Transfer news in Bad Königshofen: New arrival from Japan

TSV Bad Königshofen signs 31-year-old Japanese player Jin Ueda. Yukiya Uda moves back to Japan.

This transfer news solves the mystery that manager Andreas Albert posed at the last home game when he announced that the team would stay together and only one player would be replaced.

But who is Jin Ueda? The new Bad Königshöfer is 31 years old, born in Kyoto and was able to play his way up to world ranking 28 in 2018 - when he was still playing tournaments. Due to his WTT abandonment, the right-hander has meanwhile slipped to No. 235.

He made his first international appearances at the World Youth Championships, winning bronze twice with the team and silver once in doubles, among other honors. He also won four World Tour tournaments in doubles, reached the round of 16 at the 2009 World Championships together with Kenta Matsudaira, and won bronze in doubles with Maharu Yoshimura at the 2017 World Grand Finals. At the World Team Cup 2018 he secured silver with the team, losing to China in the final.

Ueda also played one season (2009/2010) in Germany, when he played for TTC Hagen in the 2nd Bundesliga. Most recently, however, the former Itagaki protégé was under contract with T.T Saitama in the Japanese professional league (T.League). World-class players such as Liam Pitchford and Kenta Matsudaira were among his team and sparring partners last season.

Jin Ueada on his move to Bad Königshofen: "I come to Bad Königshofen as a player to win. I want to help the club get to the playoffs for the first time. The Bundesliga is at a high level, and I haven't played an international tournament in about three years, but I think I have a good chance if I can use my experience and strengths. Just as the name Jin Ueda is well known in Japan, I want to make it known among table tennis fans in Germany. I'm looking forward to competing in the Bundesliga."

Manager Andreas Albert on the transfer: "With Jin Ueda, we dug out a player who brings a lot of experience - even if not so outstanding success - and can help us because he will always be there. Which is also much safer to count on because he will have his residence with his family in Bad Königshofen."

Yukiya Uda leaves TSV Bad Königshofen and moves back to Japan.