By Johnbosco Agbakwuru, Calabar
NINETEEN table tennis players from Cross River State are participating in the on-going Reach Out Nigeria Rhapsody of Realities Table Tennis Championship which come to an end in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State today.

One of them and the defending champion of the competition, Janet Friday has promised to retain the title just as the prize money has been increased from N100, 000 to N500, 000

Speaking to Saturday Vanguard Sports before jetting out to Uyo for the competition which commenced on Monday, Friday said she has trained so hard and therefore hopeful of victory despite the participation of five other African countries in the competition sponsored by Pastor Chris Oyakhilome of Christ Embassy Church

According to her, since Cross River dominated the first three editions, the team was determined to continue with the tradition especially with the increase in the prize money, adding that her team mates like the African champion, Offiong Edem, Cecilia Otu and Itoro Akpan  will pose a big challenge to other competitors.

“This time around, the Uyo event which is a national championship will be highly competitive. But Cross River State has a strong female team that will make the state proud at the end of the day.

Our male counterparts are also coming up strong. This competition is not for mediocres. Because of the hike in prize money, many stars including professionals are participating,” she said.