Norway’s Borgar HAUG produced one of the biggest upsets of the 2026 European Championships in Ljubljana, defeating 11th seed Marcos FREITAS of Portugal in a dramatic seven-game encounter to reach the Men’s Singles Round of 16. While HAUG celebrated a breakthrough victory, defending champion Alexis LEBRUN and home favourite Darko JORGIC were forced to fight back from two games down, and the leading contenders continued their pursuit of the European crown.
HAUG, who entered the Championships through the group stage, overcame FREITAS 4-3 (11-4, 11-6, 8-11, 11-4, 5-11, 7-11, 11-7). The Norwegian appeared to be heading towards a comfortable victory when he established a 3-1 lead, but the experienced Portuguese player fought back to force a deciding game.
HAUG, who was eliminated in the Round of 32 at the previous European Championships in Linz, held his nerve to secure a place among Europe’s last 16.
“It was a really long and intense match. I felt I got off to a very good start. I didn’t have to think too much; I could just go for every shot, and a lot of them were landing,” said HAUG.
“After a while, my adversary started playing better. He made some adjustments and put more spin on the ball, which made things more difficult for me. I also got a little caught up in trying to play aggressively all the time.”
The Norwegian found encouragement even during a difficult sixth game.
“Towards the end of the sixth game, even though I was well behind, I started to find a few solutions and got a better feeling for my game again. That gave me confidence. So I went into the seventh game determined to give absolutely everything and leave it all on the table. Luckily, it worked out.”
JORGIC survives a dramatic battle on home soil
Fourth seed Darko JORGIC endured another emotional evening in front of his home supporters, recovering from a 0-2 deficit against Poland’s Milosz REDZIMSKI to keep his title ambitions alive.
The Slovenian struggled with his rhythm and the playing conditions before gradually taking control. Even after turning the match around, he missed an opportunity to finish in six games when a fortunate edge helped REDZIMSKI survive a match point at 10-9.
“We were supposed to play each other four times before, but one of us always lost before we could meet, so today was our first match against each other. Neither of us really knew what to expect,” explained JORGIC.
“I struggled to find my rhythm, especially in the first two games. The balls were an issue, but the mental side was a problem too. I made far too many mistakes on the return, and both games got away from me far too quickly.”
JORGIC admitted that his biggest battle was often with himself.
“When I can’t find the right feeling for the ball, I get frustrated with myself after every point. I kept searching for that feeling, but I didn’t find it until the deciding game.”
The Slovenian hopes the experience will help him produce a stronger performance in the next round.
“Apparently, I’m used to drama! I don’t mind spending an extra game out there if it helps me get used to the conditions ahead of tomorrow. I really hope the real Darko shows up from the very first point tomorrow.”
Defending champion Alexis LEBRUN fights back
Defending champion and second seed Alexis LEBRUN also faced a serious challenge, falling two games behind against Moldova’s Vladislav URSU before finding the tactical solutions needed to turn the match around.
“It was a complicated match against a player whose ranking doesn’t necessarily reflect his level because he doesn’t compete internationally very often. He has produced some excellent results and is a very dangerous adversary who takes a lot of risks,” said LEBRUN.
“In the first two games, he was playing incredibly well. I got caught up in his rhythm, which made things difficult for me. I made mistakes at important moments, and suddenly I found myself in a very difficult situation.”
LEBRUN credited coach Nathanaël MOLIN with helping him regain control.
“He helped me make some technical adjustments. Considering the level URSU was playing at, I was a little lost and didn’t really know what to do. Nat helped me refocus on the first eight or ten points of the next game. That allowed me to understand the tactics better and see immediately that those changes were working.”
Despite the difficulties, the Frenchman drew encouragement from his ability to recover.
“You can come very close to elimination and still go on to become European champion. The level is incredibly high, so if you’re having a slightly difficult day, almost anyone can challenge you. What makes the difference is having a wide range of technical options and being able to find solutions.”
Félix LEBRUN and MOREGARD advance in straight games
Top seed Félix LEBRUN experienced a considerably smoother passage, defeating Croatia’s Ivor BAN 4-0 (11-6, 11-5, 11-3, 11-7).
The Frenchman dominated with his serve and never allowed BAN to establish a foothold in the contest.
“I served very well, and my adversary also struggled with his returns. I think it was a combination of both, which allowed me to relax,” said Félix LEBRUN.
