Benedek OLÁH and Marina DONNER retained their singles titles at the Finnish Championships held in Tampere. It was OLÁH’S 12th first-place finish and DONNER’S fourth consecutive victory.
In the men’s singles final Rio Olympian defeated Alex NAUMI 4-1 (11-5 11-7 11-9 5-11 11-3). Taking bronze were father and son – Mika and Aleksi RÄSÄNEN.
“I didn’t feel any pressure to play and I felt sharp. I managed to return Alex’s serves well and knew what he was attempting overall. It depends a lot on the juniors how long I can continue standing on that highest podium. I’ll play for as long as my body holds up ” 32-year-old OLÁH said.
In the women’s singles final Ramona BETZ gave Marina DONNER a tough time but the experienced Åland resident’s routine secured the title. Eventually DONNER won 4-1 (11-9 7-11 11-8 1—9 11-9).
“Both matches of the final day (semifinal 4-3 against Jannika OKSANEN) were tough. My tactic was to serve short and then attack aggressively myself. I’m really pleased with my two titles even though we couldn’t repeat the victory in the mixed doubles ” DONNER (41) smiled.
Finnish Championships’ medalists
Men’s singles
- Benedek OLÁH SeSi
- Alex NAUMI KoKa
- Aleksi RÄSÄNEN PT Espoo ja Mika Räsänen PT Espoo
Women’s singles
- Marina DONNER HIK
- Ramona BETZ LiPi
- Maria GIRLEA PT Jyväskylä ja Jannika Oksanen PT 75
Men’s doubles
- Benedek OLÁH / Toni SOINE SeSi / PT Espoo
- Aleksi RÄSÄNEN / Sam KHOSRAVI PT Espoo / Pars
- Lassi LEHTOLA / Arttu PIHKALA PT Espoo ja Alex NAUMI / Samuli SOINE KoKa / TIP-70
Women’s doubles
- Marina DONNER / Maria GIRLEA HIK / PT Jyväskylä
- Ella KELLOW / Mia KELLOW OPT-86 / TIP-70
- Polina LEVKINA / Eleonoora ROOSIOKS PT Espoo ja Anne STENBERG / Oksana RUOTSALAINEN PT 75
Mixed doubles
- Sam KHOSRAVI / Ramona BETZ Pars / LiPi
- Arttu PIHKALA / Ella KELLOW PT Espoo / OPT-86
- Johan PETTERSSON / Marina DONNER HIK ja Samuli SOINE / Jaimielee ENRIQUEZ TIP-70
