TopSpin Athletes Shine at the 34th Andro Kids Open in Düsseldorf, Germany

In late August, a group of promising TopSpin Table Tennis Academy athletes, Francesca Ferriggi, Matthew Cassar, Michael Caruana, Mireille Bonett, and Niki Pace Rota, proudly represented the academy at the 34th Edition of the Andro Kids Open held in Borussia Düsseldorf, Germany.

The Andro Kids Open Tournament, held between the 22nd of August till the 24th of August, is recognized as Europe’s largest table tennis tournament, attracting over 950 young players aged 6 to 18 from 20 different nations. The event took place across 44 competition tables in three vibrant halls, making for an atmosphere full of energy and competition.

Our TopSpin athletes competed in multiple categories, including U13 Girls Singles, U19 Girls Singles, U19 Boys Singles, U19 Boys Doubles, U19 Girls Doubles, and U13 Girls Doubles. They faced a diverse field of talented players from around the world, each bringing unique playing styles and challenges.

Under the expert guidance of Head Coach Edward Baldacchino and Coach Matthew Attard, our athletes showcased not only their skill but also their determination and sportsmanship, performing at their very best through both the group and knockout stages of the tournament.

Day 1 – Doubles Events (Friday, August 22, 2025)

The tournament began with doubles events, where teamwork and communication were key.

In the U19 Boys Doubles, Matthew Cassar and Michael Caruana impressed with their chemistry and coordination, advancing through the knockout stage after defeating several tough opponents.

Meanwhile, in the U19 Girls Doubles, Niki Pace Rota and Francesca Ferriggi demonstrated impressive resilience and fighting spirit. Despite facing strong opposition and narrowly missing qualification from their group, they delivered exciting rallies and captured the attention of the crowd with their determination.

In the U13 Girls Doubles, Mireille Bonett teamed up with Meng Qian Sophia Wang. The duo, meeting for the first time on competition day, quickly developed a great understanding on the table and showcased promising teamwork throughout their matches.

Days 2 & 3 – Singles Events (Saturday & Sunday, August 23 & 24, 2025)

The following days saw our athletes competing in the singles events, where individual skill, strategy, and mental focus were put to the test.

In the U19 Boys Singles, both Michael Caruana and Matthew Cassar advanced from their groups and continued their impressive form into the knockout stages, delivering high-intensity rallies and demonstrating great composure under pressure.

Mireille Bonett, competing in the U13 Girls Singles, delivered a standout performance, storming through the rounds and reaching the Consolidation Round Final. After a series of remarkable matches, Mireille secured an incredible 2nd place finish, marking a major highlight for TopSpin at this prestigious tournament.

Mireille Bonett, along with Coach Edward and Coach Matthew

In the U19 Girls Singles, Niki Pace Rota and Francesca Ferriggi both showcased their skill and persistence against more experienced opponents. The two athletes displayed moments of brilliance, winning key matches in their group stages and earning well-deserved praise for their performances.

One of the most memorable moments of the trip was the exhibition event held at the Borussia Düsseldorf ARAG CenterCourt, where our athletes had the chance to witness true table tennis legends in action. Icons such as Danny Heister and Kamal Achanta put on a thrilling show, while rising stars Wim Verdonschot and Andre Bertelsmeier added youthful energy to the lineup. The arena erupted with excitement when Timo Boll, one of the greatest players in table tennis history, made his appearance, creating an unforgettable atmosphere for all in attendance.

The exhibition’s high energy and electric atmosphere left a lasting impression on our young athletes, inspiring them to continue pushing their limits and dreaming big. This international experience was not only about competition but also about growth, learning, and team spirit.

A heartfelt thank you goes to Head Coach Edward Baldacchino and Coach Matthew Attard for their guidance, support, and leadership throughout the tournament. Their dedication ensured that our athletes were well-prepared both mentally and physically.

Special thanks also go to the TopSpin Administration Team, whose organization and commitment made this international trip possible. Their hard work behind the scenes gave our athletes the chance to represent TopSpin on one of Europe’s biggest table tennis stages.

This trip to Düsseldorf was more than just a tournament, it was a celebration of passion, perseverance, and progress. Our young athletes return home motivated, inspired, and ready to take on new challenges ahead.

Here’s to more international success and continued growth for the TopSpin family!