China's Fan Zhendong leads Saarbrucken to German Cup title in Europe

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Fan Zhendong (L2) claimed his first title in Germany and was named MVP after leading Saarbrucken to a 3-1 victory over RhonSprudel Fulda-Maberzell in the German Cup final in Neu-Ulm, Germany, January 4, 2026. /VCG

Chinese table tennis star Fan Zhendong reached a significant milestone on Sunday, leading Saarbrucken to a 3-1 victory over RhonSprudel Fulda-Maberzell in the German Cup final in Neu-Ulm, Germany, to claim his first overseas club title.

With 5,200 spectators filling the stands, Fan set the tone with a straight-games win over former World No. 1 Dimitrij Ovtcharov. After Saarbrucken captain Patrick Franziska narrowly lost to Ruwen Filus, Darko Jorgic restored the lead by defeating Meng Fanbo, before Fan sealed the title with a sweep against Filus.

Fan remained unbeaten throughout the day, also contributing two wins in Saarbrucken's earlier 3-1 victory over Liebherr Ochsenhausen in the semifinals.

Since joining the club in June 2025, Fan has played a pivotal role in Saarbrucken's strong Bundesliga, German Cup and European Champions League campaigns. The team will return to continental action in the Champions League quarterfinals in mid-January.

Fan said competing in Europe against top-level opponents, combined with the enthusiasm of local fans, has made his overseas stint a rewarding experience.

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