Slovenia's Ľubomír Pištej was among the players to progress through to the third preliminary round of the men's singles event on the opening day of the ITTF Czech Open in Olomouc ©ITTF

Slovenia's Ľubomír Pištej progressed to the third preliminary round of the men's singles event on the opening day of the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) Czech Open in Olomouc.

Having received a first-round bye at the OMEGA Sports and Health Center, Pištej came from behind to beat home player Tomas Polansky 6-11, 11-4, 2-11, 11-5, 11-6, 13-11.

"He totally dominated in the first game and I thought 'the whole match will be like this'," Pištej said.

"I’m at the start of my preparation for the season, so I’m not in my best form.

"My coach didn’t have big expectations, and I’m glad I showed him that I’m also able to win in this kind of situation."

Next up for Pištej is Iran's Nima Alamian, who defeated India's Sanil Shetty 9-11, 12-10, 11-5, 14-12, 11-5 in the second preliminary round.

Home player Dana Cechova is through to the third preliminary round in the women's singles event ©ITTF/Lukas Kabon
Home player Dana Cechova is through to the third preliminary round in the women's singles event ©ITTF/Lukas Kabon

In the second preliminary round of the women's singles event, Czech Republic's Dana Cechova avenged her defeat to Zhang Qiang at last week’s ITTF Bulgaria Open in Panagyurishte by overcoming her Chinese counterpart 12-10, 11-8, 11-9, 7-11, 5-11, 11-1.

"It is nice revenge for last week," Cechova, who will go onto face Russia's Polina Mikhailova, said.

"I knew what I should expect from her thanks to the last match."

The first stage of competition is due to conclude tomorrow.

It is then scheduled to be followed by the main event from Thursday (August 22) to Sunday (August 25).