In a highly anticipated quarterfinal match at the recent WTT event, two teammates from 1. FC Saarbrücken, Patrick Franziska and Truls Moregard, found themselves on opposite sides of the table. What was already an intense battle took a dramatic turn during a crucial moment in the fifth game — a moment that has since sparked debate among fans.
The Moment in Question
Franziska was leading 3-1 in games and the score in the fifth was 11-10 in favor of Truls Moregard, giving the Swede a chance to close the gap and push the match into a sixth set. On set point, Truls unleashed a backhand that clipped the edge of the table — or did it?
Watch the moment here:
The entire arena, including both players, was left in uncertainty. Did the ball catch the top edge (and thus a valid winner) or just graze the side, which would make it Franziska’s point?
Even Truls admitted: "I don't like this situation."
Both players exchanged confused glances and turned to the umpire for a decision — one that had to be made without any technological assistance.
The Umpire’s Call
Faced with a nearly impossible call to make in real time, the umpire stated she had seen the ball hit the top of the table, awarding the point — and the set — to Moregard.
In a great display of sportsmanship, Franziska accepted the decision without protest, showing once again the mutual respect that exists between the two Saarbrücken teammates.
Fans React Online
The clip of the moment quickly spread on social media, with over 1,300 fans voting in an Instagram poll.
A clear majority — 75% — agreed with the umpire’s call, believing the ball had touched the table’s top edge and that the point rightly belonged to Moregard.
A Case for Video Review in Table Tennis?
While the situation was resolved fairly and professionally, it highlighted a growing need in the sport: the introduction of video review technology, similar to VAR in football or Hawk-Eye in tennis.
Table tennis is a game of millimeters, and with players hitting balls at speeds of over 100 km/h, even the most experienced umpires can't always be sure. Implementing video review for edge-ball decisions or disputed points could ensure more accuracy — and peace of mind for players and fans alike.