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Press conference 1. FC Saarbrücken Tischtennis

1. FC Saarbrücken Table Tennis is kicking off the 2025/26 season with a bang: Olympic champion Fan Zhendong is joining the team led by captain Patrick Franziska. Before the first TTBL match against Bergneustadt on Sunday, 31 August 2025, the club is hosting an official press conference on 27 August at URSAPHARM in Saarbrücken. The squad, goals and role of the new signing will be presented there.
  • Date27.08.2025
  • Start1:30 pm
  • OrganiserURSAPHARM & 1. FC Saarbrücken Tischtennis
  • VenueGermany
  • CountryGermany

Sensation in Saarbrücken
Fan Zhendong is coming

1. FC Saarbrücken Tischtennis is causing an international sensation: Fan Zhendong, Olympic champion and long-time world number one, will be playing for FCS TT in future. The Chinese superstar is venturing into Europe and bringing absolute world class to the Bundesliga.

Fan Zhendong: The superstar at the table

The 28-year-old Olympic champion from Paris 2024 and four-time World Cup winner, singles and team world champion, is considered one of the best table tennis players in the world. His move to FCS TT has triggered unprecedented hype: demand for tickets, jerseys and memberships has skyrocketed. An additional grandstand is already being planned to meet the interest.

How often and when Fan Zhendong will actually play will be one of the topics discussed at the press conference. Team manager Nicolas Barrois hinted that five to seven appearances are planned for the first half of the season, and even more for the second half.

Live on HYLO®Sport

The official press conference

Patrick Franziska: The face of FCS TT

By extending his contract at the beginning of the year until 2029, Patrick Franziska has sent a clear signal. The German national player has been playing for Saarbrücken since 2016 and has won the German championship, the cup and three Champions League titles with the club. Franziska is not only the captain, but has long been the face of the club – both athletically and personally.

He will also be available to answer questions at the press conference – about his goals, his role in the team and his collaboration with Fan Zhendong.

The squad for 2025/26

In addition to the new signing, FCS TT will enter the new season with its international team unchanged:

  • Patrick Franziska (Germany)  
  • Darko Jorgic (Slovenia)  
  • Truls Möregårdh (Sweden)  
  • Yuto Muramatsu (Japan)  
  • Eduard Ionescu (Romania)  
  • Cedric Meissner (Germany)  
  • Fan Zhendong (China)  
  • Coach: Wang Zhi

Season goals and outlook

After winning the Champions League treble, the direction is clear: FCS TT wants to compete for the title in all competitions – TTBL, Cup and Champions League. With Fan Zhendong as reinforcement and Franziska as a constant, the club aims to further expand its international appeal.

Match dates for the start of the season

31 August 20252 p.m.1. FC Saarbrücken Tischtennis – TTC Schwalbe Bergneustadt  
6 September 20253 p.m.TSV Bad Königshofen – 1. FC Saarbrücken Tischtennis
14 September 20252 p.m.1. FC Saarbrücken Tischtennis – Borussia Dortmund

Further match dates here.