At the PalaTennistavolo “Aldo De Santis” in Terni, Gaia MONFARDINI (ASV TT Südtirol) and Matteo MUTTI (Apuania Carrara) claimed their first singles titles at the Italian National Championships, both triumphing in the second final of their careers.
MONFARDINI capped an outstanding tournament by completing a hat-trick of titles, having also won the mixed doubles alongside John OYEBODE and the women’s doubles together with her mother, TAN Wenling.
In the women’s singles final, MONFARDINI defeated Nikoleta STEFANOVA (Tennistavolo Castel Goffredo) 4-2, denying her opponent a twelfth national title. Nicole ARLIA (Centro Sportivo Aeronautica Militare) and Giorgia PICCOLIN (Centro Sportivo Esercito), the champions of 2024 and 2025, respectively, shared third place.
“It’s the first time I’ve beaten Nikoleta, and it feels amazing,” said MONFARDINI. “She has a great serve and a lot of experience. I approached the match with humility and focus, and I managed to react in the most difficult moments. The semifinal against ARLIA was also very tough—I was trailing 0-2 and came back. I tried to play at my best level and succeeded. My mother TAN, who was coaching me, reminded me to stay mentally strong. Her advice was crucial. She knows me very well and helped me manage my emotions. I dedicate this victory to her, to my father Alfio and to my club TT Südtirol. I didn’t expect to win three titles, but I learned not to put too much pressure on myself.”
In the men’s singles, MUTTI defeated reigning champion John OYEBODE (Tennistavolo Sassari) 4-1 to secure his first national title. Mihai BOBOCICA (Centro Sportivo Aeronautica Militare) and Marco CAPPUCCIO (Tennistavolo Sassari) finished in third place.
“It’s an incredible feeling,” MUTTI commented. “In 2019 I lost the final to my brother Leonardo, and that was a tough moment. Two years ago I also lost in the semifinals after leading 3-0, which was perhaps my biggest disappointment. It wasn’t easy to come back from those moments, but they helped me grow. I prepared very well for this tournament and felt confident. In the semifinals I beat BOBOCICA, a true legend of our sport. In the final, I knew it would be a battle against OYEBODE. Leonardo was decisive—having him on the bench gave me confidence in the key moments. Sharing this title with him makes it even more special.”
In the women’s doubles, MONFARDINI and TAN Wenling secured their second national title together, defeating defending champions Debora VIVARELLI and Giorgia PICCOLIN (Centro Sportivo Esercito) 3-1 in the final. Bronze medals went to Nikoleta STEFANOVA / Nicole ARLIA and Valentina RONCALLO / Miriam CARNOVALE.
In the men’s doubles, Carlo ROSSI (Marcozzi Cagliari) and John OYEBODE retained their title with a 3-1 victory over Andrea PUPPO (Tennistavolo Sassari) and Matteo MUTTI. Third place was shared by Francesco TREVISAN / Danilo FASO and Francesco PALMIERI / Alessandro DI MARINO.
In mixed doubles, John OYEBODE and Gaia MONFARDINI claimed their third title in the last four years, defeating Niagol STOYANOV (Gruppo Sportivo Fiamme Azzurre) and Giorgia PICCOLIN 3-0 in the final. Bronze medals went to Tommaso GIOVANNETTI / Chiara COLANTONI and Federico VALLINO / Miriam CARNOVALE.
Italy
Men’s Singles
- Champion: Matteo MUTTI
- Runner-up: John OYEBODE
- 3rd Place: Mihai BOBOCICA
- 3rd Place: Marco CAPPUCCIO
Women’s Singles
- Champion: Gaia MONFARDINI
- Runner-up: Nikoleta STEFANOVA
- 3rd Place: Nicole ARLIA
- 3rd Place: Giorgia PICCOLIN
Men’s Doubles
- Champions: Carlo ROSSI / John OYEBODE
- Runners-up: Matteo MUTTI / Andrea PUPPO
- 3rd Place: Francesco PALMIERI / Alessandro DI MARINO
- 3rd Place: Danilo FASO / Francesco TREVISAN
Women’s Doubles
- Champions: Gaia MONFARDINI / Tan WENLING
- Runners-up: Giorgia PICCOLIN / Debora VIVARELLI
- 3rd Place: Nikoleta STEFANOVA / Nicole ARLIA
- 3rd Place: Valentina RONCALLO / Miriam CARNOVALE
Mixed Doubles
- Champions: Gaia MONFARDINI / John OYEBODE
- Runners-up: Giorgia PICCOLIN / Niagol Ivanov STOYANOV
- 3rd Place: Tommaso GIOVANNETTI / Chiara COLANTONI
- 3rd Place: Federico VALLINO / Miriam CARNOVALE
