Liam PITCHFORD and Tin-Tin HO both captured their seventh national singles titles at the Mark Bates Ltd English National Championships, held in Nottingham. While PITCHFORD delivered a dominant performance in the men’s final, HO made history by equalling Jill PARKER’S record for the most women’s singles national titles with a dramatic comeback win. In one of the most memorable women’s singles finals in recent history, Tin-Tin HO came back from 0-3 down to defeat rising star Tianer YU 4-3 (7-11, 9-11, 5-11, 11-7, 11-6, 11-5, 11-5). After taking a timeout at 7-7 in the fourth game, Ho completely turned the match around, showing experience and resilience to claim her seventh national title, matching the all-time record. Earlier, HO had also survived a seven-game battle in the semifinals against Sophie EARLEY, winning 4-3 (12-10, 8-11, 11-7, 6-11, 16-18, 11-5, 11-5). YU earned her place in the final by defeating Jasmin WONG 4-1. In the men’s singles, Liam PITCHFORD secured his seventh national crown with a straight-sets victory over David MCBEATH (11-1, 12-10, 11-8, 11-5). MCBEATH, 33, was playing in his first ever men’s singles final and had reached the title match by upsetting Tom Jarvis in a dramatic 4-3 semifinal win, saving one match point and converting his own in the seventh set. PITCHFORD had earlier defeated Andrew BAGGALEY in the semifinal 4-2, while BAGGALEY had previously ended Paul DRINKHALL’S title defense in the quarterfinals with an impressive 4-2 win. In the men’s doubles, the experienced pair of Paul DRINKHALL and Sam WALKER successfully defended their title, beating Tom Jarvis and David MCBEATH 3-0 in the final. The women’s doubles saw new champions crowned: Tianer YU and Mari BALDWIN claimed their first senior national titles, overcoming Sophie EARLEY and Eva ECCLES 3-1. Eighteen-year-old twins Connor and Anna GREEN wrote their names in the history books by winning the mixed doubles title. They defeated Joseph HUNTER and Tianer YU 3-1 in the final, capping off a breakthrough tournament. In the para events, four Paralympic medallists contested the two finals. In the Class 6–10 final, Billy SHILTON edged out Aaron MCKIBBIN 3-2 in a thrilling contest where both had match points. In the Class 2–5 final, Jack HUNTER-SPIVEY delivered a commanding 3-0 victory over Megan SHACKLETON. PHOTO: Michael Loveder Men’s Singles Women’s Singles Men’s Doubles Women’s Doubles Mixed Doubles Para Class 6–10 Para Class 2–5
KOŽUL and TOKIĆ Triumph Again at Slovenian National Championships in Velenje
The 2024 Slovenian National Table Tennis Championships were held at the Rdeča Dvorana in Velenje, organized by NTK Tempo, the Municipality of Velenje, and the Slovenian Table Tennis Association. Just like last year in Otočec, Deni KOŽUL (Logatec) and Sara TOKIĆ (Vrtojba) claimed the singles titles—and both also added doubles gold to their tallies, reaffirming their status as the top players in Slovenia. In the mixed doubles, Miha PODOBNIK (Savinja) and Katarina STRAŽAR (Mengeš) secured the title. With Darko JORGIĆ absent due to preparations for the WTT Champions tournament in South Korea, Deni KOŽUL entered the competition as the top seed and delivered a commanding performance. After advancing from his qualification group and receiving a first-round bye, KOŽUL cruised past Domen HOHNJEC, Žiga URBANEC, and Miha PODOBNIK, all in straight or near-straight games. In the semifinals, he defeated national teammate Peter HRIBAR 4-0 (8, 9, 5, 3). In the final, he faced rising star Brin Vovk PETROVSKI (Savinja), who had not dropped a set on his way to the final. KOŽUL, just five days after celebrating his 28th birthday, closed the tournament with a 4-1 (4, 9, -11, 2, 12) win to secure his fifth career national title, and third in a row. “I played a solid national championship. My goal was to win both the