Lagos –  Segun Oguntade, Secretary, Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF), has commended the turnout of participants in the National Open Championships which began in Lagos on Monday.

Oguntade said that the championships would be used to select players for the Africa U-20 and Club Championships in Rabat, Morocco, in July.

“More than 50 players from seven states have so far registered for the championships and are already contending for honours in seven events.

“I must say the turnout is impressive and affords us the opportunity to select good players for the African tournament’’.

He said the competition, earlier scheduled for Obafemi Awolowo Stadium, Ibadan, was shifted to Lagos to afford all teams the opportunity to feature.

The competition, which served off with the U-13 and U-16 categories in the team events, men and women singles, doubles, and mixed-doubles, will end on May 25.

The secretary said the U-20 and club events would continue on May 26, while the competition will end on June 1.

Oguntade said that teams, which could not show up for the team events,  would have the opportunity to play in the singles when they arrive, adding that more participants were still being expected.

He disclosed that outstanding players would be rewarded with kits and playing materials.

“The gift items are to encourage them but our target is to look out for skilled players.’’

The secretary said that the competition was delayed because of the late arrival of state teams which affected the screening and registration of players. (NAN)