15 Mar 2021

On the final day of the World Table Tennis Star Contender event at the Lusail Sports Hall in Doha, Qatar, officials and staff from the ITTF, WTT and ETTU met to discuss various issues. In attendance from the ITTF Executive Committee were: Mr. Khalil Al-Mohannadi, Mrs. Petra Sörling, Mr. Zoran Primorac, together with ITTF Staff: Mr. Steve Dainton, Mr. Raul Calin and Mr. Mounir Bessah.

The European Table Tennis Union was represented by Mr. Igor Levitin, President, Mr. Pedro Moura, Deputy President, and Mr. ilya Kositsyn, Aide to the President.

Amongst many discussion points, the key agenda items of discussion were related to the future Calander of events, the World Ranking and hosting different categories of events in Europe in 2021 and the future.

ITTF Vice President of Finance and EC member responsible for European Affairs, Mrs. Petra Sörling stated: “It was a very positive meeting and with some concrete outcomes that the ITTF will work on to ensure the European Table Tennis Membership feel they are being heard and listened to. Europe is a continent with a strong tradition in our sport and that have club structures and systems different to other continents. Therefore, finding solutions that can strengthen those structures and systems is important for the ITTF and WTT to consider and understand.”

ETTU President Mr. Igor Levitin thanked for the fact that ITTF and WTT hear Europe, reckon with its opinion and find a constructive solution, taking into account the opinions of all national associations of Europe

ITTF CEO Mr. Steve Dainton stated: “It was excellent to talk frankly and directly face to face with our friends from the European Table Tennis Union in a positive and solution orientated approach. Whilst the ITTF and WTT may not be able to solve all of the issues we will definitely look seriously at how to make some changes to ensure players and associations feel more engaged in the future of our sport”.

Other meetings between the ITTF and ETTU were also held specifically related to World Table Tennis issues, the Master Continental Agreement and other development related aspects

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