singles and doubles titles with Peter HRIBAR, and I achieved both. Now, my focus shifts to the two WTT Feeder events in Otočec, which are more important for me at this stage,” KOŽUL said after the final. In the women’s singles, Sara TOKIĆ successfully defended her title from last year with a hard-fought 4-3 (7, -7, 7, -9, 8, -5, 8) win over Ana TOFANT (Mengeš) in the final. The 18-year-old niece of Slovenian legend Bojan TOKIĆ continues to impress, securing her second consecutive national title. TOKIĆ breezed through the earlier rounds without dropping a set, including a 4-0 semifinal win over Katarina Stražar. Tofant had a more difficult path, beating Tjaša NOVAK 4-2 in the quarterfinals and Lara OPEKA 4-2 in the semis. In the men’s doubles, Deni KOŽUL and Peter HRIBAR added to their singles success by defeating Tomaž PELCAR and Damjan ZELKO (both Murexin) in the final 3-0 (6, 6, 6). The national team duo dropped only one set throughout the tournament, showing excellent chemistry and control in key moments. In the women’s doubles, Sara TOKIĆ and Ana TOFANT were crowned champions, while Miha PODOBNIK and Katarina STRAŽAR captured the mixed doubles gold. Men’s Singles Women’s Singles Men’s Doubles Women’s Doubles Mixed Doubles
MORET and HARDMEIER Lead the Way at Swiss National Championships 2025
The Swiss National Championships Elite & Para 2025 took place from March 22–23 at the Sportzentrum Steinli in Möhlin, bringing together the nation’s best table tennis talents for two days of top-level competition. With strong performances across all five events, it was Elias HARDMEIER and Rachel MORET who once again stood tall among Switzerland’s elite. In the men’s singles, Elias HARDMEIER captured his second national title after a dramatic final against Yoan REBETEZ. REBETEZ, who had already made headlines by eliminating defending champion Barish MOULLET in a gripping seven-set quarterfinal, took an early lead in the final. He won the first set and led the second before HARDMEIER turned the momentum around. After trailing 1–2 in sets, HARDMEIER found his rhythm, demonstrating composure and tactical precision to win the last three sets and seal the match 4–2 (8-11, 11-9, 5-11, 11-8, 11-9, 11-9). In the women’s singles final, Rachel MORET delivered a masterclass to defeat Fanny DOUTAZ in a repeat of last year’s final. This time, MORET left no room for doubt, dominating the match with a clinical 4-0 victory (14-12, 11-7, 11-7, 11-5). The win marked her tenth Swiss national title—a record that solidifies her legendary status in Swiss table tennis. moret did not drop a single set throughout the tournament, showing total command from start to finish. In the men’s doubles, Elias HARDMEIER and Mauro SCHÄRRER reclaimed their 2022 title with a straight-sets victory over Noé KEUSCH and Numa ULRICH (11-8, 11-8, 11-9). The pair showed great synergy and composure, particularly in the key moments of each game. In the women’s doubles, defending champions Fanny DOUTAZ and Rachel MORET made it a third consecutive national title, comfortably defeating Nina TULLII and Ludivine MAURER in the final (11-8, 11-4, 11-7). After falling short in last year’s final, Rachel MORET and Nicolas CHAMPOD bounced back in 2025 to claim the mixed doubles title. They defeated the reigning champions Fanny DOUTAZ and Yoan REBETEZ 3–1 (9-11, 11-5, 15-13, 11-7) in an intense and high-quality final. Men’s Singles Women’s Singles Men’s Doubles Women’s Doubles Mixed Doubles
Lithuania: Kornelija RILISKYTĖ Reigns Supreme in Women’s Events
