Big-money TT event in June to be CWG test event

Top Asian and some European paddlers will vie for top honour in the USD one lakh Indian Open to be held here from June 16-20 as a test event for the table tennis competition of the 2010 Commonwealth Games.

Table Tennis Federation of India (TTFI) Secretary General Dhanraj Choudhary said the ITTF pro-tour tournament to be held at Yamuna Sports Complex, sanctioned by the International Table Tennis Federation, would be the highest prize money TT event in the country.

Apart from the huge prize money, the event will also yield valuable ranking points for the players, Choudhary said.

"The event will also give us a chance to see our players pitted against the top players in the continent as well as from Europe. This will, in turn, help us pick our teams for various championships that we have lined up, including the Asian Games in Guangzhou," said Choudhary.

He said Wales, Singapore, Malaysia and Hong Kong have already sent in their entries while confirmation from China, Korea, Germany and Spain are also expected.

The top prize money for winners in both men and women's singles will be USD 12,000 with players up to 32 in both events taking home substantial purse.

Apart from singles in both sections, men's doubles, women's doubles and singles in under-21 categories for both boys and girls will also be held.

"We expect over 200 entries from 25 Countries for this prestigious event. All the participation nations have assured to send their top players for the championships. Since the purse is big, top players of most nations always clamour for such events," said Choudhary.