Second edition of WTT Star Contender Muscat action begins today

SPORTS REPORTER
MUSCAT, NOV 15
The second edition of the WTT Star Contender Muscat 2026 will begin on Monday, bringing together more than 200 players from 37 countries. Hosted by the Oman Table Tennis Association (OTTA) in cooperation with the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) and World Table Tennis (WTT), the tournament further strengthens Oman’s reputation as a destination for international table tennis events.
The competition features several of the world’s highest-ranked players across the men’s and women’s categories.
The men’s main draw will feature Germany’s Dang Qiu (world No. 11), Slovenia’s Darko Jorgic (No. 12), Japan’s Shunsuke Togami (No. 15), Denmark’s Anders Lind (No. 16) and South Korea’s Oh Junsung (No. 17), alongside Vladimir Sidorenko, Hiroto Shinozuka, Dimitrij Ovtcharov, Flavien Coton and Tomislav Pucar.
The women’s competition is led by Japan’s Satsuki Odo (No. 13), Honoka Hashimoto (No. 14), South Korea’s Joo Cheonhui (No. 17), Japan’s Miyu Nagasaki (No. 18) and Sakura Yokoi (No. 21), alongside Bernadette Szocs, Qin Yuxuan, Cheng I-Ching, Kim Nayeong and Jia Nan Yuan.
The tournament features five events: men’s singles, women’s singles, men’s doubles, women’s doubles and mixed doubles, with USD 300,000 in prize money at stake. Preliminary rounds will be played on Monday and Tuesday, with the main draw beginning on Wednesday.
Abdullah bin Mohammed Bamakhlef, Chairman of OTTA and the Organising Committee, said the tournament’s return for a second consecutive year represents an important step in developing table tennis in Oman.

He highlighted the strong international field, significant sporting and commercial value, and extensive media exposure, confirming that the competition will be broadcast through 15 television channels.
Tournament Director Sajjad bin Mohammed al Lawati affirmed that all technical, logistical and organisational arrangements had been completed in line with ITTF and WTT standards.
He highlighted the use of advanced technology for competition management, results distribution and live broadcasting, alongside close coordination with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth and its Sports Facilities Department in Muscat Governorate.
OMANI PLAYERS READY
Oman will be represented by national team players Muhannad al Balushi, Ahmed al Riyami and Bilal al Rashdi in the singles and men’s doubles events.
Al Riyami and Al Balushi will feature in the main draw of the men’s doubles competition, providing an opportunity to test themselves against international opposition.