Top stars set for 2025 Lagos WTT
By Vivian Ahanmisi
The star-studded line-up for the 2025 WTT Contender Lagos has been unveiled. The tournament will run from July 22 to 26 in Lagos.
Widely regarded as one of the most thrilling events in the WTT Contender Series, this edition promises elite talent from across the globe.
Headlining the women’s event are world No. 9 Hina Hayata of Japan, African champion Hana Goda of Egypt, and French rising star Prithika Pavade.
Making her Lagos debut, the 24-year-old Hayata is considered a serious threat to China’s dominance in women’s table tennis.
She is ranked fourth among Japanese women’s singles players and stands out in Japan’s golden generation.
An Olympic silver and bronze medallist, Hayata has earned multiple podium finishes at World and Asian Championships.
Famed for her powerful left-handed shots, she was the most successful athlete in the ITTF Challenger Series, the forerunner of the WTT Series.
She arrives in Lagos as the highest-ranked women’s singles player and a strong contender for the title.
In men’s singles, Danish star Anders Lind returns to Lagos, where he has a loyal fan base.
Lind aims to end his title drought, but will face strong opposition from Nigerian ace Quadri Aruna.
Aruna missed the 2024 edition due to club commitments but is back to thrill home fans.
Also competing are Croatian powerhouse Tomislav Pucar, Japanese prodigy Yuta Tanaka, and Tunisia’s top junior, Wassim Essid.
Essid will be aiming to make a strong impression against some of the world’s best.
Tournament Director Kweku Tandoh reaffirmed the organisers’ commitment to raising the event’s global standing.
“We are determined to keep raising the bar in hosting a world-class tournament,” Tandoh said in a statement.
“Our goal goes beyond maintaining standards. We want to introduce fresh ideas that draw top talent to Lagos.
“With world-class players returning and debutants arriving, our progress is clear. We will keep innovating to enhance the sport,” he stated.
In a major boost, prize money has increased to $100,000 up from last year’s $75,000.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that players will compete in five events: singles, doubles, and mixed doubles.
Winners in each category will earn 400 valuable ranking points on the WTT circuit. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo
Published By
Has also recently published
AgricultureJune 23, 2025Agricultural Mechanisation: Tinubu inaugurates 2,000 tractors, agricultural implements
Economy/BusinessJune 23, 2025FG revenue hits N6.9trn in Q1
Economy/BusinessJune 23, 2025Equity market opens bullish with N279bn gain
Economy/BusinessJune 23, 2025SEREC urges FG to impose taxes on unreturned container in ports
