Slovakia's Tatiana Kukulkova brought home the gold in a magnificent run in the Women's Doubles event at the 2026 European Table Tennis Championships in Ljubljana, Slovenia. Andrei Putuntica also walked away with Men's Doubles Bronze!

Kukulkova paired with Poland's Natalia Bajor to hold the 6th seeding position in the competition, but they were certainly able to surpass all expectations. 

A rocky start saw them survive a 5 game scare against Serbia's Reka Bezeg and Aneta Maksuti. The wake up call was enough for them to steady the ship in the next round - winning 3-1 over Spain's Sofia Zhang and Elvira Rad.

The quarterfinal was a big test, with Russia's Abraamian (the eventual champion in the Women's Singles) and her partner Tailakova standing in the way. With the return of Russia to competition, their players had been making their mark in WTT Feeder events across Europe, but Kukulkova and Bajor took them out of contention with a straight games victory. 

With a medal guaranteed perhaps the pressure all melted away, because the semifinal against the top seeds was a masterclass 3-0 victory over Samara and Szocs from Romania. With such a prominent win in hand their confidence must have been soaring. 

Bajor no doubt had some insights in the final as the pair faced the Polish duo of Wielgos and Brzyska, they were able to repeat the 3-0 feat and take home the crown. 

Kukulkova and Bajor had been thrilled to take home a bronze medal at the Euro Champs in 2024, but in 2026 their dreams came true as they got to hang a gold medal around their necks. A career defining title for Tatiana Kukulkova, who can now - with a smile - call herself a European Champion!

A great moment for Team JOOLA, doubled down with Putuntica's Men's Doubles Bronze alongside Moldovan countryman Vladimir Ursu. They took down a handful of quality doubles pairs, notably winning 3-0 over Rassenfosse and Allegro in the quarterfinals to guarantee the medal!