As the countdown to the first World Table Tennis (WTT) Contender Series in sub-Saharan Africa begins, some of the top ranked players in the world have been confirmed for the WTT Contender in Lagos from June 12 to 18.
The tournament is coming on the heels of the just concluded first International Table Tennis Federation
(ITTF) World Championships in Africa since 1939.
It will afford players to garner ranking points in their quest to pick tickets to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games in France.
Among the top seven players listed is former world number one while top rated players from top table tennis playing nations like China, Chinese Taipei, Germany, India, and a host of others are expected in Lagos for the epic tournament taking place at the Molade Okoya-Thomas Hall of Teslim Balogun Stadium.
Also, the Local Organising Committee (LOC) have concluded arrangements to host a befitting tournament following the rising profile of Lagos as the hub of table tennis in Africa having staged several international tournaments since 2012.
Already, the host country – Nigeria has confirmed a list of 25-man contingent that will battle with their foreign counterparts for points and prizes at the tournament.
Taiwo Mati, who recently benefited from his impressive performance in Durban with an improved ranking which shot him to 75th in the world is expected to re-enact his Durban form in front of the home fans.
Also hoping to regain his status is Olajide Omotayo who failed to go beyond the first round in Durban, South Africa.
Bello, who failed to make it to the second round in South Africa, will lead the women’s contingent in Lagos alongside Offiong Edem as well as returnee Cecilia Akpan-Otu.
National cadet and junior champion, Matthew Kuti, has been listed for the tournament where the youngster will rub shoulders with some of the world’s best.
WTT officials from France and Singapore are expected to arrive in Lagos this week in readiness for the preliminary round which is expected to kick off on Monday June 12.
Players will battle for the eight slots available in the main draw of the men and women singles events.
