WTT Champions Montpellier 2025, 10/28-11/2

[M51]

The Lebruns should just publicly threaten to boycott if Montpellier is screwed over.

 

[XpingpingpongpongX]

What a dominant performance by Truls. When he's on, he looks like a WR1. He's topped two big events now in pretty close succession but both were in Europe...I wonder if he can get over the hump outside of "home" territory and push towards that top spot.

Truls' win doesn't look like a one off lucky day or being in form. He has changed a lot compared to when he was in the Paris Olympics. He improved his consistency, aggressiveness, and determination. So many good shots with power and precise placement!

 

[andymagata]

Truls' win doesn't look like a one off lucky day or being in form. He has changed a lot compared to when he was in the Paris Olympics. He improved his consistency, aggressiveness, and determination. So many good shots with power and precise placement!

I am very impressed how Truls and his team are consistently progressing towards his maximum potential. After the Olympic Games I got the impression that he was more interested in the fame and the fun then becoming better, but that was not correct.

 

[andymagata]

I am very impressed how Truls and his team are consistently progressing towards his maximum potential. After the Olympic Games I got the impression that he was more interested in the fame and the fun then becoming better, but that was not correct.

Maybe this is why he appears to get into conflicts with others, blown up by media of course, but also that he is not happy with a standstill of things as they are, which the Swedish association and older players probably has problems dealing with.

 

[zeio]

I know Doo Hoi KEM represents HKG, but her name sounds more Korean to me than Chinese (Mandarin or Cantonese). Any HKG/Chinese here who can confirm it's a proper Chinese name? (or Korean who can say, no it doesn't sound Korean).

Cantonese and Korean (as well as Japanese and Vietnamese) actually sound closer because the Sino-Korean vocabulary (as well as Sino-Japanese vocabulary and Sino-Vietnamese vocabulary collectively known as Sino-Xenic vocabularies) that makes up a majority of the Korean vocabulary came from Middle Chinese of the Tang dynasty, a period that is among the top few of the many golden ages of China, with significant cultural, political and economic influence on the Sinophere, and Cantonese (like other Southern varieties of Chinese) preserves many features of Middle Chinese.

As for 杜凱琹/DOO Hoi Kem, the romanization of her surname 杜 is actually closer to Mandarin, other varieties of Chinese and Korean here. The other common romanization in Hong Kong is "To", which is closer to Cantonese (with a long o) and Japanese (with a short o). As to the difference, the romanization of "Hong Kong Cantonese" by the British is a mixed bag because there were multiple branches of Yue (Cantonese), Hakka and Min speaking populations in Hong Kong back then, many of which are mutually unintelligible.

korean words vs cantonese words!! #korean #cantonese #language #hongkong
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/6I57bsFQGQQ

 

[zeio]

WS QF
Winter 4-3 DHK (-9, -8, -9, 9, 5, 11, 4)
G4 40, 42, 52, 53, 63, 65 TO for Winter, 66, 76, 78, 108, 109, 119
G5 01, 41 DHK saved the sideline edge but lost the point, 42, 92, 93, 103, 105, 115 slight net for Winter
G6 10, 13, 53, 54, 64, 65, 75, 77, 97, 910, 1110, 1111 DHK saved the slight net, 1311
G7 02, 22, 23, 43 TO for DHK, 63, 64, 84 big net for Winter, 114
DHK showed how to handle step-around anti in the first 3 games but didn't carry through with the game plan firmly.

http://xhslink.com/o/9oL9V2cjXJU
DHK posted about London and Montpellier on her RedNote and responded to a comment asking why they called a TO only until G7, saying that's a good point that they (coach Zhang Rui) noticed when reviewing the match and agreed they were fully immersed and didn't think about that... (Is that the same for Kishikawa at ATTTC 2025?)

---

On a related note, Soo Wai Yam Minnie announced retirement on her social media on 2025/11/3 after a brief return at WTT FEE Otocec 2025 and Otocec II 2025.

港隊乒乓代表蘇慧音宣布退役
https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/ch/component/k2/1829993-20251104.htm

港女乒名將蘇慧音宣布退役：今日無遺憾淚水
https://hk.on.cc/hk/bkn/cnt/sport/20251104/bkn-20251104092832450-1104_00882_001.html

乒乓球｜蘇慧音因傷退役結束12年職業生涯　東京奧運「奇兵」助港隊奪銅
https://www.am730.com.hk/體育/乒乓球-蘇慧音因傷退役結束12年職業生涯-東京奧運-奇兵-助港隊奪銅/614769

27歲港隊乒乓代表蘇慧音宣布退役　結束12年職業運動員生涯
https://news.tvb.com/tc/local/69095afc834c0cab72fdb626/港澳-27歲港隊乒乓代表蘇慧音宣布退役-結束12年職業運動員生涯

 

[PoppaChubby]

Europe can't fall any lower. Still losing money.

