Portugal, Russia, 13 others for Nigeria Open

European super-powers – Portugal, Russia and Hungary – as well as African giant, Egypt, including 11 others have confirmed their participation in this year’s ITTF Premier Lotto Nigeria Open (Lagos 2016).
With the expiration of registration last week, this year will witness the presence of players from Portugal, Russia, Hungary, Egypt, Finland, Slovakia, Romania, Iran, Mexico, Ghana, Congo Brazzaville, Morocco, Tunisia, Congo DRC and Cameroon.
Nigerian players dominated the entry, with two-time ITTF World Tour champion, Hungary’s Szandra Pergel squaring up against women’s singles defending champion, Portugal’s Jieni Shao, as well as her Nigerian counterparts – Edem Offiong and Olufunke Oshonaike.
In the men’s singles, home-boy, Aruna Quadri, will have his hand full when he battles against top players from Europe as well his Egyptian rivals.
Thrilled by the turnout of players for this year’s tournament, Tournament Director, Ranti Olajide, said this once again confirms the importance players across the world now attach to the championship.
Olajide said: “As the highest prize money in the Challenge Series of the ITTF World Tour, more players are now willing to be part of the competition in Lagos. Apart from aiming to share from the prize money, they intend to use the championship to amass points for their world ranking as well as qualify for the end-of-year ITTF World Tour Finals. We are indeed excited about the turnout and we hope this year will be more competitive and glamorous based on the quality of the players coming to Lagos.”
Over 122 players across the globe have been listed for the tournament scheduled for May 18 to 22 at the Molade Okoya-Thomas Hall of Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos State.
Officials from Egypt and Algeria will handle proceedings at the five-day tournament which is the highest prize money ITTF World in the 2016 Challenge Series, with $46,000 (N13.8 million) at stake.
Six events are to be competed for and these include singles (men and women), doubles (men and women) as well as U-21 boys and girls.
According to the prospectus for the tournament, any player entering for the tournament will agree to abide by all ITTF rules and by the rules and regulations of the Organizing Committee.