MUSCAT, NOV 18
The main draw actions of WTT Star Contender Muscat 2025 will begin in Muscat on Wednesday at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex in Bausher. Oman’s Ahmed al Riyami, ranked as 840, will face a challenging opening match against Turkey’s Abdullah Yangilar, ranked 181 in the world. Al Riyami, who earned direct qualification to the main draw, will aim to deliver a strong performance and overcome the experienced Turkish opponent.
Seventh world ranked player, Felix LEBRUN, will begin his campaign at WTT Star Contender Muscat 2025 from last 32 beside Egyptian player Omar Asar, Dimitrij OVTCHAROV, OH Junsung, Darko JORGIC, Milosz REDZIMSKI, Yukiya UDA and other top ranked players.
The major TT event, organised by the Oman Table Tennis Association (OTTA) in collaboration with World Table Tennis (WTT), is underway as the top-ranked international stars begin their quest for the prestigious titles across five categories including: Men’s Singles, Women’s Singles, Men’s Doubles, Women’s Doubles, and Mixed Doubles.
In the qualifying preliminary rounds, Korean competitor Kwon Hyuk had a a perfect start as he registered a solid win over Abdulaziz Bu Shulaybi from Saudi Arabia by 3-0 (12-10, 11-3, 11-9). He continued his top show as he earned a surprise victory over third qualifying seed Yuhi Sakai in their evening brawl (12-14, 11-4, 11-8, 11-8). Kwon, who is currently positioned at World No.221, showcased thrilling form throughout the contest. Dropping a narrow first game in deuce, the Korean proceeded to rev into high gear, as he went on to win three games on the trot to seal the win and a spot in Tuesday’s qualifying action.
Romanian talent Darius Movileanu commenced his campaign in style with a straight game victory over Oman national team player Bilal al Rashdi by 3-0 (11-1, 11-5, 11-6), before then surprising fans with a spectacular triumph over sixth qualifying seed Mohamed Elbeiali from Egypt, Movileanu winning in four dramatic games by 3-1 (11-9, 13-11, 4-11, 11-6).
The preliminary rounds featured several intense battles. Korean Lim Jonghoon advanced to the third and final qualifying stage after defeating Slovakia’s Yang Wang 3-1. