The 2025 Greek National Championships concluded on March 24 at the Peace and Friendship Stadium in Piraeus, wrapping up an intense three-day tournament. Ioannis SGOUROPOULOS and Katerina TOLIOU were crowned national champions in the men’s and women’s singles events, respectively. Olympiacos star Ioannis SGOUROPOULOS continued his reign of dominance by winning his fourth consecutive men’s singles title. In a thrilling final, he overcame teammate George STAMATOUROS 4-3 (7-11, 11-9, 11-7, 5-11, 10-12, 11-8, 11-7), solidifying his status as Greece’s top male player. Katerina TOLIOU (Panathinaikos) returned to the top of the women’s singles podium for the first time since 2021, defeating defending champion Konstantina PARIDI 4-2 (11-5, 11-9, 8-11, 6-11, 11-6, 11-6). It was her fifth career singles title, and she added a second gold later in the day, winning the women’s doubles with club teammate Ioanna GERASIMATOU. In the men’s doubles, Tasos RINIOTIS and George STAMATOUROS (Olympiacos) defeated the pair of SGOUROPOULOS and Ioannis VLOTINOS 3-1 in the final. In mixed doubles, George KONSTANTINOPOULOS and Konstantina PARIDI (Panathinaikos) won gold with a 3-1 victory over Stathis MANOLOPOULOS and Dimitra-THOMAIS TSEKOURA. Men’s singles: Ioannis SGOUROPOULOS – George STAMATOUROS 4-3 (7-11, 11-9, 11-7, 5-11, 10-12, 11-8, 11-7) Women singles: Katerina TOLIOU – Konstantina PARIDI 4-2 (11-5, 11-9, 8-11, 6-11, 11-6, 11-6) Men’s doubles:Tasos RINIOTIS/George STAMATOUROS – Ioannis SGOUROPOULOS/Ioannis VLOTINOS 3-1 (7-11, 11-8, 11-9, 11-4) Women’s doubles: Katerina TOLIOU/Ioanna GERASIMATOU – Chrysi FOTIADOU/Malamatenia PAPADIMITRIOU 3-0 (11-6, 11-5, 11-8) Mixed doubles:George KONSTANTINOPOULOS/Konstantina PARIDI – Stathis MANOLOPOULOS/ Dimitra-Thomais TSEKOURA 3-1 (6-11, 11-4, 11-8, 11-8) Men’s Singles Women’s Singles Men’s Doubles Women’s Doubles Mixed Doubles
RAGNI and MORRI Crowned San Marino Champions
The San Marino National Championships concluded with victories for Lorenzo RAGNI and Chiara MORRI, who claimed the men’s and women’s singles titles respectively. In the men’s singles, Ragni topped the podium ahead of Mattias MONGIUSTI, while Mattia BERARDI and Federico GIARDI rounded out the top four. In the women’s singles, Chiara MORRI emerged as national champion, defeating Asia TOCCACELI in the final. Men’s Singles Women’s Singles
Pert Marten LEHTLAAN and Airi AVAMERI Crowned Estonian Table Tennis Champions
In the men’s singles, 17-year-old Pert Marten LEHTLAAN (Viimsi Table Tennis Club) claimed his first Estonian Championship title, defeating 14-time Estonian Champion Aleksandr SMIRNOV (LTK Kalev) in the final with a 4:2 victory. LEHTLAAN showcased an impressive performance throughout the tournament, dropping only three sets in total, two of which came in the final match. In the semifinals, he convincingly defeated Madis Moos (TTÜ Sports Club) 4:0. In the women’s singles, Airi AVAMERI (TTÜ Sports Club) secured her seventh national title, dominating the competition and losing only two sets throughout the tournament. She defeated Reelica HANSON (TTÜ Sports Club) 4:1 in the final. Men’s Singles Podium: Semifinal Results: Pert Marten LEHTLAAN vs. Madis MOOS – 4:0 Aleksandr SMIRNOV vs. Vallot VAINULA – 4:1 Women’s Singles Podium: Semifinal Results: Airi AVAMERI vs. Arina LITVINOVA – 4:1 Reelica hanson vs. Kätlin Põldveer – 4:1 Men’s Doubles: Women’s Doubles: Mixed Doubles:
Seventh National Titles for PITCHFORD and HO in Nottingham
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