June 24, (THEWILL) – The 2024 WTT Contender Lagos has proven to be a spectacular display of skill, determination, and occasional upsets. This prestigious table tennis tournament, held at the Sir Molade Okoya Thomas Indoor Sports Hall of the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Surulere, Lagos, has drawn players from around the world, all vying for an impressive $80,000 grand prize and valuable ranking points.
The tournament commenced on Wednesday, June 20, with China immediately demonstrating their table tennis dominance by leading in the early stages of the competition.
One of the initial highlights for the home crowd was the performance of Nigerian youngster Mustapha Mustapha. Having learned from his experience in last year’s tournament, where he was eliminated in the first round of qualifying, Mustapha showed marked improvement. He secured a spot in the Men’s Singles round of 32 with a convincing 3-1 victory over Ghana’s Israel Aklie. Mustapha’s determination was evident in his post-match comments, where he expressed his desire for continual improvement.
Another Nigerian player, Abdulrahman Abdullahi, exhibited both skill and mental fortitude in his match against fellow countryman David Fayele. Abdullahi’s ability to maintain composure under pressure, coupled with astute coaching, saw him through to the last 32 in the Men’s Singles event.
The tournament, however, was not without its disappointments for Nigerian fans. Paris Olympic-bound Olajide Omotayo, the highest-ranked Nigerian in the Men’s Singles event, faced an early exit. Omotayo succumbed to a 3-0 defeat against India’s Thakkar Manav Vikash in the round of 16, highlighting the fierce competition at this year’s event.
As the tournament progressed, spectators witnessed some remarkable performances and unexpected turns. Egypt’s Mahmoud Helmy, despite losing to China’s Ning Xiankun, praised the vibrant atmosphere in Lagos, describing it as the event he looks forward to most each year.
One of the most significant developments was the withdrawal of Nigeria’s star player, Aruna Quadri, alongside Brazil’s Hugo Calderano. Both players pulled out on medical advice, with Quadri focusing on preparing for his fourth Olympic Games appearance in Paris next month. While disappointing for local fans, this decision underscores the importance of player welfare in the lead-up to major international events.
By Friday, June 21, the tournament was in full swing, with the round of 16 taking shape in both men’s and women’s singles events. In the men’s singles, Germany’s top seed Dimitrij Ovtcharov showed his class with a 3-0 victory over South Korea’s Kim Minwoo. Indian legend Sharath Achanta also progressed, setting up an intriguing quarter-final clash with France’s Thibault Poret.
The women’s singles event saw defending champion Shin Yubin of South Korea continue her impressive form, securing a spot in the quarter-finals. However, the standout story of the day was undoubtedly the remarkable performance of Egypt’s Farida Badawy. The 20-year-old, ranked 331st in the world, caused a major upset by defeating India’s Manika Batra, the world number 28 and top seed. Badawy’s victory, achieved without a coach present, was a testament to her skill and mental strength.
On the home front, Nigeria’s Fatimo Bello provided a moment of joy for local supporters. In a thrilling all-Nigerian encounter, Bello defeated the higher-rated Offiong Edem 3-2 in the first round. This victory not only demonstrated Bello’s potential but also highlighted the depth of talent in Nigerian table tennis.
As the tournament moved into the weekend, the quarter-finals promised exciting matchups across both singles events. In the men’s draw, unseeded Chinese player Ning Xiankun continued his surprise run, setting up a clash with top seed Ovtcharov. The women’s event saw a strong Indian presence, with Sutirtha Mukherjee, Sreeja Akula and Ayhika Mukherjee all reaching the last eight.
While the focus naturally falls on the singles events, the doubles competitions have also provided plenty of excitement. Nigerian pairs have faced tough competition, with mixed results. The mixed doubles semi-finals, unfortunately, will not feature any Nigerian players after they were knocked out in the opening session of day three.
Throughout the tournament, the strength of the international contingent, particularly from Asian and European countries, has been evident. The Chinese team has been especially dominant, continuing their nation’s rich tradition in table tennis. Indian players have also made a significant impact, with strong showings across various categories.
It is worth noting that this tournament is not just about the established stars. Promising performances from younger players have given a glimpse into the future of table tennis. The WTT Contender Lagos has provided an invaluable platform for these up-and-coming talents to test themselves against world-class opposition.
The atmosphere at the Molade Okoya-Thomas Hall has been electric throughout the event. Lagos fans have shown their passion for table tennis, providing vocal support for local players while also appreciating the skill of international stars. This enthusiasm has not gone unnoticed, with several players commenting on the unique and inspiring atmosphere in Lagos.
As the final stages of the tournament approach, anticipation is building for what promises to be a thrilling conclusion to the 2024 WTT Contender Lagos. While Nigerian hopes in the singles events may have been dashed earlier than fans would have liked, the performances of players like Mustapha Mustapha and Fatimo Bello have provided encouragement for the future.
This tournament has once again highlighted Lagos as a key destination on the global table tennis calendar. The quality of play, the enthusiasm of the fans, and the smooth organisation of the event all contribute to its growing reputation.
Looking ahead, the lessons learned from this tournament will be invaluable for Nigerian players as they continue their development. The exposure to top-level international competition on home soil is crucial for the growth of the sport in the country.
As the crowning of the 2024 WTT Contender Lagos champions approaches, one thing is clear: table tennis in Nigeria and Africa as a whole is on an upward trajectory. The challenge now is to build on this momentum, nurturing the next generation of talent to ensure that Nigerian players can compete at the highest level for years to come.
Indeed, the 2024 WTT Contender Lagos has lived up to its billing as a world-class table tennis event. From thrilling upsets to displays of supreme skill, it has had it all. As the tournament draws to a close, all eyes will be on the Molade Okoya-Thomas Hall to see who will emerge victorious and claim the $80,000 grand prize. Regardless of the final outcome, this tournament has been a celebration of table tennis and a testament to Lagos’s ability to host top-tier sporting events.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
