"I don't believe in taking unnecessary risks," said revered risk-taker Charles Lindbergh, "but a life without risk isn't worth living." As everyone in the world who has any connection to other human beings knows all too well, 2020 has been dominated by risk analysis. Leaders in all fields struggle to balance the often conflicting concerns for safety and productivity, health and happiness. Despite a resurgence of COVID-19 cases across Europe, it appears the European Champions League will carry on, albeit with the extensive modifications which are de rigueur in the "new normal." The women's championships will be held in Linz, Austria, from December 2-8. The league of extraordinary gentlemen shall converge in Düsseldorf, Germany, December 11-18. Both will be conducted in the now-familiar "bubble" format. Finally, some good news for Düsseldorf, which had been dealt double disappointment in 2020. First, they were relieved of their duty to host the 2020 ITTF Men's World Cup when the event was moved to China as part of the #RESTART series. To add insult to injury, they lost the bid to host the 2023 World Table Tennis Championships when Durban, South Africa was chosen. Now, the western German city can dust itself off and get right back on the hosting horse. Newly elected ETTU President Igor Levitin, an aide of Russian President Vladimir Putin, was bullish on the league's prospects for success this year. "It is a very difficult time and I am thankful that Düsseldorf and Linz accepted the challenge to host the events," said Levitin. "Despite the numerous obstacles, I strongly believe we will manage to organize the Champions Leagues this year." Levitin and the ETTU are making the case for reopening competition during the second wave of COVID-19. While this will certainly be a fun event, and is likely to be safe, given the bubble format and abundance of protocols in place, the question remains whether the risk is necessary.

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