Deni Kožul made his mark on the WTT Europe Smash qualification draw, navigating all 3 qualification rounds to earn a place in the Main Draw of the Men's Singles. 

The result marked a redemption from a disappointing end to his WTT US Smash campaign in late June, where he led 2-1 in the final qualification round against Iulian Chirita, before losing in 5 games and failing to make the main draw stage.

In Malmö, Kožul was locked in and determined to get the job done. 

In the opening round he overcame the experienced Tiago Apolonia in 4 games, beating his former ASC Grünwettersbach teammate. 

In round 2 he repeated the 3-1 margin to surpass Andreas Levenko. 

The third and final round of qualification saw Park Gyuhyeon, the third seed in the qualifying rounds, standing between him and a spot in the last 64 of the main draw. 

Kožul's resolve became clear in the second game, after locking in a 1-0 lead. He found himself trailing 1-6, before drawing level at 8-8. Excellent backhand placement kept his left handed opponent off-balance and on the move, while Deni's forehand quality and stability pressed the offensive pressure. 

The run continued into the third, this time the Slovenian taking the early lead. Forehand counter timing was impeccable as he absorbed the forehand power of Park and held control of the table. 

Elation for Kožul as he sealed out the win, in straight games no less.

Now he is set to face off against his teammate, training partner and often at times bench coach, Darko Jorgic, in the round of 64. 

Bold efforts from the rest of Team JOOLA's qualification hopefuls, but sadly not to be. Harmeet Desai made a big impression by taking down top qualification seed, Tom Jarvis, in the second round. The third round saw Cedric Nuytinck eliminate him. 

Liam Pitchford continued his comeback efforts, winning his opening match, but falling to Izaac Quek in the second round. 

Giulia Takahashi and Guilherme Teodoro also both successful passed the first round, but went no further. 

Kožul will join JOOLA teammates Lily Zhang and Hugo Calderano in the singles Main Draw, as they fight for one of the biggest crowns in table tennis.