Romain Ruiz Extends Contract with TTC Schwalbe Bergneustadt After Key Win Against Fan Zhendong

Bergneustadt, Germany – February 24, 2026 – TTC Schwalbe Bergneustadt has secured the services of Romain Ruiz for an additional two years, extending his contract through June 30, 2028. The announcement comes after a successful season for the French player, highlighted by a notable victory against Chinese table tennis star Fan Zhendong.

Ruiz’s Impact on the Team

Currently the second-best performer on the team with eleven wins and only six losses this season, behind Benedikt Duda’s 20-6 record, Ruiz has proven to be a valuable asset to Schwalbe Bergneustadt. His ability to upset top-ranked opponents has been particularly crucial, with his win against Fan Zhendong in the latter’s debut for 1. FC Saarbrücken standing out as a memorable moment for fans.

A Fan Favorite

Heinz Duda, Schwalbe’s sports director, praised Ruiz’s dynamic playing style, stating, “Despite his sometimes very changeable style of play, we are very happy that Romain is staying with us.” He further emphasized Ruiz’s development, noting, “He has developed into a good Bundesliga player with us.”

Commitment to Bergneustadt

Ruiz expressed his satisfaction with his time in Bergneustadt, stating, “I am very happy and pleased that I can be active here for at least until June 30, 2028, after almost four years.” He enjoys playing in front of the home crowd and is optimistic about the team’s chances of reaching the playoff round this season. “It’s always a lot of fun to play in front of our own fans. I hope that we can develop it to the playoff round this season. I will give everything for that,” Ruiz said.

Future Development and Team Outlook

Ruiz is dedicated to continuous improvement, stating, “I give my best every day to receive better.” The club is focused on his continued development and sees him as a key player for the future. The future of Leo de Nodrest, another player on the team, remains uncertain as discussions regarding his sporting future are ongoing.

Fan Zhendong’s Debut Struggle

The match between Ruiz and Fan Zhendong took place on August 31, 2025, marking Fan’s Bundesliga debut with 1. FC Saarbrücken. Fan faced a challenging start, losing 3-2 to Ruiz in a closely contested match. He subsequently lost to Benedikt Duda 3-1. Xinhua reported that Saarbrucken head coach Wang Zhi acknowledged the difficulties Fan faced and expressed commitment to helping him adapt.

South China Morning Post noted that Fan was the top-ranked player for his team at the time and that teammates were confident he would regain his form.