At the Lithuanian Championship in Druskininkai, in the women’s singles final, Kornelija RILISKYTĖ claimed the national title after overcoming her sister Emilija RILISKYTĖ. The two later joined forces to win the women’s doubles event, defeating Auksė GECEVIČIŪTĖ and Vitalija VENCKUTĖ in the final. Kornelija completed her golden sweep by winning the mixed doubles title with Kęstutis ŽEIMYS, sealing one of the most dominant championship performances in recent memory. On the men’s side, Kęstutis ŽEIMYS delivered a strong and confident showing throughout the tournament. He took home the men’s singles title after defeating Matas SKUCAS in the final. He then partnered with Martin FRIZEL to win men’s doubles gold and capped off his championship weekend by securing the mixed doubles title with Kornelija RILISKYTĖ. Women’s Singles Men’s Singles Women’s Doubles Men’s Doubles Mixed Doubles
Sixth National Titles for MARCHETTI and NUYTINCK in Leuze-en-Hainaut
Belgium’s top table tennis players gathered at LeuzArena for the 2024 Belgian National Championships, where Nathalie MARCHETTI and Cédric NUYTINCK each claimed their sixth career singles titles, reaffirming their long-standing dominance on the national stage. In the women’s singles final, Nathalie MARCHETTI delivered a commanding performance, defeating teenage sensation Lilou MASSART in straight games (4-0). MARCHETTI had earlier eliminated Sara DEVOS in the semifinals (4-1), while MASSART edged out Margo DEGRAEF in a tight 4-3 battle to reach her first senior final. In the men’s singles final, Cédric NUYTINCK overcame Adrien RASSENFOSSE 4-2 in an electric atmosphere. Backed by a lively crowd, NUYTINCK showed his experience and resilience to capture another national crown. He defeated Martin ALLEGRO 4-1 in the semifinals, while RASSENFOSSE secured his place in the final by beating Robin DEVOS 4-2. In the doubles competitions, Alessi MASSART and Lilou MASSART captured the mixed doubles title, marking a special family achievement. In women’s doubles, Julie VAN HAUWAERT and Sara DEVOS took gold, while Alessi MASSART also claimed the men’s doubles title alongside Tom CLOSSET. Men’s Singles Women’s Singles Men’s Doubles Women’s Doubles Mixed Doubles
LEVAJAC and LUPULESKU Capture Serbian National Titles in Odžaci
The Serbian Senior National Championships took place in Odžaci, bringing together the country’s top players in a high-quality tournament that featured full national team participation for the first time in years. Dimitrije LEVAJAC, who plays professionally in Germany, successfully defended his singles title with a dominant 4-0 win in the final over 19-year-old Andraš OROS from Temerin. With this victory, LEVAJAC retained his triple crown, also winning gold in the men’s doubles and mixed doubles events. In men’s doubles, LEVAJAC partnered with Nemanja ĐILAS (Banat Zrenjanin) to defeat Žolt PETE and Pera TEPIĆ in the final. He also triumphed in mixed doubles alongside Izabela LUPULESKU (Uzdin), beating PETE and Aneta MAKSUTI in the final match. Bronze medals in the men’s singles went to national team member Nemanja ĐILAS and junior international Uroš NINKOVIĆ, representing STAK Beograd. “I’m happy to repeat the success from last year. It was a great tournament with all the top players, except for Aleksa GACEV, who was injured,” said LEVAJAC. “Mixed doubles were especially interesting with Žolt PETE returning to action alongside Aneta MAKSUTI, and also teaming up with Pera TEPIĆ in men’s doubles. That’s great for Serbian table tennis. I saw the same on the women’s side—all the best were there. Now I’m turning my focus to preparing for the World Championships in Doha.” In the women’s singles, Izabela LUPULESKU captured her first senior national title, defeating her national team teammate Sabina ŠURJAN 4-2 in the final. The bronze medals were claimed by Andrea TODOROVIĆ (Novi Sad) and Dragana VIGNJEVIĆ (Novi Kneževac). LUPULESKU and ŠURJAN, European bronze medallists in women’s doubles, also successfully defended their national title in the doubles event. They beat Aneta MAKSUTI and Tijana JOKIĆ (STK Novi Sad) in a repeat of last year’s final. Men’s Singles Women’s Singles Men’s Doubles Women’s Doubles Mixed Doubles
