The Palau d’Esports Catalunya in Tarragona hosted the final of the Spanish Absolute Table Tennis Championship 2026. Diego Lillo, an Alicante player, claimed the men's individual title after defeating his brother Alberto in the final. Additionally, he added a second gold in men's doubles alongside Rafael de las Heras. In the women's category, Natalya Prosvirnina was proclaimed champion.
Technical analysis: the evolution of equipment in modern table tennis 🔬
The performance of the finalists reflects the current specialization of equipment. Blades are no longer uniform; they are personalized with woods of different layers and hardnesses, combined with rubbers with specific glues. This configuration affects control, speed, and spin. Players adapt their equipment to their playing style, prioritizing topspin or fast blocking, a factor that makes differences in high-level matches.
Brothers in the final? The ultimate trick for having a sparring partner at home 😄
The final between the Lillo brothers poses a clear domestic advantage: savings on training balls. Imagine having an opponent at your level available anytime, without having to convince anyone to stay after work. That said, the discussions about who sets the table at family dinners must take on a new intensity, with arguments based on lifted backhand and side serves. An unorthodox method to resolve fraternal rivalry.