The organizers of the Austrian Open – September 21–25 – have achieved a remarkable coup.  The Liebherr Group, for many years a major participant in international table tennis events, has become the major sponsor for this $122,000 ITTF Pro Tour event.

Chairman Robert Bausch, for a long time a frequent and welcome guest at the biggest table tennis events, is pleased about the partnership.  “It is a great joy for LIEBHERR to be part of the tournament here.  In particular, I am very pleased that the tournament takes place, for the first time, in the Werner Schlager Academy.

The televised coverage benefiting Liebherr will be very extensive: ORF transmits a total of 14 hours, with numerous international TV stations – including China's national sports channel CCTV 5 – will be broadcasting from the WSA in Schwechat. As usual, China's stars are major contenders for victory in both the men's and women's divisions.