The countries participating in the WTT are the Philippines, Singapore, Vietnam, Japan, Chinese Taipei, England, Malaysia, United States of America, Thailand, Hongkong and Korea. (Photo courtesy of Philippine Table Tennis Federation Inc.)
PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Palawan (PIA) — The World Table Tennis (WTT)–Youth Contender formally began at the City Coliseum of Puerto Princesa on October 15, where 107 players from 150 official delegations consisting of 11 countries are currently competing.
The countries participating in the WTT are the Philippines, Singapore, Vietnam, Japan, Chinese Taipei, England, Malaysia, United States of America, Thailand, Hongkong and Korea.
According to Philippine Table Tennis Federation (PTTF) President and Event Manager Ting C. Ledesma, 66 Filipino players are competing in the Under-11, Under-13, Under-15, Under-17 and Under-19 categories. The battle is ‘singles’ where men and women play separately.
During its opening ceremony, Mayor Lucilo R. Bayon invited the public to watch the international game to support the players.
“To our kababayan and expectators get ready for a showcase of incredible young talents from 11 countries, as they compete in this historic table tennis championship. Your support and presence make this event even more special, please do come and watch the games to inspire the players to play their best,” said Bayron.
Bayron also told the players that their participation is not only to represent their countries but also to unite the global tennis community.
In a press conference, City Sports Director Atty. Gregorio Austria said that the allocated fund of the City Government of Puerto Princesa for this game is P5M and it is expected that it will greatly help the economy of the city in various ways. (Photo by Orlan Jabagat/PIA Palawan)
“As you, [players] compete in this international stage you are not only representing your countries, but uniting the global tennis community as well,” added Bayron.
Bayron also said to expect the next national table tennis championships such as the senior level championship in the city in the near future.
In a press conference, City Sports Director Atty. Gregorio Austria said that the allocated fund of the City Government of Puerto Princesa for this game is P5M and it is expected that it will greatly help the economy of the city in various ways.
Meanwhile, Competition Manager Daniel Deleniana said that the PTTF chose Puerto Princesa City to host the competition because of the city government’s smooth coordination and its facilities suited for WTT.
Additionally, WTT-Youth Contender Event Supervisor Tiago Viegas commended the successful conduct of this game.
“What I have to say is that from the start of preparation here would be taken as perfect example of a good communication. So, what I hope here is that, from this event, the next step would be senior level event seeder that I hope one day would be possible to make it here,” said Viegas. (GATS/PIA MIMAROPA)
