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

[pongfugrasshopper]

Sabine in current form is easily Germany's #1. I don't see how that can even be questioned. There's a very good argument that she's Europe's #1 having beaten both Szocs and Han Ying in this tournament alone. In addition, she's beaten DHK and SYB to make it the Finals of this WTT Champions Montpellier. Add to that her win over CXT at Europe Smash, I would have to give the edge to Sabine over Bernie.

 

[joshmak10]

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 Sun Yingsha or Wang Chuqin makes a big difference tbh

 

[Takkyu_wa_inochi]

Sora 2025 is really a new player

 

[NextLevel]

Sora 2025 is really a new player

I dont know about that. He hasnt been pressured in any matches at this event and according to some of the experts, he has no improvements to his attitude or mentality and is ready to fold once he is under pressure.

 

[NextLevel]

On a serious note, the absence of TTR at this event to review serves has Sora, Truls and Alexis as the biggest beneficiaries just not sure in what order at the moment. .

 

[Sali]

So in this event @zeio, Sabine has added two wins against Asian ladies ro her tally. Should we blame the crowd or Tibhar tables? Still reluctant to say she is the German #1 right now even if age might prevent her from getting to LA in 3 years?

I think her dominance will not last long. Anti is somewhat a forgotten rubber, and for years no top player in the world used it, which is why players learned more to play against pips. Recently, Mladenovic brought it back into play, and many players unfamiliar with this rubber had huge problems. However, when facing someone who can read spin well, the result was often simply ridiculous (just few points per set for him). The same will happen with Winter; her success will lead to increased interest in these rubbers among players looking to change their style as well as among coaches. I think that in six months when spring comes Winter will be again 1-2 round player.

 

[joshmak10]

Sora 2025 is really a new player

Sora when he doesn’t give up is scary

 

[NextLevel]

I think her dominance will not last long. Anti is somewhat a forgotten rubber, and for years no top player in the world used it, which is why players learned more to play against pips. Recently, Mladenovic brought it back into play, and many players unfamiliar with this rubber had huge problems. However, when facing someone who can read spin well, the result was often simply ridiculous (just few points per set for him). The same will happen with Winter; her success will lead to increased interest in these rubbers among players looking to change their style as well as among coaches. I think that in six months when spring comes Winter will be again 1-2 round player.

You are right that players will plan better for her. But I think she also has some adaptation left, I don't think today's result would have been possible without yesterday's struggles against Doo. Moreover, her serve and forehand are strong enough that it will take a certain level of player to beat her regardless of how good they are against material. This is not true for Luka.

 

[JackJohnson]

On a serious note, the absence of TTR at this event to review serves has Sora, Truls and Alexis as the biggest beneficiaries just not sure in what order at the moment. .

TTR needs to be mandatory for the Smash and Champions events. I hate how right now it’s just pick and choose.

 

[TampaBayTableTennis]

LETS GOOO

 

[Sali]

You are right that players will plan better for her. But I think she also has some adaptation left, I don't think today's result would have been possible without yesterday's struggles against Doo. Moreover, her serve and forehand are strong enough that it will take a certain level of player to beat her regardless of how good they are against material. This is not true for Luka.

There's some truth to that, but consider that Doo completely dominated her in the first three sets. Of course, Winter tried to play more FH, attack first, and that started to pay off. However, considering her age, I doubt she'd be as fast and able to control FH across the whole table. Generally, anti doesn't do as much damage as a pips once you learn to play it, so it's only a matter of time.

 

[TampaBayTableTennis]

Truls is incredible

 

[NextLevel]

There's some truth to that, but consider that Doo completely dominated her in the first three sets. Of course, Winter tried to play more FH, attack first, and that started to pay off. However, considering her age, I doubt she'd be as fast and able to control FH across the whole table. Generally, anti doesn't do as much damage as a pips once you learn to play it, so it's only a matter of time.

Well, where she has an advantage with the anti is that she is from a serious TT country that has a player/manufacturer with a history with designing anti that i am sure he will design to maximize her strengths. I suspect it won't be commercially available either, they will just use her image to advertise something else.

As for her, health is a major consideration for sure but she is a specially gifted physical athlete, she might have picked the wrong sport. Let's see how it goes.

 

[Metaxa]

Moregard cannot sustain a rally as long as the average elite-level player.

Doesn't mean he sucks at it, it just isn't his forte at the highest level.

Keep in mind, Truls underwent two surgeries on his right knee and had withdrawn from ETTTC 2025 citing "genetic inability to produce cartilage." His footwork has never been particularly good because of it and it will likely only get worse as he ages. He cannot afford to overexert because his knee, sadly, has an expiration date.

He will be able to continue playing at the highest level for a while. If he really cannot produce cartilage, he has the same condition I had when I was 17. Medical diagnosis: formation of a joint mouse and inability to produce cartilage. I still wanted to reach the highest level at the age of 28, but once I passed 30, it was over. I stopped playing table tennis for 10 years, but started again at the age of 42 (the table tennis bug). Before I turned 50, I had my first full knee replacement on the left side, and two years later I was Robocop.


T

 

[pongfugrasshopper]

Complete domination by Truls. Lots to like about his game, but in this match his reading of serves was impeccable.

 

[NextLevel]

He will be able to continue playing at the highest level for a while. If he really cannot produce cartilage, he has the same condition I had when I was 17. Medical diagnosis: formation of a joint mouse and inability to produce cartilage. I still wanted to reach the highest level at the age of 28, but once I passed 30, it was over. I stopped playing table tennis for 10 years, but started again at the age of 42 (the table tennis bug). Before I turned 50, I had my first full knee replacement on the left side, and two years later I was Robocop.


T

I like that the way you write about it, you have made peace with it. Must have been tough at the time

 

[M51]

I feel you, mon frere.

Chin up. I wish I had your youth, not to mention, your skill.

 

[Metaxa]

I dont know about that. He hasnt been pressured in any matches at this event and according to some of the experts, he has no improvements to his attitude or mentality and is ready to fold once he is under pressure.

That's right. He's extremely talented, but he lacks character and perseverance. It's not the first time we've noticed that.

 

[NextLevel]

Sabine in current form is easily Germany's #1. I don't see how that can even be questioned. There's a very good argument that she's Europe's #1 having beaten both Szocs and Han Ying in this tournament alone. In addition, she's beaten DHK and SYB to make it the Finals of this WTT Champions Montpellier. Add to that her win over CXT at Europe Smash, I would have to give the edge to Sabine over Bernie.

I see how it can be questioned because In fact, I am dealing with that very experience right now with @zeio hence my investigation...

I think you are polite in calling it an edge even if it is a moment in time...

 

[NextLevel]

That's right. He's extremely talented, but he lacks character and perseverance. It's not the first time we've noticed that.

He is young. Such things can still be developed with the right experiences