Deni KOŽUL and Sara TOKIĆ once again became national champions in the singles events at the 35th National Championships in Otočec. KOŽUL (Logatec) claimed his sixth title overall and fourth in a row, while TOKIĆ (Vrtojba) secured her third consecutive crown.
In the men’s event, KOŽUL justified his status as top favourite in the absence of the injured Darko JORGIĆ. On his way to the final, he dropped only one game, defeating Miha PODOBNIK (Savinja) 4-1 in the semifinals. In the final, he overcame Peter HRIBAR (Krka) in straight games (4-0).
“I’m happy that I once again brought two national titles to NTK Logatec, and my sixth individual and fourth consecutive one. I’m satisfied with my performance over both days. Peter also played very well and fully deserved his place in the final, but I was more proactive, which makes me even happier to have defended the title,” said KOŽUL.
In the women’s competition, TOKIĆ delivered another dominant performance. She defeated Katarina STRAŽAR (Mengeš) 4-0 in the semifinals and then beat Tjaša NOVAK (Kajuh-Slovan) 4-0 in the final, although several games were closely contested.
“I knew I was among the favourites for the title, but that also meant more pressure. The toughest matches for me were before the semifinal, and I’m most satisfied with my performance in the semifinal and final. I’m happy to have achieved my goal, and I’m also very pleased with the women’s doubles title with Ana TOFANT, which was our fourth. I’m also proud of my first medal in mixed doubles. Although gold is always the goal, I’m satisfied with silver as well,” said TOKIĆ.
There were no changes at the top in the doubles events either. In men’s doubles, KOŽUL and HRIBAR defeated Brin VOVK PETROVSKI and Miha PODOBNIK 3-2 in a thrilling final. In women’s doubles, TOKIĆ and Ana TOFANT secured the title with a 3-0 victory over Lara OPEKA and Tjaša NOVAK, while in mixed doubles, Miha PODOBNIK and Katarina STRAŽAR triumphed over Brin VOVK PETROVSKI and TOKIĆ (3-0).
Slovenia
Men’s Singles
- Champion: Deni KOŽUL
- Runner-up: Peter HRIBAR
- 3rd Place: Miha PODOBNIK
- 3rd Place: Brin VOVK PETROVSKI
Women’s Singles
- Champion: Sara TOKIĆ
- Runner-up: Tjaša NOVAK
- 3rd Place: Lea PAULIN
- 3rd Place: Katarina STRAŽAR
Men’s Doubles
- Champions: Deni KOŽUL / Peter HRIBAR
- Runners-up: Brin VOVK PETROVSKI / Miha PODOBNIK
- 3rd Place: Luka JOKIČ / Aleks KOREN
- 3rd Place: Tomaž PELCAR / Damjan ZELKO
Women’s Doubles
- Champions: Ana TOFANT / Sara TOKIĆ
- Runners-up: Lara OPEKA / Tjaša NOVAK
- 3rd Place: Blažka HARKAI / Ana KOVAČEC
- 3rd Place: Nuša KADIŠ / Lea KADIŠ
Mixed Doubles
- Champions: Miha PODOBNIK / Katarina STRAŽAR
- Runners-up: Brin VOVK PETROVSKI / Sara TOKIĆ
- 3rd Place: Tilen CVETKO / Ana TOFANT
- 3rd Place: Damjan ZELKO / Tjaša NOVAK