“I knew he was a good server, but because I was winning almost all the points on my own serve, I only needed to win about half the points on his. That took a lot of pressure off me throughout the match, and I was able to play at a very high level.”
LEBRUN welcomed another efficient victory as the competition approaches its decisive stages.
“Whenever you can win the opening rounds relatively comfortably, it gives you confidence. Of course, the matches will become more difficult with every round, but I’m looking forward to the moment when the competition really heats up.”
Third seed Truls MOREGARD of Sweden defeated Germany’s Andre BERTELSMEIER 4-0 (11-5, 11-2, 11-9, 18-16), reversing the difficulties he experienced against the German during their previous meeting in the United States this summer.
“It felt good. I was very confident about the aspects of my game that didn’t work last time, and today I was much better. I served well and moved well. When those things are working, I know I’m hard to beat,” said MOREGARD.
GAUZY overturns two-game deficit against COTON
In an all-French encounter, ninth seed Simon GAUZY recovered from two games down to defeat rising star Flavien COTON 4-2 (5-11, 8-11, 11-7, 11-6, 11-9, 11-5).
COTON’s speed and powerful backhand initially overwhelmed his more experienced compatriot. GAUZY, however, changed the rhythm of the exchanges, varied his service and returns, and used his tactical experience to win four consecutive games.
“For the first two games, I was completely overwhelmed by my adversary’s speed and power. I simply couldn’t compete with him in those areas,” admitted GAUZY.
“After that, I started playing with my own weapons. I tried to find serves and returns that would prevent him from using his extremely powerful backhand. It wasn’t easy because the speed and spin he generates are really impressive.”
GAUZY was particularly pleased with the variety he brought to the contest.
“It’s good that table tennis has room for different playing styles. People might say I’m not as fast or as powerful, but I have other weapons. I’m very happy and proud that I never gave up.”
QIU sets up another meeting with GAUZY
Seventh seed Dang QIU of Germany defeated Denmark’s Jonathan GROTH 4-0 (11-8, 13-11, 11-8, 11-5), with the closely contested second game proving decisive.
“The second game was definitely one of the turning points. When you’re already 1-0 ahead and then manage to win another close game, it makes the following games much easier in terms of pressure and stress,” explained QIU.
“At 2-0, the match was still far from decided, but all the momentum he had built up during the second game was suddenly gone. I took that momentum, made a good start in the third game and then started the fourth strongly as well.”
QIU now faces GAUZY, who defeated him approximately a year ago in Saarlouis.
“My section of the draw seems to be packed with world-class players. There’s one outstanding player after another, but I have to take it match by match,” said QIU.
“Against GAUZY, it will certainly be a very difficult match. He’s in excellent form and plays very well in these conditions. I’ll have to prepare for long rallies. I lost to him 3-0 about a year ago in Saarlouis, under similar conditions. I’m looking forward to the chance for revenge.”
GIONIS delivers birthday present for his coach
Greece’s experienced defensive specialist Panagiotis GIONIS produced one of the most emphatic victories of the round, overcoming Italy’s Matteo MUTTI 4-0 (11-3, 11-4, 11-5, 11-4).
GIONIS, returning to the European Championships after missing recent editions through injury, controlled the match with his defensive variations and conceded only 16 points.
“I had never played against MUTTI before, so I didn’t know how he would play against a defensive player. I couldn’t even find a video on YouTube to study his game,” said GIONIS.
“From the beginning, I noticed that he wasn’t very confident against defence. He struggled to read the spin and the no-spin balls, and I felt he wasn’t quite sure which tactics to use.”
There was also a personal reason for his exceptional concentration.
“My coach’s birthday is coming up in a few days, and he asked me for a present! So I wanted to give him this victory. I think I was even more focused than usual.”
Having achieved his objectives of qualifying for the World Championships and reaching the European Round of 16, GIONIS can now look forward to a meeting with sixth seed Anton KALLBERG.
“Anton will be a very tough adversary for me. He’s an amazing player, one of the best in the world, and he’s also very strong against defensive players. But I’ve achieved my goals, so now I can enjoy the next match.”
KALLBERG and FRANZISKA progress
Sweden’s Anton KALLBERG secured his place in the last 16 with a 4-2 victory over Romania’s Iulian CHIRITA (11-8, 8-11, 11-9, 8-11, 11-8, 11-9).
