Former world number one and 2023 silver medallist, Dimitrij Ovtcharov, clinched the men’s singles title at the second edition of the WTT Contender in Lagos.
India’s Sreeja Akula emerged victorious in the women’s singles, both triumphing at the Molade Okoya-Thomas Hall of the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, Lagos, on Sunday.
Ovtcharov defeated his compatriot Ricardo Walther with a 4-1 (11-7, 11-7, 7-11, 12-10, 11-6) victory. Akula secured her title with a five-set win of 4-1 (10-12, 11-9, 11-9, 11-8, 11-6) in the final. Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu attended the event.
This marked Ovtcharov’s second trip to Nigeria after failing to win the men’s singles title at the inaugural edition in 2023. The 36-year-old redeemed himself this time with a dominant performance.
Ovtcharov, a fan favorite in Lagos since 2023, had previously sent table tennis equipment to young players across Nigeria in appreciation of the support he received during his first visit. The former world No. 1 has won two silver and four bronze medals at the Olympics since his debut at Beijing 2008, making him one of the most decorated male Olympians in table tennis.
India’s strong representation also saw them triumph in the men’s doubles, defeating Nigeria, and securing victory in the women’s doubles as well.
