Ping stars enter the battle at Nigeria Open

Day Three of the ITTF Nigeria Open hits off in the biggest way on Friday as the seeded stars from across the world join the quest for medals at the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Lagos. The coast has been made clear with the ‘toddlers’ of the competition already separated from contenders as top seeds enter the fray today in the main draw of singles event.
Over 100 players competed in the preliminary round soon after the opening ceremony on Wednesday with the intention of making it to the main draw and at the end of the second day, 32 men and 16 women are joining the seeded players in the main draw (round of 64 in men and round of 32 in the women).
Fans will have a swell and exciting time on Friday August 11 as the top seeds begin their campaigns in their aim to share from the $46,000 prize money at stake at the five-day championships.
Home favourite – Aruna Quadri; two-time champion, Egypt’s Omar Assar; defending champion, Finland’s Benedek Olah as well as 2009 mixed doubles world champion, Qatar’s Li Ping will all take to the table in their quest for the top prize.
Also in race for the title is France’s Antoine Hachard while in the women’s event, defending champion, Portugal’s Jieni Shao as well as 2016 runner’s up, Hungary’s Zsandra Pergel. African champion, Egypt’s Dina Meshref is also in the race for the title this year.
The LOC is expecting a large turnout of fans today as the last two days witnessed huge presence of Lagosians who have been supporting the players in all their matches.
The main draw of the doubles event is expected to take centre stage with all year on Aruna and Assar who will be partnering in the event.