As the 2017 ITTF Challenge Nigeria Open begins on August 9 in Lagos, Qatar’s Li Ping, who once played for his country of birth, China, says he looks forward to exciting fireworks on the table.
The Qatari, who will be visiting Africa for the first time, also says he considers the quality of players listed for the five-day tournament as the world’s best.
The event, which will end on August 13, is attracting a $46,000 prize money.
Li Ping said: “I expect the 2017 ITTF Nigeria Open to live up to its billing as one of the topmost tournaments on the ITTF Challenge Series.
“The quality of the players is quite strong this year, and I look forward to some “firecrackers’’ of skills and talents during the competition.
“This is my first trip to Africa and I’m happy to visit Nigeria as my first port of call in the continent.
“Nigeria has produced some great talents in table tennis and the country has a rich history when it comes to table tennis.
“I’m expecting to have a great time during the visit and to enjoy the tournament as much as possible.”
Li Ping sated this in a statement by the ITTF on Thursday.
On his intention to sign up for the tournament, Li Ping said: “The quality of the field as well as the opportunity to play in Africa, particularly in Nigeria, is what attracted me to the competition.
“One of Nigeria’s finest players, Aruna Quadri, has played at the Qatar Open many times and I have great respect for him.
“I would like to play him on his own turf as well, and I will appreciate the opportunity of us meeting during the competition.
“This year’s tournament parades a very strong field which is an indication of the interest it has generated across the world.
“I believe there has been a remarkable improvement and I think the tournament is going to keep improving yearly.
“Like I said earlier, Nigeria has produced so many great talents like: Atanda Musa, Aruna Quadri, Segun Toriola and Bose Kaffo to mention but a few.
“Table tennis is very popular in Nigeria and I am glad to play there.”
According to the statement, the Qatari’s target is to win the tournament.
Li Ping said: “I hope to win the tournament and lift the trophy at the end of the day.
“I’m well prepared and I’m ready to give it my best shot. I know it’s not going to be easy but I believe I am up to the task.”