DURBAN: The highly anticipated ITTF World Table Tennis Championships Finals 2023 commenced here on Sunday.
The tournament returned to African soil after 84 years.
Over the next week, Durban, amidst its vibrant soul and culture, becomes the stage for showcasing table tennis excellence and igniting excitement among players, fans, and organisers.
To mark the beginning of this highly anticipated event, a spectacular opening ceremony was on display in the presence of ITTF President Petra Sörling, South African Table Tennis Board President Joe Carrim, and the Premier of the KwaZulu-Natal Province Nomusa Dube-Ncube with vibrant dance, acrobatic performances, stunning costumes celebrating the heritage and diversity of the city.
The official theme song of the World Championships, “Durban is the place to be” was also unveiled, with a live performance of Kyle Desai and King Licious, setting the tone for the tournament.
The event started with a symbolic African duel as South Africa’s youngest player Dean Levy faced Senegal’s Ibrahima Diaw, setting the stage for the Men’s Singles round of 128, signifying the triumphant return of the World Championships to Africa. (ITTF)
