WTT Contender Lagos 2025 Unveils Stellar Lineup
The star-studded line-up for the 2025 WTT Contender Lagos has been officially unveiled, with the tournament set to take place from July 22 to 26 in Nigeria’s bustling commercial capital.
Widely regarded as one of the most thrilling events in the WTT Contender Series, this year’s edition promises a showcase of elite talent from across the globe. Among the headline acts are women’s world No. 9 Hina Hayata of Japan, African champion Hana Goda of Egypt, and rising French sensation Prithika Pavade.
Making her debut in Lagos, the 24-year-old Hayata is seen as a formidable challenger to China’s dominance in women’s table tennis. Ranked as the fourth-highest Japanese player in women’s singles, she is a key figure in Japan’s golden generation.
A silver and bronze Olympic medallist, Hayata has consistently delivered top-tier performances, earning multiple podium finishes at both the World and Asian Championships.
Known for her powerful left-handed play, Hayata was also the most successful athlete in the ITTF Challenger Series, the precursor to the WTT Series, demonstrating her ability to dominate competitive fields.
She enters the Lagos tournament as the highest-ranked women’s singles player and a strong favourite for the title.
In the men’s singles category, Danish star Anders Lind returns to Lagos, where he enjoys strong fan support. Lind will be aiming to end his title drought but will face stiff competition from Nigerian ace Quadri Aruna, who missed the 2024 edition due to club commitments.
Also joining the men’s line-up are Croatian powerhouse Tomislav Pucar, Japanese prodigy Yuta Tanaka, and Africa’s top junior player, Wassim Essid of Tunisia, who will be looking to make his mark against the world’s best.
Meanwhile, Tournament Director Kweku Tandoh has reaffirmed the organisers’ commitment to elevating the event’s profile.
“We are determined to keep raising the bar in hosting a world-class tournament. Our goal is not just to maintain standards but to introduce fresh ideas that continue to attract top talent to Lagos,” Tandoh said.
He added, “With some of the world’s best players returning and others making their debut based on the tournament’s growing reputation, it’s clear we’re on the right path. We will keep innovating to enhance the sport.”
In a major boost, the prize money has been increased to $100,000, up from $75,000. Players will compete across five categories: men’s and women’s singles, men’s and women’s doubles, and mixed doubles. Winners in each event will earn 400 ranking points.
