The inaugural stage of the Lithuanian TEQBALL Open took place on May 18th in Vilnius, drawing top teqball talents from across Europe and beyond. Sixteen elite players from Romania, Poland, Ukraine, Lithuania, Austria, and Colombia competed in the men’s singles category, setting the scene for an exhilarating event.

Polish teqball ace Bartłomiej Frańczuk claimed victory, displaying outstanding prowess throughout the tournament. In a gripping final, Frańczuk defeated Romania’s Ilyes Szabolcs, securing his title as the champion of the first stage. His path to victory included a semi-final win over Lithuanian competitor Kęstutis Balčiūnas, while Szabolcs earned his place in the final by overcoming Ukrainian player Oleh Usychenko.

The contest for third place was fiercely competitive, with Oleh Usychenko edging out Kęstutis Balčiūnas in a tense three-set match. Usychenko's determination earned him the bronze medal, adding to the tournament’s intensity and excitement.

Frańczuk expressed his satisfaction with the event, praising the venue and the high caliber of competition. "The atmosphere was fantastic, and the organization was top-notch," he said. "It was a special experience for me, especially seeing my young players from the Czyżew teq club gain confidence through such high-level matches."

This tournament is the first in a series of three events scheduled for this year. To be eligible for the €1,000 prize money in the men’s singles category, participants must compete in at least two of the three tournaments. The next stage is set for late August and will feature a men’s doubles category, reflecting the growing enthusiasm for teqball in the Baltic region.

The Lithuanian TEQBALL Open’s 1st Stage has established a high benchmark for the upcoming events, promising more thrilling matches and opportunities for teqball enthusiasts to showcase their talents.