Transfer coups: Fulda signs Ovtcharov and top talent Kao

TTC RhönSprudel Fulda-Maberzell have made two transfer coups for the coming season in the form of German international and former world number one Dimitrij Ovtcharov and top talent Kao Cheng-Jui. The Hessian club made the announcement at a press conference in Fulda today, Tuesday, and team manager Frauenholz explained that the minimum target for next season with this squad is a play-off place.

"It is the club's ambition and also my ambition to play for titles," Ovtcharov told the hessenschau: "I am extremely happy that this surprising move has worked out. I had interesting offers from China, Saudi Arabia and Japan. But that would have involved a lot of travelling through time zones. Fulda was the only club in Germany that put together an exciting and lucrative offer for me."

In addition to Ovtcharov, Kao Cheng-Jui is also joining the East Hesse club. The 19-year-old Taiwanese player is currently ranked number 31 in the world. "Kao is one of the most talented young players in the world. He can become one of the best players in the league here in singles and doubles," said Ovtcharov about the top talent.

Ovtcharov is number 15 in the world

Ovtcharov is number 15 in the world and the second-highest ranked German national player after Dang Qiu (10th/Borussia Düsseldorf). In 2018, Ovtcharov was even world number one at one point.

Over the course of his career, he has collected a string of titles and medals. He won World Championship bronze in doubles in 2023 and Olympic silver in the team in 2021. He has won a total of six medals at the Summer Olympics, including two individual bronze medals (2021 and 2012).

Ovtcharov will play at number one in the coming season. Taiwanese national player Chuang Chih-Yuan (world number 35), who signed during this season, and new signing Kao Cheng-Jui will alternate at number two. Ace defender Ruwen Filus will play at number three and home-grown player Fan Bo Meng at number four - two more German internationals.

Two players leave Fulda

Meanwhile, Wong Chun Ting will be leaving Fulda. The Hong Kong-Chinese player, currently ranked as number one, was unable to fulfil the expectations placed in him this season and played less often than expected due to international assignments. The French youngster Thibault Poret will also be leaving, as the club announced.

Source: SID / hessenschau.de
Featured image above: Dimitrij Ovtcharov (Photo: ITTF)