By Vivian Ahanmisi

Honoka Hashimoto defeated defending champion Sreeja Akula on Saturday to win gold in the women’s singles final of the WTT Contender Championships in Lagos.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports the tournament is ongoing at Molade Okoya-Thomas Hall, Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos.

The women’s singles final was a thrilling clash between Japan’s Hashimoto and India’s Sreeja Akula, who battled for the prestigious gold medal.

The 27-year-old, ranked 19th in the world, beat Akula 4-1 (11-7, 11-3, 11-4, 11-13, 13-11) to secure the title.

With this victory, Hashimoto confirmed her status as a formidable force in the world of table tennis.

The final was closely contested, with both athletes displaying outstanding skills, resilience, and strategic brilliance throughout the match.

Hashimoto, a right-handed player, used precise shots and smart tactics to gain the upper hand and seal the win.

Her victory not only earned her the gold medal but also strengthened her reputation as a world-class table tennis contender.

Despite the loss, Akula’s remarkable performance secured her the silver medal and reaffirmed her place among the sport’s elite.

In the men’s final, Denmark’s Anders Lind defeated Croatia’s Tomislav Pucar 4-1 (11-4, 13-11, 12-10, 13-11, 11-7) to take gold.

Lind, ranked 21st in the world, has gained attention for his consistent performances on the international table tennis circuit.

He has competed in several global tournaments, including the European and World Table Tennis Championships.

“When I return next year, I’ll be the defending champion. It’s pressure, of course, but I enjoy the pressure.

He added, “It gives me even more motivation to come back next year and try to win it back-to-back,” he said.

South Korea’s Kim Nayeong and Ryu Hanna claimed the women’s doubles title, beating Egypt’s Hana Goda and Dina Meshref 3-2 in a gripping five-set final.

India retained their men’s doubles crown with a new duo, as Sathiyan Gnanasekaran and Akash Pal beat France’s De Nodrest and Rolland 3-0 (11-9, 11-4, 11-9).

Speaking to NAN, Wahid Oshodi, President of the Africa Table Tennis Federation, thanked WTT for selecting Lagos as host for a third consecutive year.

He praised the tournament’s growing reputation and the unique energy brought by Lagos’ passionate table tennis fans.

“This event has put Lagos firmly on the global table tennis map,” Oshodi noted.

He highlighted how the event provides Nigerian players with a platform to shine and inspires the next generation of talent.

Oshodi added that it offers vital ranking points, experience, and international exposure needed to grow players’ careers.

He expressed hope for continued backing from Lagos State Government and corporate partners to sustain the championship.

The tournament, featuring over 126 players, had a prize pool of $100,000, increased from $75,000 in the previous edition.

Oshodi believes the event will attract greater investment and support for table tennis development across Nigeria.

He noted this would improve infrastructure, boost training programmes, and provide better resources for athletes. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo