In the early hours of May 17, Beijing time, the semifinals of the 2025-2026 European Table Tennis Champions League concluded. Defending champions Saarbrücken, led by Fan Zhendong, swept Polish club Bogoria Grodzisk Mazowiecki 3-0 to advance to the final. In the other semifinal, the French club Nîmes-Montpellier Alliance, led by the Lebrun brothers, defeated the traditional German powerhouse Düsseldorf 3-1 to secure the other final spot. The final will take place on May 17 at 20:00 Beijing time, with CCTV5+ broadcasting this top European table tennis showdown for the first time.

Since its launch in 1996, CCTV Sports Channel has never broadcast European club table tennis matches. This exception is due to Fan Zhendong. Even after stepping away from the world rankings for over a year, his dominance and popularity remain at the pinnacle of the sport, prompting CCTV to break its tradition. The final will be streamed live for free on seven major platforms: CCTV5+, Yangshipin, Youku, iQiyi, Douyin, Migu, and Bilibili. The European Table Tennis Union has also adjusted the final’s start time to 14:00 European time, corresponding to 20:00 Beijing time, to accommodate Chinese fans.

On May 16 at 18:30, Saarbrücken faced Polish club Bogoria Grodzisk Mazowiecki in the semifinal. Fan Zhendong played as the first singles player against Polish rising star Redzimski. In the first game, tied at 6-6, Fan scored five consecutive points to win 11-6. In the second game, after trailing 2-5, Fan mounted a comeback with a series of points to win 11-6. In the third game, Fan fully controlled the pace, winning 11-4 to secure the first point for Saarbrücken. Over three games, Fan allowed his opponent only 16 points.

In the second match, German star Franziska faced Badowski, winning in straight sets 11-8, 11-5, 11-7 to add another point for Saarbrücken. In the third match, Swedish world champion Moregård struggled against Greek veteran Gionis. After splitting the first two games, Moregård narrowly won the third 14-12, but Gionis took the fourth 12-10. In the decisive fifth game, Moregård won 6-4 to seal a 3-0 sweep for Saarbrücken, advancing to the final.

After the semifinal victory, Fan Zhendong was named the match’s most valuable player. He said afterward: “Today I got the MVP, and tomorrow I want to win the Champions League trophy with my team.” Saarbrücken’s roster includes Chinese Olympic champion Fan Zhendong, Paris Olympic silver medalist Moregård, and German player Franziska. This star-studded lineup has won the Champions League for the past three years and aims for a fourth consecutive title.

At 22:00 that evening, the other semifinal between Nîmes-Montpellier Alliance and Düsseldorf began. In the first match, brother Alexis Lebrun faced German star Qiu Dang. Alexis won the first game quickly 11-5. In the second game, Qiu trailed 6-9 but closed to 8-9, but Alexis called a timeout and returned to win 11-8. In the third game, Qiu led 5-1, but Alexis steadily fought back to 6-8 and then scored five consecutive points to win 11-8, securing the first point for his team. After the match, Alexis debuted a new celebration move.

In the second match, younger brother Félix Lebrun faced Swedish star Karlberg. In the first game, Félix trailed 3-6 but

Saarbrücken

Saarbrücken is the capital of the German state of Saarland, located near the border with France. Historically, it was a key industrial center due to its coal and steel industries, and the city has changed hands between Germany and France several times, most recently after World War II. Today, it is known for its blend of German and French culture, as well as landmarks like the Saarbrücken Castle and the Ludwigskirche church.

Bogoria Grodzisk Mazowiecki

Bogoria Grodzisk Mazowiecki is a historic manor house and park complex located in Grodzisk Mazowiecki, Poland. Originally built in the 18th century, it served as a residence for noble families and later hosted notable figures, including Frederick Chopin, who performed there during his visits. Today, the site is a cultural landmark, featuring a preserved palace and scenic park that reflect the region’s aristocratic heritage.

Nîmes-Montpellier Alliance

The Nîmes-Montpellier Alliance refers to the growing economic and cultural cooperation between the two major cities in the Occitanie region of southern France. Historically distinct—Nîmes known for its Roman heritage, including the Arena of Nîmes, and Montpellier for its medieval university and modern dynamism—the alliance aims to strengthen regional development through shared infrastructure, transportation, and innovation projects. This partnership highlights a strategic effort to balance preservation of historical identity with contemporary urban growth.

Düsseldorf

Düsseldorf is a major city in western Germany, known for its modern architecture, vibrant art scene, and fashion industry. Its history dates back to the 12th century, when it was first mentioned as a fishing village, and it later became the capital of the Duchy of Berg. After being heavily damaged in World War II, the city was rebuilt and emerged as a key economic and cultural hub on the Rhine River.

CCTV Sports Channel

The CCTV Sports Channel is a specialized television channel under China Central Television (CCTV), launched in 1995 to broadcast national and international sports events. It has played a key role in covering major global competitions such as the Olympics, FIFA World Cup, and Asian Games, becoming a primary source for sports programming in China. Over the years, it has expanded its coverage and digital presence, reflecting the growing popularity of sports and sports media in the country.

European Table Tennis Union

The European Table Tennis Union (ETTU) is the governing body for table tennis in Europe, founded in 1957 to organize and promote the sport across the continent. It oversees major competitions such as the European Championships and the European Champions League, helping to develop the game from its post-war resurgence. The ETTU has played a key role in fostering international cooperation and raising the standard of play, making Europe a powerhouse in global table tennis.

Paris

Paris, the capital of France, is a global center for art, fashion, and culture, famously known as the “City of Light.” Its history dates back to the 3rd century BC when it was a small Celtic settlement, later becoming a major Roman city and eventually the heart of the French monarchy and revolution. Today, Paris is renowned for iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, and Notre-Dame Cathedral, drawing millions of visitors each year.

Champions League

The UEFA Champions League is an annual club football competition organized by the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA), widely regarded as the most prestigious tournament in European football. It was established in 1955 as the European Champion Clubs’ Cup, originally a knockout competition for league champions, before rebranding in 1992 with a group stage format. The tournament has since grown into a global sporting phenomenon, with clubs like Real Madrid, AC Milan, and Liverpool among its most successful participants.