Fan Zhendong is joining 1. FC Saarbrücken next season

[backspacer]

From their homepage.

 

[andzejgolot]

He cant Play in German League and in China league. He can go to Poland. We accept that. I can find him club

 

[Robin0910]

He cant Play in German League and in China league. He can go to Poland. We accept that. I can find him club

Well, apparently he can in case you didn’t understand the article

 

[ttarc]

From their homepage.

View attachment 36557

Sensation perfekt: Olympiasieger Fan Zhendong schlägt künftig für den 1. FC Saarbrücken Tischtennis auf | 1.FC Saarbrücken Tischtennis

fcs-tischtennis.de

Google Translate:
"1. FC Saarbrücken Table Tennis is making waves with a spectacular new signing: Fan Zhendong, former world number 1 and one of the biggest stars of international table tennis, will compete for FCS in the TTBL next season.

The 27-year-old Chinese player is keen to embark on the "European adventure" and will be available for the team in all competitions. With this signing, FCS is underscoring not only its sporting ambitions but also its growing international appeal.

"I'm incredibly excited about the new challenge in Saarbrücken and in the TTBL," says Fan Zhendong. "I'm really looking forward to being part of this club, getting to know a new environment – and celebrating many successes together with the team."

The excitement is also immense in the FCS camp – and not without a certain amount of disbelief. Team manager Nicolas Barroa describes the process as follows:

"It all came as such a surprise and happened so quickly that we still can't quite believe it. But it's reality – Fan Zhendong will play for us. This is not only an absolute milestone in terms of sport, but also a huge moment for our club and for German and European table tennis as a whole."

With Fan Zhendong, one of the most successful and consistent players of the last decade joins the team. The Olympic champion, world champion, and multiple World Cup winner brings not only absolute world-class talent to Saarbrücken, but also worldwide attention.

The club is looking forward to an exciting season with an outstanding squad – and to many special table tennis moments at the Sportcampus Saar."

 

[Tony's Table Tennis]

He cant Play in German League and in China league. He can go to Poland. We accept that. I can find him club

there is a way around it.
if you know the Super league schedule (that I shared), you will see it is very easy

 

[nablaz]

Great news! I can't wait to see more of FZD, especially in league and champions league context!

This could be great for league play and teams in general: more players could think of doing the same, bringing more audience along with them and thus more money... I'd love to see this kind of growth spurt for our beloved sport! 😀

 

[piligrim]

He cant Play in German League and in China league. He can go to Poland. We accept that. I can find him club

Or MLTT ))

 

[andzejgolot]

there is a way around it.
if you know the Super league schedule (that I shared), you will see it is very easy

I dont know schedule. The German League decide if he can participate... And you know WHO is the Boss ? Dusseldorf CEO is the Boss. The same situation were with Neu Ulm and Lin Jun Yu and Moregaard... And you know who is the Main boss for Fzd? China.
That's why I dont believe it too much... Fzd can stay in Europe and change nationality too, but he can eat pierogi in Poland and Play in China too

 

[Robin0910]

I dont know schedule. The German League decide if he can participate... And you know WHO is the Boss ? Dusseldorf CEO is the Boss. The same situation were with Neu Ulm and Lin Jun Yu and Moregaard... And you know who is the Main boss for Fzd? China.
That's why I dont believe it too much... Fzd can stay in Europe and change nationality too, but he can eat pierogi in Poland and Play in China too

Why would he play in Poland lol? He’s clearly not doing it for the money

 

[Bollwerk]

there is a way around it.
if you know the Super league schedule (that I shared), you will see it is very easy

Is the TTBL rule only applying first to last matchday within the 6 month period each half of the season? I don't see that stated anywhere, but it would explain how it's possible. Otherwise idk for CSL finals you'd have to elaborate. Of course stage 1 is no problem, well beforehand now.

 

[NextLevel]

haha that would be hilarious. He would destroy everyone.

He would sell a lot of tickets and bring some legitimacy to the events.

If you think Zhang Jike in his current age and form would destroy everyone, you have a lot to learn about TT.

 

[NextLevel]

Thank you

The youtube channel LMTLS which is run by an amateur who trains in Saarbrucken and often records/works with the pros/coaches there also mentioned it. It was where I first heard of it before coming over and seeing it here.

 

[andzejgolot]

Why would he play in Poland lol? He’s clearly not doing it for the money

Because we had 3 concerts of Taylor Swift. This is my joker card. Everything you said after is worthless. He can do whatever he wants

 

[chandyrandy]

I was chatting with a friend a couple months ago and predicted this LOL I can't believe it actually happened!

 

[Gtsnake]

If you think Zhang Jike in his current age and form would destroy everyone, you have a lot to learn about TT.

You obviously never watch any MLTT.

 

[Takkyu_wa_inochi]

Chen Meng will play again Olympics but for Qatar

 

[longle]

From their homepage.

View attachment 36557

they gonna sell this x3 the price

 

[Tommy Lee]

 

[zeio]

According to Table Tennis World, "FZD is still in the post-Olympic adjustment period and plans to gradually resume his competitive condition through national competitions, domestic and foreign club competitions in the near future."

https://weibo.com/1498760141/PuvhC7IfK
乒乓世界TTW
6-1 12:17
中国乒协支持樊振东加盟德甲

6月1日，德甲萨尔布吕肯俱乐部通过社交媒体宣布中国运动员樊振东加盟该俱乐部，征战2025-2026赛季德国乒乓球甲级联赛和欧洲冠军联赛。

记者了解到，目前樊振东仍处在奥运后的调整期，近期计划通过全国比赛以及国内外俱乐部比赛逐步恢复运动状态。

中国乒协表示理解和尊重运动员本人意愿，并将全力支持和保障他保持良好竞技水平，为乒乓球事业再创辉煌。

 

[PoppaChubby]

It says in the article that he won’t be playing all matches so assuming his CTTSL Team and his provincial team (Chinese National Games) will be his number 1 priority so when that’s on won’t be playing matches in the German League.

Good decision to sign him but availability will be key. I think he needs to play a certain amount of matches before he can be part of the playoffs.

He should go to the Pro A then, as the FFTT has now killed its own rule not allowing athletes to play in 2 different leagues organized by an ITTF-affiliated association in a team event. Basically, that means he won't be able to play ANY Bundesliga 1 + ETTU game after being involved in the Chinese National Games, if he plays the team events. The CSL being held in July most of the times that's not a problem. That means no Bundesliga play-offs + UCL semis and finals. he'll play in Germany from September to November, December at best.

That's what happened to Sun Wen this season. The Bundesliga have way more exclusive laws than the Pro A, making the Pro A being more attractive.