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Allen Khumalo, Sports Reporter
THE Bulawayo Table Tennis Association (BTTA) will hold an open tournament at Drill Hall this weekend.

BTTA chairperson Luba Ndlovu said they expect over 100 participants from across the country to vie for top spot in the Under-10, Under-12, Under-15, Under-18, open singles, doubles, mixed doubles and veterans.

“The response is good so far, as we are still receiving confirmation from other clubs. One female from Botswana has also confirmed her participation and we hope more players register before the event,” said Ndlovu.

He said the tournament will run strictly under the rules and regulations of the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF), so they are expecting the highest level of professionalism.

Ndlovu was also hopeful that the tournament would afford his association an opportunity to unearth up-and-coming talent. Speaking on the state of table tennis in Bulawayo, Ndlovu said there had been a significant growth, with some schools adopting the sport.

“There has been a significant growth, especially in the ladies category, because some of them have been doing well in national competitions. We want to maintain this standard and hope to develop the sport further at the grassroots level,” said Ndlovu. – @khumzallen