WTT Contender Qualifying Round 1: Korea duo, Seongil, Gyuhyeon others advance

Posted : 13 June 2023

As the much-expected World Table Tennis Contender serves off today in Lagos, there have been fireworks from the players as some winners have emerged after the qualifying round one.

Africa Sport Network (ASN) reports that the WTT Contender is ongoing at the Molade Okoya-Thomas Hall of Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere.

According to WTT, 141 players will compete at the first ever tournament in Lagos.

The organisers also disclosed that the preliminary round included 48 players made up of 24 males and 24 females listed in the main draw based on their world, rating while the eight remaining slots to complete the 32 player main draw will be contested for in the preliminary round in the male and female singles event.

The host country, Nigeria has the highest number of players in the preliminary round.

The first batch of results has Jang Seongil from Korea, who defeated home boy, Akinwale Fagbamila of Nigeria 3-1 in the Qualifying Round One of men’s singles.

Seongil on the sidelines said: "I was a bit nervous initially but I later get used to the game and everything seemed fine for me in the match.

Also, another Korean, Park Gyuhyeon, beat Manush Utpalbhai Shah of India 3-0 of the Qualifying Round One of Men’s Singles.

Another Africa's representative, Felix Lartey of Ghana lost to Peng Wang-Wei in the Qualifying Round One of Men’s Singles.

Lartey who was happy to be in Nigeria for the tournament said he was happy to be back to the country.

"The match was quite good and I am happy coming back to Nigeria because we don’t usually have this kind of tournament in Africa.

"I am grateful for the chance to play because Nigerians are experienced when it comes to staging a top-class event.

"I played quite well but you cannot win all the time, and I hope to return to training to correct my mistakes," he said.

Another game also has Peter Hribar of Slovenia beat another Nigerian representative, Joshua Oladiran 3-2 in a close game.

The Slovenian said the weather in Lagos was a bit hotter than what he envisaged, adding that he was already adapting to the change of weather.

"It’s my first time here in Lagos and it’s a bit hotter than what I’m used to.

"It’s also my first time in West Africa and it is hotter than I expected, and I am still adapting. Circumstances are different from what I’m used to in Europe, but I managed to win my first match and I hope I can win more matches.

"I must say it is a good feeling to win, otherwise I could pack my things and go back home, but I’m still alive in the tournament.

"So I’m looking forward to playing some more or better even and winning some medals," he said.

Nigeria's Rilwan Akanbi also defeated a fellow compatriot, Adebowale Akinyemi 3-0 in the Qualifying Round One of Men’s Singles.

Akanbi said he was excited to win his first match, because he was prepared for the match.

"I am really looking forward to playing my next opponent in the tournament," he said.

In another Qualifying Round One of Men’s Singles, Martin Anders of Denmark spanked James Marfo of Ghana 3-0.

Anders also said it was his first time in Africa.

"Being in Lagos is a little bit more humid than what I am used to. And I feel like the people are happy and are very nice.

"I am happy to win my first match, because first matches are not always easy.

"I am satisfied going into the second match. I just hope to play well and somehow find my game," he said.

WTT Contender Qualifying Round 1: Korea duo, Seongil, Gyuhyeon others advance

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