(by Steve Hopkins) The Tischtennis Bundesliga (TTBL) season is coming to a close.  The final four teams compete in a best 2 of 3 series in a home/away/home format (with the higher seed having the advantage of hosting two matches). The four teams that have made the Finals are Dusseldorf, Saarbrucken, Ochsenhausen, and Grunwettersbach. The […]

(by Steve Hopkins) From a very young age, Japan’s Tomokazu Harimot0 was destined to make his mark on this sport.  Ten years ago, he was dominating age groups in Japan (age groups that in Japan have cute names like the Bambi Division and the Turnip Division – he won both twice).  In 2016 he was […]

(by Steve Hopkins) This edition of the PongNow interview series was conducted in Spanish by Estefania Ramirios. The guest is Angel Luis Naranjo Lopez, a rising star who has already accumulated considerable international experience playing for the Puerto Rican National Team.  See the Spanish Language interview with English text in the video below.  _________________________ […]

(by Steve Hopkins) The PongNow Interview Series – talking table tennis with some of the best players and personalities in the sport. This week’s guest is Hall of Fame member Sheila O’Dougherty – a three time collegiate champion, US Team Member, and long-time contributor to the sport.  _________________________ PongNOW Interview are powered by Butterfly.  […]

(by Steve Hopkins, photo ITTF/Remy Gros) After the WTT Events concluded in Doha Saturday, there was a quick overnight shift.  The black flooring, tall black backdrops, modern neon lighting, projected video messaging, and the signature black-topped tables with their neon blue edge and center lines were all removed.  By Sunday morning, the venue’s facelift allowed […]