The Slovak Championships, held at the National Table Tennis Center in Bratislava from March 21 to 23, 2025, saw a strong return from top national players Ľubomír PIŠTEJ and Barbora BALÁŽOVÁ. Both reclaimed their singles titles after a one-year absence, showing experience and dominance throughout the weekend.
PIŠTEJ, now 41 and playing for Italian club Tennis Tavolo Sassari, claimed his eleventh national men’s singles title, solidifying his legacy in Slovak table tennis. On his path to the title, he defeated Jakub DROBNÝ (4–1), Mykhailo LOVHA (4–0), Pavol MEGO (4–2), Adam KLAJBER in the semifinals (4–1), and finally his doubles partner Jakub ZELINKA (4–1) in the final.
“Eleven titles in 20 years isn’t a bad record,” PIŠTEJ commented. “I publicly said it would be shocking if I didn’t win—that added pressure, but also motivation. I adjusted to the different ball conditions and managed to control the crucial third set in the final.”
Last year’s champion, Peter ŠEREDA, did not participate as he now serves as head coach of the Slovak national men’s team.
In the women’s competition, Barbora BALÁŽOVÁ captured her tenth singles title. After missing the previous year, she returned in top form and did not drop a single set throughout the event. She defeated Jana TEREZKOVÁ, Natália GRIGELOVÁ, Dominika WILTSCHKOVÁ in the semifinal, and overcame Nikoleta PUCHOVANOVÁ in the final 4–0.
“My tenth title was the goal, and I felt good from the beginning. I stayed focused and confident, especially during the third set in the final when Nika had a set point,” BALÁŽOVÁ stated. The Saint-Denis US 93 TT (FRA) player also secured the mixed doubles title with Samuel ARPÁŠ.
The men’s doubles featured a surprise victory for Damián FLÓRO and Jakub GOLDÍR, who defeated defending champions PIŠTEJ and ZELINKA in the semifinals before claiming the final in straight games.
In the women’s doubles, the experienced pairing of Tatiana KUKUĽKOVÁ and Nikoleta PUCHOVANOVÁ won their fourth title together in a close 3–2 final.
In U21 categories, Samuel ARPÁŠ and Nina DAROVCOVÁ were crowned champions.
Women’s Singles
- Barbora BALÁŽOVÁ
- Nikoleta PUCHOVANOVÁ
- Tatiana KUKUĽKOVÁ
- Dominika WILTSCHKOVÁ
Men’s Singles
- Ľubomír PIŠTEJ
- Jakub ZELINKA
- Adam KLAJBER
- Alexander VALUCH
Women’s Doubles
- Tatiana KUKUĽKOVÁ and Nikoleta PUCHOVANOVÁ
- Nina DAROVCOVÁ and Dominika WILTSCHKOVÁ
- Monika MAROUSKOVÁ and Laura VINCZEOVÁ
- Ema ČINČUROVÁ and Jana TEREZKOVÁ
Men’s Doubles
- Damián FLÓRO and Jakub GOLDÍr
- Pavol MEGO and Tibor ŠPÁNIK
- Ľubomír PIŠTEJ and Jakub ZELINKA
- Adam KLAJBER and Roman REZETKA
Mixed Doubles
- Samuel ARPÁŠ and Barbora BALÁŽOVÁ
- Damián FLÓRO and Tatiana KUKUĽKOVÁ
- Mykhailo LOVHA and Dominika WILTSCHKOVÁ
- Jakub ZELINKA and Nikoleta PUCHOVANOVÁ
