The penultimate event of this season's new tournament, the Challenger Teqball League - Szekelyudvarhely GOBEK Cup showed that many of the athletes are ready for the World Teqball Championships 2024 in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

In three categories with 48 players from 8 countries, CTL - Szekelyudvarhely GOBEK Cup in Odorheiu Secuiesc gathered jam-packed bleachers as many athletes, including world and European champion, current FITEQ World Ranking leader Apor Gyorgydeak (ROU) are from the city. 

It seemed obvious that only three pairs had the chance to win in mixed doubles. As one of them, Kinga Barabasi/Gyorgydeak reached the final against Balazs Katz (HUN)/Maja Umicevic (SRB) in two sets, the third favourites Nikola Mitro (SRB)/Viorica Tonu (MDA) were only one match away from the trophy after triumphing against the locals, Matyas Mate/Miklos Tunde (ROU). The first set was close as Mitro served multiple aces yet the home team won by two points. The second set was more one-sided after Barabasi/Gyorgydeak took an early eight-point lead and never looked back. 

Barabasi & Gyorgydeak with the help of the full house took the gold in XD.

After a calm group stage, the quarterfinals in men's doubles were more emotional. Especially at the match between Arnol Szilagyi/Hunor Kristaly (ROU) and Adam Blazsovics (HUN)/Mitro. Though the first set was one-sided, the next two were much closer and the sides felt the pressure, yet the duo with seven world champion titles advanced to face Marek Pokwap (POL)/Szabolcs Ilyes (ROU). GOBEK's pair was not able to stay close, thus they finished with the bronze medals. The category's title holders, Csaba Banyik/Katz (HUN) did not leave any questions unanswered and reached the final without any dropped set. Although Blazsovics/Mitro had great rallies, they never really had any chance to beat the world champions. 

Gyorgydeak's shoulder was even heavier than usual in men's singles as this was the first international Teqball event at his place of birth. Every favourite confidently advanced from the group stage and the Round of 16 caused also no surprises. The home superstar, Gyorgydeak however, faced Banyik in the Quarterfinals and won in two tight sets against the Hungarian. His opponent and clubmate in the semifinal was the next challenge as Marek Pokwap advanced to the SF after the 2-0 triumph against Szilagyi. The Polish wunderkind did not back down and forced the ranking leader to three sets while the difference was never bigger than three points. In the deciding period, with the help of the home crowd, Gyorgydeak won 14-12. On the other branch, the record champion, Blazsovics seemed to be the player to beat and his compatriots in the QF,  Benjamin Patrik Toth (HUN) forced the match into overtime where the more experienced athlete showed the young stunner, there is still a lot to learn. Another Hungarian waited for him as Boldizsar Levik bettered his best-ever performance in international Teqball events by reaching the semis. Although Blazsovics got the W, the difference in the two sets combined was four points. The venue filled up with fans for the final, which was the most anticipated event at CTL Szekelyudvarhely GOBEK Cup. Blazsovics started with great tactics and won the first set, but then Gyorgydeak took over and let his friend score only ten points in the second and third sets. 

The ultimate Challenger Teqball League event as well as the last before the World Teqball Championships 2024 will be held in the heart of Catalonia, Badalona. The tour will be special for another Teqball athlete as the world champion fifth, Silvia Ferrer Garcia is from the city and many new faces will debut between the 22nd to 24 of November. Finals will be streamed on TEQ TV.