AL-MOHANNADI, who is the current Qatar Table Tennis Association President, Arab Table Tennis Federation President and ITTF Deputy President explained why he took this decision: “I would like to thank all the National Associations who contacted me to support my nomination to become the ITTF President on the back of my dedication to table tennis, through a number of high level positions since 1995.”

“After long discussions with my friends and most importantly my family, even though I believe I had a strong chance of winning the election, I have decided to run for a position on the ITTF Executive Committee.”

AL-MOHANNADI’s withdrawal means that the race to become the ITTF President will be between the current ITTF President Thomas WEIKERT from Germany and Belgium’s Jean-Michel SAIVE.

“I respect both the nominations of Thomas WEIKERT and Jean-Michel SAIVE to become the ITTF President,” continued AL-MOHANNADI. “However, I have decided to support Thomas WEIKERT’s candidacy for the Presidency. Thomas has had two and a half years as President, where he has made positive changes to the sport, and I believe he deserves to be elected as President in his home country and have four more years to continue to work and implement his vision for our sport.”

“Jean-Michael SAIVE was a great player and ambassador for table tennis, which we all respect him for. Despite that, Jean-Michel has never held a high level international political table tennis position. So I don’t believe it is correct that his first position is that of ITTF President. But of course, if he wins I will be the first to congratulate him.” concluded the Qatari.

The ITTF elections will take place during the ITTF AGM, starting at 9am on 31 May 2017 in Dusseldorf, Germany.

For a full list of nominees for all positions, please visit: https://www.ittf.com/meetings-non-sporting-events/2017-wttc/.