NAUMI and DONNER Crowned Finnish Champions
Alex NAUMI and Marina DONNER were the standout players at the Finnish Championships held in Tampere, both capturing gold medals in singles and doubles. In the men’s singles final, NAUMI faced a brief challenge from Otto TENNILÄ in the opening game but quickly shifted into top gear to win in straight games, 4-0 (13-11, 11-4, 11-6, 11-5). The Swedish-based 23-year-old claimed his second Finnish men’s singles title with a composed and clinical display. “Winning the first set was crucial for the final outcome. After that, I was able to neutralise Otto’s strengths with my own game. This weekend really could not have gone much better,” said NAUMI after the final. Bronze medals were awarded to Aleksi RÄSÄNEN and Juho KAHLOS. Notably absent was Finland’s top-ranked player, Benedek OLÁH, who was competing in the United States Major League. In the women’s singles final, defending champion Marina DONNER overcame a shaky start to defeat 19-year-old Maria GIRLEA 4-1 (2-11, 12-10, 11-8, 11-9, 11-8). GIRLEA had three set points to go 2-0 up, but DONNER’S experience proved decisive in turning the momentum. “I was sidelined for three months this season due to injuries, so it was understandable that the beginning of the match was difficult. On the other hand, Maria played fantastically for nearly two sets. I just waited patiently for my rhythm to return and for the match to turn in my favour,” DONNER reflected. With the win, DONNER—based in Åland—secured her fifth consecutive Finnish national title. Bronze medals went to Aleksandra TITIEVSKAJA and Jannika OKSANEN. In the men’s doubles, Alex NAUMI partnered with Aleksi RÄSÄNEN to defeat Otto TENNILÄ and Miikka O’CONNOR in straight games. DONNER claimed her second gold of the weekend in women’s doubles alongside Maria GIRLEA, as they swept past Ella and Mia KELLOW. The mixed doubles final saw Otto TENNILÄ and Jannika OKSANEN take the title, defeating Aleksandra TITIEVSKAJA and Matias OJALA 3-1. Men’s Singles • Alex NAUMI • Otto TENNILÄ Women’s Singles • Marina DONNER • Maria GIRLEA Men’s Doubles • Alex NAUMI / Aleksi RÄSÄNEN • Otto TENNILÄ / Miikka O’CONNOR Women’s Doubles • Marina DONNER / Maria GIRLEA • Ella KELLOW / Mia KELLOW Mixed Doubles • Otto TENNILÄ / Jannika OKSANEN • Aleksandra TITIEVSKAJA / Matias OJALA
Czech Championships: Second Titles for REITŠPIES and BLAŠKOVÁ
A total of 392 matches were played over three days at the Czech National Championships in Prostějov, culminating in high-stakes battles for gold. In the singles events, it was David REITŠPIES and Zdena BLAŠKOVÁ who emerged as champions—each claiming their second national title. David REITŠPIES delivered an impressive performance throughout the tournament. After defeating Pavel ŠIRUČEK in the semifinals, he overcame defending champion Lubomír JANČAŘÍK in the final with a calm and focused display. “I definitely didn’t expect this,” said REITŠPIES. “Last year, I lost in the first round, and this time my only goal was not to go out in the opening match. I don’t know what happened this weekend, but I played well—it’s unbelievable. This title feels completely different from my first in 2022. A lot has changed, I’m in a different place now, and I appreciate it much more.” The women’s singles competition concluded with another commanding performance from Zdena BLAŠKOVÁ, who successfully defended her 2023 title. She cruised through the draw, dropping just one set in the entire tournament. In the final, she faced young cadet Hanka KODETOVA, who had made an incredible run to the final after coming back from 1-3 down against Klára HRABICOVÁ in the semifinals. BLAŠKOVÁ, however, proved too strong for the first-time finalist and won the final in straight games (4-0). “I didn’t