by Olalekan Okusan, ITTF-Africa Press Officer

Furthermore, just as for the recent continental tournament, the 20 year old from the Ivory Coast is well prepared, he has recently spent eight months practising in Nantes.

“I am very excited to participate in the World Championships for the second time, having featured in the 2017 edition in Germany, I have been preparing in the last eight months at my training centre in Nantes with my coach Loïc Bobillier. Also the under 21 event in Ghana was another opportunity for me to prepare myself for the Budapest challenge.” Emmanuel Yann Kouadjo

Determined, Emmanuel Yann Kouadjo caught the eye in Accra but of course competing in Budapest, the stage is much bigger.

“In Budapest, my main goal is really to get noticed and power through this competition to get sponsorship contracts and if possible scholarships, while giving the best of myself in each match,” Emmanuel Yann Kouadjo

It is for Emmanuel Yann Kouadjo a major opportunity to test his skills and showcase his talents.

“The World Championships is unique for me as a player because it’s an opportunity to get noticed around the world, even if you do not win. So this competition will help me mature as a player, as the level of play is so high. It is a chance to rub shoulders with the best players in the world,” Emmanuel Yann Kouadjo

In Budapest, in the Ivory Coast’s men’s selection, Emmanuel Yann Kouadjo lines up alongside Kizito Oba and Kanate Ali.