Table Tennis: Lagos Int’l Classics Begins

After weeks of preparations, the much anticipated maiden Lagos International Table Tennis Classics will serve off tomorrow at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, Lagos with the qualifying matches for the Nigerian players who will play in the Main Draws of the tournament.

The organisers, Nigeria Table Tennis Federation, NTTF, headed by Mr. Wahid Enitan Oshodi, said in Lagos yesterday that all logistics to organise a successful competition have been put in place with Sir Molade Okoya Thomas Indoor Sports Hall of the stadium wearing a new look.

“We are ready to host the world. All arrangements have been concluded. Security, medicals and other aspects of the organisation of the competition will be excellent and I believe the purpose of organising this tournament to expose our local players will be achieved. I know that there will be upsets from our players in this competition,” said Oshodi, who is the Commissioner for Youth, Sports and Social Development in Lagos State.

At least 128 ping pongers will take part in the qualifying matches between tomorrow and Friday, while the Main Draws where players from across the world will be jostling for the $39,700 prize money of the competition.

Winner in the Men’s Singles is expected to get the sum of $5,000, while his women’s counterpart will get $4,000. Series of dollars prizes will also be given to other players.