underestimate her, but I wasn’t overly nervous either. I knew how good she is. We played a month ago in Havířov, and I could feel she wasn’t as comfortable here in the final. I felt great today—experience played its part. I don’t get upset when things go wrong anymore. I just stick to the game plan my coach and I prepare,” she said with a smile. The men’s doubles title went to the unseeded duo of Radim MORÁVEK and Ondřej KVĚTON, who put together a strong campaign to take the crown. In the women’s doubles, Klára HRABICOVÁ and Jana VAŠENDOVÁ successfully defended their 2023 title, showing consistency and composure throughout. In the mixed doubles, last year’s runners-up Martin ŠÍP and Veronika POLÁKOVÁ returned with a mission and claimed the gold medal, defeating the team of Jakub KAUCKÝ and Eliška KOĎOUSKOVÁ in the final. Finalists Men’s Singles • David REITŠPIES • Lubomír JANČAŘÍK Women’s Singles • Zdena BLAŠKOVÁ • Hanka KODET Men’s Doubles • Radim MORÁVEK / Ondřej KVĚTON Women’s Doubles • Klára HRABICOVÁ / Jana VAŠENDOVÁ Mixed Doubles • Martin ŠÍP / Veronika POLÁKOVÁ • Jakub KAUCKÝ / Eliška KOĎOUSKOVÁ
Austrian Championships: Defending Champions LIU and LEVENKO Strike Again
The 95th Austrian National Championships in Kufstein delivered thrilling performances, and a dominant showing from Simon PFEFFER, who collected two gold medals and a bronze. The player from Vorarlberg won the men’s doubles title alongside Alexander CHEN and the mixed doubles with Mariia LYTVYN. LYTVYN, representing Styria, also made headlines in the women’s doubles, teaming up with Julia DÜR to defeat the U15 European champions Nina SKERBINZ and Elina FUCHS in a tight 3-2 final. In the singles events, defending champions Liu Yuan and Andreas LEVENKO both successfully retained their titles with convincing 4-0 wins in the finals. Andreas LEVENKO claimed his third national title in style, overpowering LIU Zhenlong 4-0 in the final. “I’m really very happy, especially with my mental performance. I was in the flow, in the zone – it was my best final,” said LEVENKO. Despite the loss, LIU Zhenlong was satisfied with his silver medal performance: “It was only my second time at the Nationals, and I already have two silver medals. The turning point was the first game where I lost a three-point lead.” In the semifinals, LIU surprised by defeating last year’s finalist and No. 2 seed Simon PFEFFER 4-2 after trailing 1-2. LEVENKO beat Alexander CHEN 4-2, having to recover after getting too relaxed with a 3-0 lead. In the women’s singles, LIU Yuan claimed her fifth national title—an extra-special win, presented as a birthday gift for her husband and coach, BIAN Yadong. LIU dominated the final against Karoline MISCHEK 4-0, but it was her dramatic semifinal that stood out. Trailing 1-2 and 2-3 against 15-year-old Nina SKERBINZ, LIU found a way to win 4-3. “Skerbinz was the big hurdle. Her talent is exceptional. I really thought I was going to lose, but I found the key in the end,” said LIU. MISCHEK, who had beaten Amelie SOLJA 4-1 in the semifinals, commented: “Her playing style just doesn’t suit me. She knows exactly how to crack me with her soft shots.” SKERBINZ was thrilled with her first national medal: “I almost beat YUAN. It was cool and exciting—I really enjoyed it!” In the mixed doubles, top seeds Mariia LYTVYN and Simon PFEFFER came from behind to beat Karoline MISCHEK and Alexander CHEN 3-2. LYTVYN also won the women’s doubles title with Julia DÜR, overcoming the highly favored pairing of SKERBINZ and FUCHS 3-2. In the men’s doubles final, PFEFFER teamed up with CHEN to defeat LIU Zhenlong and Tobias TISCHBERGER 3-1. 95th Austrian Championships in Kufstein/Tyrol: Women´s Singles, Final: Semifinals: Men´s, Singles: Semifinals Women’s Double, Final: Semifinal: Men’s Double, Final: Semifinals: Mixed Double, Final: Semifinals: Karoline MISCHEK/Alexander CHEN (NÖ) – Dorotheea ALEXANDRU/Tobias HOLD (St) 3:1 (4, 8, -7, 7) Mariia LYTVYN (St)/Simon PFEFFER (V) – Julia DÜR/Alexander DÜR (S) 3:1 (6, 3, -5, 1)