Malgré « l'une des plus belles salles » et un public « incroyable », le futur du WTT Champions de Montpellier est menacé (Despite having "one of the most beautiful venues" and an "incredible" audience, the future of the WTT Champions in Montpellier is threatened)
https://www.lequipe.fr/Tennis-de-ta...t-champions-de-montpellier-est-menace/1606477

(While Montpellier will host new WTT Champions next year, the future of the tournament in the Hérault region, starting in 2027, remains uncertain. Because the WTT has another idea about the future.

Béatrice Avignon, at Montpellier Published on November 1, 2025 at 7:54 p.m.

Steve Dainton loves the Montpellier Tournament, whose second edition concludes this Sunday. The General Director of World Table Tennis, the commercial company tasked by the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) with organizing the international circuit, proclaims it to anyone who will listen: “This tournament is really becoming one of my favorite events! Beautiful atmosphere, great ambiance, with one of the most beautiful halls for table tennis. You have heard about the action, and the French public is incredible.” "

Organized for the first time in a row, after three rounds of negotiations, the Montpellier tournament, following the success of the Olympic Games, has attracted attention and secured two new editions. With an initial investment in 2024 to cover the €2.5 million budget, as is the case for some new tournaments (such as the Grand Smashes in Las Vegas and Sweden, launched this year), the WTT should be able to balance the books in 2025 and recoup its losses in 2026.

The tournament could relocate​

And what about 2027? "We are already discussing the future," continues Steve Dainton. "We are satisfied and hope to continue in France. In Montpellier or elsewhere..." It's not in the cards; the Australian patron of the WTT will have the option of moving the French event to Paris, mentioning the Accor Arena or the Adidas Arena. A surprising idea for Gilles Erb, the president of the French Federation, who approved the new format this season in Montpellier. "They think France should organize a Grand Smash (10 days of competition, five draws, 256 competitors, men and women combined, in singles, €6 million budget)," he explains. "But why sweep aside this Champions in Montpellier, which is a gem?"

Following the Hérault prefecture's bid to host the 2027 World Championships, the French Table Tennis Federation (FFTT) is currently seeking an event "that awards a title or qualifies for the Olympic Games," in addition to the Montpellier Championships. "I think we could imagine a Grand Smash tournament around 2028 or 2029," Erb continued. "So that in the meantime, we can further grow our market, our economic model, attract other partners, and become stronger. Because I could sign tomorrow, and I could fall flat on my face the day after..." Negotiations will continue, as France can rely on its newfound power, being among the top three table tennis markets in the world today, along with China and Japan. And second in terms of media coverage, after China.)

Problem is, and you don't mention it: the FFTT's yearly budget is 10 millions €. The WTT Champions in Montpellier cost the FFTT 2,5 millions €, if they had the Grand Smash to organize, it's 6 millions. That's why he's afraid of leading the FFTT to bankruptcy. The local admistrations in Montpellier have made everything possible to make it the best Champions in the world: 40 000 tickets sold last year, 43 500 thhis year, Frankurt is nothing compare to it: 8 000 tickets sold as of yesterday, they'll probably go to maybe 15 000 ? 20 000 ? nothing near the Montpellier's success.

The problem, and I've mentioned it some weeks ago: tickets start at a... 5€ price point, yep, that's crazy, that's why you have so much kids in the crowds, and most of them already playing in FFTT's affiliated clubs.

I think what the WTT executives want is the FFTT to sell more expensive tickets 1st, then find money elsewhere, what the FFTT has already done with a new partnership with a bank, Crédit Mutuel.

The Crédit Mutuel's CEO is no less than Daniel Baal, an expert in sport events organization (vice-director of Tour De France with ASO, vice-president of UCI, he was a pro cycling champion in his youth), so the planets are aligned to make table tennis grow in France again. But it needs time, the FFTT prefers having to organize an ITTF WTTC or a ETTC than a Grand Smash that cost way less money to the FFTT, cos' then the Ministry of Sport would help the FFTT for funding. The WTT being a organization centered on commercializing events, like the WTA or the ATP in tennis. Roland Garros for example is not fund by the Ministry of Sports, only by the FFT no help from that ministry. In that case the broadcasting would be done by LEquipe, giving more access to all the tables (La Chaine L'Equipe national network with 1 national tv channel + dozens of live web channels on LEquipe website for free).

