greatest names with the passing of Norbert VAN DE WALLE at the age of 85.

A legendary defender and one of the most respected figures in Belgian table tennis history, VAN DE WALLE left a remarkable mark on the sport through a career that spanned decades. He won six Belgian national titles, claiming his first crown in 1964 and his last in 1972, while also representing Belgium an incredible 215 times in the national team colours.

Widely regarded as the finest defensive player Belgium has ever produced, VAN DE WALLE was admired not only for his consistency and fighting spirit at the table, but also for his deep love of the sport that remained with him throughout his life.

His table tennis journey began far from Belgium. After his parents moved to Chicago, he started his career in the United States and even represented the US junior national team before eventually returning to Belgium, where he would go on to become one of the country’s most iconic players.

Even in recent years, VAN DE WALLE remained closely connected to the table tennis community. He was still present in March at the Belgian National Championships in Spa, once again showing his passion and dedication to the sport that shaped his life.

The European table tennis family extends its deepest condolences to his family, friends, former teammates and the Belgian table tennis community.

His legacy will remain an important part of Belgian table tennis history forever.

The post In Memoriam: Norbert VAN DE WALLE first appeared on European table tennis union.

Continue reading...

 

[Milica Nikolic]

Romania secured a place on the podium at the ITTF World Team Table Tennis Championships Finals after defeating France 3-1 in the women’s quarterfinals on Friday evening in London. With the victory, Romania guaranteed at least a bronze medal and advanced to the semifinals, where they will face China for a place in the final.

France made the stronger start as Yuan Jia NAN edged past Adina DIACONU in five games. Romania quickly responded through Bernadette SZOCS, who recovered after losing momentum in the fourth game to defeat Prithika PAVADE in the decider.

Andreea DRAGOMAN then put Romania ahead with a confident 3-1 win over Charlotte LUTZ before SZOCS sealed the overall victory in the fourth match. The Romanian star came through another hard-fought battle against Yuan Jia NAN, winning the decisive fourth game in deuce to send Romania into the semifinals.

France – Romania 1-3

• Yuan Jia Nan – Adina DIACONU 3-2 (7-11, 13-11, 11-8, 8-11, 11-5)
• Prithika PAVADE – Bernadette SZOCS 2-3 (7-11, 9-11, 13-11, 11-5, 2-11)
• Charlotte LUTZ – Andreea DRAGOMAN 1-3 (6-11, 7-11, 11-6, 6-11)
• Yuan Jia Nan – Bernadette SZOCS 1-3 (12-10, 6-11, 4-11, 12-14)

The post Romania through to semifinals as China awaits in London first appeared on European table tennis union.

Continue reading...

 

[Milica Nikolic]

France booked their place in the semi-finals of the ITTF World Team Table Tennis Championships Finals in London with an impressive 3-0 victory over Brazil in the quarter-finals, setting up a blockbuster clash against China.

The French side delivered a dominant team performance, led by an outstanding opening win from Flavien COTON against Brazil’s star player Hugo CALDERANO.

France knew the opening match would be crucial, and COTON rose to the occasion in spectacular fashion by defeating CALDERANO in straight games.

“We knew the first match was very important to launch the tie because he is by far their leader,” explained COTON. “I really wanted to produce a strong performance and put the team on the right track. I’m very happy with my level throughout the entire match. In the third game I was down 8-4, but I managed to turn things around and win in straight games. Honestly, it was a very good performance from both me and the team.”

The victory gave France immediate momentum, and Felix LEBRUN followed with a ruthless display against Guilherme TEODORO, conceding only ten points across three games.

“It was incredible today. Special mention to Flavien for beating their number one player. That was an unbelievable match and it gave us huge momentum,” said Lebrun. “It’s already a great achievement to secure a medal, but tomorrow against China will be an incredibly exciting match.”

After dropping the opening game, Alexis LEBRUN completed the sweep by overcoming Leonardo IIZUKA to seal France’s place in the last four.

“Flavien played probably the match of his life at exactly the right moment for us,” said coach Nathanael MOLIN. “He put the team on the right track brilliantly. We can really feel that everything is smooth inside the team. The guys are fully committed, growing stronger and stronger. We already felt that during the preparation camps and everything that was put in place before the championships.”

France will now face China in the semi-finals, with the French camp embracing the opportunity to challenge the reigning world champions.

“Playing China in a World Championship semi-final is something exceptional,” added Coton. “Of course, we also want to win and try to dethrone them. They have been world champions for many years, but we believe we can produce a great performance.”

France – Brazil 3-0

• Flavien COTON – Hugo CALDERANO 3-0 (12-10, 11-8, 11-9)
• Felix LEBRUN – Guilherme TEODORO 3-0 (11-4, 11-2, 11-4)
• Alexis LEBRUN – Leonardo IIZUKA 3-1 (11-13, 11-3, 11-4, 11-7)

The post France overpower Brazil and march into World Championships semi-finals first appeared on European table tennis union.

Continue reading...

 

[Milica Nikolic]

European hopes of reaching the final came to an end at the ITTF World Team Table Tennis Championships Finals in London, as both Germany and Romania suffered 3-0 defeats in the women’s semi-finals. Nevertheless, both teams leave the event with bronze medals after impressive campaigns.

Japan secured their place in the final with a strong performance against Germany. Miwa HARIMOTO overcame Ying HAN in four games, before Hina HAYATA edged past Sabine WINTER in a dramatic five-game battle. Honoka HASHIMOTO then sealed the victory against Nina MITTELHAM.

Meanwhile, reigning champions China proved too strong for Romania. SUN Yingsha defeated Elizabeta SAMARA, while WANG Manyu overcame Bernadette SZOCS despite a strong fight in the third game. KUAI Man completed the sweep against Andreea DRAGOMAN.

Although denied a place in the final, both Germany and Romania can take pride in securing bronze medals on the world stage.

Japan – Germany 3-0

• Miwa Harimoto – Ying Han 3-1 (5-11, 12-10, 11-3, 11-8)
• Hina Hayata – Sabine Winter 3-2 (10-12, 6-11, 11-5, 11-9, 11-6)
• Honoka Hashimoto – Nina Mittelham 3-0 (11-8, 11-5, 11-5)

China – Romania 3-0

• SUN Yingsha – Elizabeta SAMARA 3-0 (11-3, 11-4, 11-5)
• WANG Manyu – Bernadette SZOCS 3-0 (11-4, 11-9, 12-10)
• KUAI Man – Andreea DRAGOMAN 3-0 (12-10, 11-6, 12-10)

The post Geramny and Romania women settle for bronze at World Championships Finals in London first appeared on European table tennis union.

Continue reading...