PICCOLIN Clinches Her Fifth Italian Title, First Gold Medal for OYEBODE
At the Pala Dean Martin in Montesilvano, Giorgia PICCOLIN (Centro Sportivo Esercito) and John OYEBODE (Tennistavolo Sassari) won the singles titles at the Italian National Championships. It marked PICCOLIN’S fifth national title and the first for OYEBODE, who triumphed in the first singles final of his career. In the women’s singles final, PICCOLIN defeated reigning champion Nicole ARLIA (Centro Sportivo Aeronautica Militare) 4-1. Debora VIVARELLI (Centro Sportivo Esercito) and Gaia MONFARDINI (ASV TT Südtirol) finished in joint third place. “I’m happy,” said PICCOLIN. “This fifth title came after a two-season break—I really missed it. This time, I approached the competition with a different mindset, I was calmer than in the last two editions. With the Olympics in Paris coming up, I saw this as a test. Niagol’s father (Stoyanov, her partner in competition and life) couldn’t be on the bench with me, so I had to manage everything on my own. I’m satisfied with how I handled the pressure. In the quarterfinals, I played very solidly. Even in the semifinals, I had some luck in a few sets. During the final, when I was trailing 6-1 in the fifth set, I won a key point and everything clicked—I turned it around and took the title.” In the men’s singles, OYEBODE beat Jordy PICCOLIN (Gruppo Sportivo Fiamme Azzurre) 4-1 in the final. In the semifinals, OYEBODE had eliminated defending champion Mihai Bobocica (Centro Sportivo Aeronautica Militare), while PICCOLIN came back from two sets down to beat Andrea PUPPO (Tennistavolo Sassari), both winning 4-2. “A title like this, especially against Jordy—who I had never beaten—means a lot,” said OYEBODE. “It was my first final, but I wasn’t nervous at all, I just enjoyed it. It was also my father’s birthday, so I really wanted to win. The semifinal against BOBOCICA was the toughest match of the tournament. He remains incredibly sharp and tough to beat. I never felt fully in control, but I kept pushing and reached the final. Once there, I told myself to enjoy the moment. The pressure was on him, not me, and I really had fun out there.” In women’s doubles, Debora VIVARELLI and Giorgia PICCOLIN (Centro Sportivo Esercito) played in their fifth consecutive final—the third against reigning champions Nikoleta STEFANOVA (Tennistavolo Castel Goffredo) and Nicole ARLIA. VIVARELLI and PICCOLIN secured their third national title, winning 3-1. The bronze medals went to Chiara COLANTONI (Tennistavolo Eureka) and Valentina RONCALLO (Muravera Tennistavolo), and to Miriam CARNOVALE and Arianna BARANI (Quattro Mori Cagliari). In men’s doubles, Jordy PICCOLIN (Gruppo Sportivo Fiamme Azzurre) and Federico VALLINO COSTASSA (Marcozzi Cagliari) won the title in their first tournament together. They overcame John OYEBODE and Carlo ROSSI in the semifinals and went on to defeat Stefano TOMASI (Milano Sport Tennistavolo) and Maxim KUZNETSOV (Marcozzi Cagliari) in the final. TOMASI and KUZNETSOV had previously beaten Matteo FANTONI and Giacomo ALLEGRANZA. In mixed doubles, John OYEBODE and Gaia MONFARDINI (ASV TT Südtirol) reached their third consecutive final and claimed their second national title together, defeating rising stars Francesco TREVISAN (Tennistavolo Silver Lining) and Francesca SEU (Muravera Tennistavolo) in straight games. Third place went to Tommaso GIOVANNETTI (Top Spin Messina) and Chiara COLANTONI, and to Federico Vallino COSTASSA and Nikoleta STEFANOVA. Men’s Singles: Semifinals Finals Women’s Singles: Semifinals Finals Men’s doubles: Semifinals Finals Women’s doubles: Semifinals Finals Mixed doubles Semifinals Finals