DOHA (Qatar): The World Table Tennis (WTT) announced on Wednesday that the Qatari capital will host the WTT Middle East Hub, with two events at the Lusail Sports Arena from March 3-13, 2021.
“We are honoured to be hosting the first-ever WTT events in Qatar. We have made many special table tennis memories over the years and we cannot wait to kick off the WTT era on our shores,” said Qatar Table Tennis Association President Mr Khalil Al Mohannadi, who is also the ITTF Deputy President.
“The tournament confirms Doha as a truly global sports hub and demonstrates the QTTA’s commitment to establishing WTT.”
The Middle East Hub will feature two tiers of the new WTT event structure.
A WTT Contender event will get the 2021 calendar under way before players move to the first WTT Star Contender event the following week, providing the perfect setting for some of the world’s leading stars to be challenged by the best up-and-coming players.
Qatar enjoys a significant and longstanding association with table tennis, with Mr Al Mohannadi spearheading the nation’s contributions to the sport.
This year marked the 25th anniversary of the ITTF World Tour Platinum Qatar Open, one of the most prestigious events on the ITTF calendar.
Qatar continues to play a key role in the future of the sport, as the nation prepares to host the first-ever WTT Hub after committing to payment of the full WTT hosting fee and ensuring the events will be delivered in line with ITTF/WTT Covid-19 Protocols.
“Congratulations to Doha upon becoming host of the WTT Middle East Hub. As one of the most established host cities on the international table tennis circuit, Doha is certain to bring the first WTT events of the year to life,” said Liu Guoliang, WTT Council Chair and CTTA President.