“Once again, I had to give it absolutely everything. Winning 4-2 today is a little better than yesterday’s 4-3 victory against ARTEMENKO, but I faced another very tough adversary, so I’m extremely pleased with the win,” said KALLBERG.
“My forehand felt better today than yesterday, but I still believe my best table tennis is yet to come. I know I can be even sharper, which is encouraging for the rest of the Championships.”
Germany’s eighth seed Patrick FRANZISKA also advanced without dropping a game, defeating Slovenia’s Deni KOZUL 4-0 (11-6, 11-9, 11-4, 12-10).
“Winning 4-0 is always better. In the last game, my adversary started taking more risks and played some excellent shots. But I managed to stay close, and I definitely wanted to win that game as well,” said FRANZISKA.
“He was playing in front of his home crowd and was extremely motivated, especially towards the end. I’m really happy with the victory.”
Fifth seed Benedikt DUDA continued Germany’s strong showing by defeating England’s Tom JARVIS.
“Everything went really well for me in this match. We managed to read JARVIS’ serves, which unsettled him quite early. My serve and receive were strong, I moved well and was able to use my forehand a lot,” explained DUDA.
“I’m very happy with the performance, especially because the result was so convincing. I also remember our match in China last week, when I was trailing 1-2 in games and 0-5 in the fourth. That’s why I’m particularly pleased that everything worked out so well today.”
KARLSSON praises NAUMI after reaching last 16
Sweden’s Kristian KARLSSON secured his place in the Men’s Singles Round of 16 with a victory over Finland’s Alex NAUMI.
KARLSSON paid tribute to the Finnish player, who had impressed throughout the Championships, particularly against left-handed adversaries.
“I have to give a lot of credit to Alex for the tournament he’s had. He’s beaten some very good left-handed players throughout the week, and he was dangerous today as well. I’m very satisfied with my victory,” said KARLSSON.
Seven-game battles keep Ljubljana on edge
Finland’s Benedek OLAH produced another dramatic finish, defeating 14th seed Eduard IONESCU of Romania 4-3 (11-8, 11-8, 5-11, 11-8, 8-11, 9-11, 11-6).
OLAH established a 3-1 advantage before IONESCU won two consecutive games to level the contest. The Finnish player regained control in the decider to secure his place in the last 16.
Sweden’s Elias RANEFUR also needed the full seven games to overcome Evgenii TIKHONOV of Russia, prevailing 4-3 (4-11, 11-4, 11-4, 11-13, 12-14, 11-9, 11-7).
After falling behind 2-3, RANEFUR recovered to win the final two games and complete another dramatic comeback.
“It was a hard-fought victory. We both had to make different adjustments right until the end. I’m happy I managed to clinch the win, and especially pleased with how I handled the match when things weren’t working the way I wanted them to,” said RANEFUR.
Croatia’s 12th seed Tomislav PUCAR survived a major challenge from Portugal’s João GERALDO, winning 4-3 (12-10, 4-11, 4-11, 13-11, 1-11, 11-4, 12-10).
GERALDO had taken a 3-2 lead after dominating the fifth game 11-1, but PUCAR responded to force a decider and edged the final game 12-10.
“I’m not sure I was the favourite, but we’ve played each other a few times before, and those matches have always been tough. He’s ranked 30th in the world, so he’s a fantastic player and has been playing really well lately,” said PUCAR.
“It wasn’t easy. I won the first game, but then he took the next two quite comfortably. I had to fight my way back into the match.”
The Croatian also revealed that he had been struggling with a back problem, which affected his confidence during the match.
“My back is a bit sore. It’s not so much the pain itself, but more the fear that it might suddenly seize up. That stopped me from fully committing to some shots. As the match went on and the adrenaline kicked in, though, I think the discomfort actually eased a little.”
Despite the physical discomfort, PUCAR managed to find the strength to prevail in the deciding game.
“By the seventh game, I’d almost forgotten about my back, even though it was still bothering me on certain points. He had his chances and even had a match point, so he could have won it. This time, things went my way, and that’s how it goes.”
PUCAR will now face Germany’s Patrick FRANZISKA in the Round of 16.
“Tomorrow, I’ll face FRANZISKA, which will obviously be another tough match. He’s clearly the favourite, but I’ll fight as hard as I can, give it everything I’ve got, and we’ll see what happens.”
