Preparatory
By Millicent Ifeanyichukwu
Lagos, July 30, 2018 (NAN) John Peter, an International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) umpire, on Monday in Lagos said the ongoing National Junior League would go a long way to sharpen players’ skills.
Peter told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) the league would serve as a preparatory ground for players hoping to feature at the forthcoming ITTF Challenge Nigeria Open.
“The competition will help to keep the players in competition mood,’’ he said.
NAN reports that no fewer than 72 players are participating in the league being organised by the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF).
The competition, which is taking place at the National Stadium in Lagos, began on Friday and will end on Saturday.
“The league is well organised and I commend the NTTF for a job well done. The standard is high and there has been tremendous improvement in the performances of players.
“The league has really come in handy, as the ITTF Challenge Nigeria Open is coming up almost immediately after this league. So, it’s a very good build-up for the players.
“Those that are taking part in the league are smart because their participation will fortify their technical ability and self confidence.
“There participation will help them to be focused and perform creditably in the international championship,’’ Peter said.
The ITTF umpire however urged the players to put in their best in the league.
He said the performances of the players in the ongoing league will be used by the NTTF to identity potential players and a measure for players’ ranking.
“The consciousness of improving their forms must be paramount in their mind, not just to be local champions, but to attain the level where their talents would further be harnessed for higher programmes,’’ he said.
NAN reports that the league was part of NTTF programmes to discover budding talents and develop them towards replacing the ageing players.(NAN)
MIL/DEB/OLAL
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(Edited by Debo Oshundun and Olawale Alabi)