The Belgium Open concluded at the Hall Sportif du Paire in Pepinster, with Martin SIP and Anaïs SALPIN claiming the Men’s and Women’s Singles titles after four days of competition.
The 2026 edition, staged from 17 to 20 September, recorded an increase in participation compared with the previous event. Players and coaches expressed their satisfaction with the organisation, while the competition format, which provided participants with the opportunity to play a large number of matches, was particularly well received.
In the Men’s Singles, Martin SIP of Czechia claimed the title after a five-game battle against Germany’s Lleyton ULLMANN. ULLMANN made the stronger start and took the opening game 11-8, before SIP responded emphatically with an 11-3 win in the second. ULLMANN moved ahead again after edging the third game 12-10, but SIP turned the match around, winning the fourth and fifth games 11-5, 11-5 to seal a 3-2 victory.
Earlier in the semifinals, SIP produced a straight-games 3-0 victory over Lowis VOGLER, while ULLMANN booked his place in the title match by overcoming Nikon SHUTOV 3-0.
In the Women’s Singles, Anaïs SALPIN of France completed her campaign with a 3-0 victory over Katsiaryna BARAVOK of Belarus. SALPIN controlled the opening stages of the final, taking the first two games 11-5, 11-5. BARAVOK provided stronger resistance in the third, but SALPIN held firm to close out the contest 12-10 and secure the title.
SALPIN had earlier ended the run of Portugal’s U21 champion Matilde PINTO with a 3-1 victory in the semifinal. In the other semifinal, BARAVOK advanced to the title match after beating Veronika VASYLENKO 3-0.
The host nation also had reason to celebrate in the Women’s Singles, with Belgium’s Lilou MASSART securing third place.
The Belgium Open 2026 once again offered players valuable competitive opportunities through its progressive knock-out format, with matches determining final positions throughout the field. The positive feedback from players and coaches, together with the increase in participation for the second edition, marked another step forward for the event in Pepinster.
