The first champions of the 2024 Finlandia Open table tennis tournament were crowned on Friday evening.
In the U21 Men’s category, Mael VAN DESSEL of Luxembourg triumphed over Norway’s Alexander FRANSSEN in an intense final, securing a 3-1 victory (12-10, 9-11, 11-7, 11-6). The bronze medals were awarded to Matyas LEBEDA from the Czech Republic and Dominykas SAMUOLIS from Denmark.
In the U21 Women’s final, France’s Jeanne ROBBES claimed the title, defeating Switzerland’s Fanny DOUTAZ 3-1 (11-6, 11-7, 9-11, 11-4). The third-place honors went to Martine TOFTAKER of Norway and Eugenia SASTRE of Spain.
The tournament will continue through the weekend, with the winners of the Men’s and Women’s Singles events set to be decided on Sunday. The ETTU-sanctioned competition, held at the Kisakallio Sports Institute, boasts participation from over 160 players representing 27 countries. Info: Info: https://www.sptl.fi/sptl_uudet/?p=52414
Text: Heikki Kiiskinen / FTTA
Photos: Hannu Tolvanen