In the Norwegian capital of Oslo, the country’s top table tennis players competed for the prestigious His Royal Highness The King’s Trophy during the Norwegian National Championships.
In the Women’s Singles, the title was up for grabs with several contenders in strong form. The reigning champion, Christine KALVATN, who last season recorded an outstanding streak by winning ten out of ten gold medals across cadet, junior, and senior events, was defeated in the semi-final by Martine TOFTAKER. TOFTAKER, who lives and trains in Belgium and competes professionally in Germany, advanced to the final where she faced her national teammate Rebekka CARLSEN. CARLSEN, who had overcome Christine’s sister Ann Sophie KALVATN in the other semi-final, has struggled with injuries in recent years. However, in the final, she delivered a remarkable performance—winning the first two games, dropping the next two, but ultimately securing the title by taking the fifth and sixth games. This marks CARLSEN’s fifth national title, her first dating back to 2013, when she was only 14.
In the Men’s Singles, Borgar HAUG, professional player for Borussia Düsseldorf, entered as the clear favourite. Despite strong efforts from his challengers—many of whom represent top Swedish clubs—no one came close to toppling him. In the final, he faced long-time teammate Alexander Klerck FRANSSON. HAUG won convincingly in straight sets (4–0), although FRANSSON displayed quality play. This victory marked HAUG’s sixth national title, as he continues to chase the record held by former Bundesliga player Geir ERLANDSEN, who boasts an impressive 13 King’s Trophies.
In the Para event, Paralympic star Tommy URHAUG claimed the title, but not without a fight. In the final against Andreas AULIE, URHAUG had to dig deep after losing the first two games. Using his vast international experience, he levelled the match by winning the next two. Just like his semi-final, the final went to a deciding fifth game, where URHAUG emerged victorious with an 11–8 win, raising his arms in celebration.
FINALISTS Men’s Singles
- Borgar HAUG
- Alexander Klerck FRANSSON
Women’s Singles
- Rebekka CARLSEN
- Martine TOFTAKER
Para Men’s Singles
- Tommy URHAUG
- Andreas AULIE