To remain competitive, the FFT made an investment plan of 350 millions € from 2015 to 2021 for Roland Garros ONLY. Then there's the Masters 1000 in Accor Arena, then multiple ATP 250 in other cities (like Montpellier too, ATP 250). But their budget and their net income (free from all taxes, costs and incomes from Masters 1000 and Roland Garros) is already 16.5 millions €, the total yearly budget is.... 400 millions €, to get a net income of 16.5 millions € by the end of this year.

This is the problem the FFTT has to face, a WTT Grand Smash = ATP Grand Slam like Roland Garros, a WTT Champions = ATP Masters 1000 like Paris Accor Arena.

I know why the WTT wants the Accor Arena: it's the home of the french ATP Masters 1000, where there are big basketball events (Olympics, Euroleague matches with Paris BasketBall) where the 2003 and 2013's WTTC where also held. And now they know France is the place to be for table tennis events organization, because it's always full of a vibrant crowd, plus: easier for asian fans to get there and to get accomodations. And there's already the chinese diaspora living in France, 700 000 people, and this is the largest one in Europe. They mainly live in the 3rd, 13th and 19th Paris districts, then Marne La Vallée (Disneyland Paris) is the largest one outside of Paris. You can say: Paris overall.

The other cities are Lille, Lyon and Marseille, but there's only a few people there.

 

[Shine]

I don’t think we’ve ever seen a place where the Chinese do absolutely poorly more than Montpellier. Kim Nayeong defeats Kuai Man. What a win!

I always laughed when Zeio mentioned that KM was being groomed for LA28 singles lol. XD yeah, but singles? Doesn't look like she's gonna be ready. She's still miles away from WMY's stability tbh. No assurances in Brisbane 2032 either, She just may end up being surpassed by the coming generation.

 

[joshmak10]

I always laughed when Zeio mentioned that KM was being groomed for LA28 singles lol. XD yeah, but singles? Doesn't look like she's gonna be ready. She's still miles away from WMY's stability tbh. No assurances in Brisbane 2032 either, She just may end up being surpassed by the coming generation.

Still a bit early to decide that, but recent results have not been promising. But she still has plenty of time. She’s already a lock for the third spot imo, and WMY isnt getting any younger either

 

[Shine]

Wang yidi and other chinese not participing...?! They are afraid, like wang chuqin at Paris ladt year

What's there to be scared of? They just finished an intense Asian championships less than two weeks prior to the event, and the they decided to take a breather.

 

[Shine]

Tomokazu Harimoto

The most hyped-up child prodigy in the history of table tennis...

Grows up to become the biggest choker this sport has ever seen.

Don't deny Gaoyuan what he's worked hard for lol

 

[Shine]

As the frog would say - It's a robbery!!

What's the reference here please? I'm bad with shows/ culture unfortunately.

 

[Shine]

I think I am learning not to doubt the CNT, even their defectors, double agents and transplants... the stamina is clearly an issue but the technical ability is not.

Such a cheeky wordplay, nice.

 

[Shine]

It is interesting that the Chinese are not filling up the stadium like other events. Is it because it is only Wang Yidi still left? Or are there too many Lebrun fans filling the seats?

No SYS, No WCQ, they're the darlings.

 

[Shine]

Still a bit early to decide that, but recent results have not been promising. But she still has plenty of time. She’s already a lock for the third spot imo, and WMY isnt getting any younger either

Has done nothing to merit being no 3 in singles tbh. She's only there because WYD has shot herself in the foot so many times, and she plays mixed doubles. If China ends up going with SYS/ WCQ as they should, Kuai should only play WD.

 

[zeio]

I always laughed when Zeio mentioned that KM was being groomed for LA28 singles lol. XD yeah, but singles? Doesn't look like she's gonna be ready. She's still miles away from WMY's stability tbh. No assurances in Brisbane 2032 either, She just may end up being surpassed by the coming generation.

KM's wins against Ito in Asian Cup 2025 and World Cup 2025 and Hayata in ATTTC 2025 tell a different story. Missing out on WTTC 2025 is a big blow and WTTC 2027 will be crucial like how WTTC 2015 was to ML.

WMY's stability is also tied to her form and mindset. Losing to Batra in KSA GS 2024 cost her the WS for Paris 2024 (a win there and her selection points would've secured the #2 spot).

One will be 24 and the other will be 29 and both have no Olympic WS experience.