by Ian Marshall, ITTF Publications Editor

A total of US$ 46,000 prize fund, Li Ping who won the Men’s Singles title at the GAC Group 2015 ITTF World Tour Belarus Open, is one of the leading contenders for honours in the Nigerian capital city.

He spoke to Olalekan Okusan, the ITTF-Africa Press Officer

“I expect the 2017 ITTF Nigeria Open to live up to its billing as one of the top most tournaments on the ITTF Challenge Series. The quality of the players is quite strong this year and I look forward to some ‘firecrackers’ of skills and talents during the competition.

This is my first trip to Africa and I’m happy to visit Nigeria as my first port of call in the continent. Nigeria has produced some great talents in table tennis and the country has a rich history when it comes to table tennis. I’m expecting to have a great time during the visit and to enjoy the tournament as much as possible.

The quality of the field as well as the opportunity to play in Africa, particularly in Nigeria, has attracted me to this year’s Nigeria Open. One of Nigeria’s finest players, Quadri Aruna has played at the Qatar Open many times and I have great respect for him. I would like to play him on his own turf. I will appreciate the opportunity of us meeting during the competition.

This year’s tournament parades a very strong field which is an indication of the interest it has generated across the world.

I believe there has been a remarkable improvement and I think the tournament is going to keep improving yearly. Like I said earlier, Nigeria has produced so many great talents Atanda Musa, Quadri Aruna, Segun Toriola and Bose Kaffo to mention but a few. Table tennis is very popular in Nigeria and I am glad to play here.

I hope to win the tournament and lift the champion trophy at the end of the day. I’m well prepared and I’m ready to give it my best shot. I know it’s not going to be easy but I believe I am up to the task.”