Lagos ITTF World Tour Serves off
After months of preparations, the International Table Tennis Federation World Tour, Lagos Open serves off today at the Molade Okoya-Thomas Hall of Teslim Balogun Stadium in Lagos.
82 players drawn from 11 countries will compete in the $46,000 prize money championship which is a world ranking event on the ITTF World Tour calendar.
As the second challenge series after the Hungary Open early this year, the tournament will once again bring to fore the fierce rivalry between Nigeria and Egypt.The North Africans arrive Lagos with a12-man contingent to compete in the six events.
Unlike the previous editions where players were expected to compete from the group stage to qualify for the next stage, this year’s Lagos Tour is to witness a knock-out format, where players will only progress after winning each match.
According to the ITTF-appointed Competition Manager, Mounir Bessah, the stage is set for the commencement of the competition as everything has been put in place by the host.
“I am satisfied with what I have seen so far and there is an improvement from what I witnessed last year. I think the tournament is improving each year and I am happy with the atmosphere.” He said that he was happy with the organisation put in place.“We are also hopeful that the players will have exciting time in Lagos.
“The equipment I have seen is of world standard as it meets ITTF specifications while the hotel and logistics are also perfect. I believe that the tournament will be more exciting this year with the quality of players competing this year,” Bessah noted.
An elated President, Africa Table Tennis Federation (ATTF), Khaled El-Salhy, believes that Lagos Open has become a rallying point for Africa with the quality of organisation as well as the presence of Lagos fans who most times make the tournament very glamorous.
He commended the efforts of the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF) led by Wahid Enitan Oshodi for its commitment and sincerity in igniting the love for the sport among the fans and for us at ATTF. This is very important for our sport to grow and get more sponsors,” the ATTF boss said.
However, ITTF Star Player, Nigeria’s Aruna Quadri had his first first training yesterday with the resolve to make his fans happy at the end of the competition.