World Table Tennis Stars To Fight For Rankings, N155 Million Prize In Nigeria

World Table Tennis Stars To Fight For Rankings, N155 Million Prize In Nigeria 

By Niyi Busari 

 The much-anticipated WTT Contender Lagos 2025 has officially unveiled a world-class player lineup ahead of its return from July 22 to 26 in Nigeria’s dynamic commercial hub, BSNSports.com.ng reports. 

With an expanded prize pool and a growing global reputation, this year’s edition is poised to deliver one of the most thrilling tournaments on the WTT Contender Series calendar.

Headlining the women’s field is world No. 9 Hina Hayata of Japan, a two-time Olympic medallist and one of the most formidable players outside China. Also joining the field are African champion Hana Goda of Egypt and French teenage sensation Prithika Pavade, both expected to bring high-level intensity to the tournament.

Making her debut in Lagos, 24-year-old Hayata arrives as the top-seeded women’s singles player. Known for her aggressive left-handed play and consistency on the global stage, Hayata has a proven track record, including multiple podium finishes at the World and Asian Championships. She was also the most decorated player in the ITTF Challenger Series—the forerunner of the current WTT format—cementing her status as a serious title contender in Lagos.

Aruna Headlines Men’s Field as Fan Favourite Lind Returns

In the men’s singles draw, Nigerian star Quadri Aruna will make his much-anticipated return to home soil after missing last year’s tournament due to club commitments. A crowd favourite and Africa’s top-ranked male player, Aruna is expected to electrify local fans at the Molade Okoya-Thomas Indoor Sports Hall.

He will face stiff competition from Danish left-hander Anders Lind, who returns to Lagos seeking his first WTT title, and Croatian powerhouse Tomislav Pucar, whose powerful playstyle makes him a consistent threat on the tour. Also confirmed are Japanese prodigy Yuta Tanaka and Tunisia’s top junior Wassim Essid, both aiming to make their mark on the senior stage.

Raising the Bar: Bigger Prize Pool, Elevated Standards

Speaking ahead of the tournament, Tournament Director Kweku Tandoh emphasized the commitment to innovation and excellence in hosting international events. “We are determined to keep raising the bar in delivering a world-class tournament. With more top-tier players returning—and others debuting based on our growing reputation—it’s clear that Lagos is becoming a key destination on the global table tennis map,” Tandoh said.

This year’s prize money has been increased to $100,000, up from $75,000 in 2024. Players will compete across five categories: men’s and women’s singles, men’s and women’s doubles, and mixed doubles. Champions in each event will earn 400 WTT ranking points, crucial for qualification in global events such as the WTT Champions Series and World Cups.