MUSCAT: Chinese paddler Xue Fei defeated Japanese Ryoichi Yoshiyama by 3-1 to snatch the men’s singles title in the WTT Feeder Muscat 2024 late on Sunday at the main hall of Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex.
The World No 270 player delivered an impressive show in the final clash to end the tournament on a successful note. Despite Ryoichi taking the lead in the first set by 11-9, Fei bounced back strongly as he scored 11-6 win in the following set and won the third set 11-5. Fei confirmed the triumph in the fourth set by 11-9.
Fei said he claimed the title after an exciting competition with fellow players. "This is my second visit to Oman and I am delighted to win each time I come here. The competition was incredibly tough but I could manage to reach the final and secure the victory."
The Oman Table Tennis Association (OTTA) in direct coordination with the WTT concluded the four-day event of WTT Feeder Muscat 2024 which took place in Muscat on Thursday and concluded on Sunday with nearly 100 participants representing various countries across the world. The paddlers were from China, Japan, Chinese Taipei, India, Pakistan, France, Germany, Syria, Iran, Egypt, Italy, Yemen and Oman. They competed in various categories including men's singles, women's singles, men's doubles, women's doubles and mixed doubles.
Sakura Yokoi from Japan blanked China's Yang Yiyun 3-0 to take the women’s singles title. Yokoi won 11-5, 11-7, 13-11.
French duo of Bastien Rembert and Joe Seyfried beat Chinese duo of Yuan Licen and Xiang Peng 3-1 (11-8, 11-8, 6-11, 11-9) to clinch the men’s doubles title.
Chinese pair of Fan Shuhan and Xu Yi beat their compatriots Yang Yiyun and Zhu Sibing 3-1 (11-4, 8-11, 11-5, 11-9) to claim the women’s doubles title. In another all-Chinese final, Fei Xue and and Xiaotong Wang edged Licen Yuan and Geman Zong 3-2 ( 11-5, 11-4, 10-12, 9-11, 11-3) to clinch the mixed doubles final.
Following the conclusion of all the final matches across various categories, Abdullah Mohammed Bamakhalif, Chairman of OTTA, along with members of the board, presented awards to the winners. The chief of OTTA delivered the trophies to the top finishers in men's singles while Sajad bin Mohammed Baqir, Vice-Chairman and Masoud al Shaqsi, board member, awarded the top performers in the women's singles. Adil al Balushi, Secretary-General, and Mohammed al Jassasi, board member, presented awards for men's doubles. Maryam al Alawi, board member, honoured the winners of women's doubles while Mohammed al Oufi, OTTA treasurer, presented the awards to winners of the mixed doubles category.
TOP EFFORTS
Bamakhalif thanked all the board members, organisers, and volunteers for their tremendous efforts in making WTT Feeder Muscat 2024 a success. “This event is part of our annual commitment to host two international championships as the second competitive international event is scheduled for October-November which will feature top-ranked global players."
He also highlighted the numerous positive aspects of this year's championship, including live television broadcasts on foreign channels, attracting more international players to Oman, promoting table tennis in the country and providing a competitive environment for Omani players to improve their skills. “The WTT Feeder offered opportunities for our local players to compete with international talents and gain valuable experience. Special thanks to all our partners and supporters especially the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth as well as private sector sponsors and media representatives,” he concluded.
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here
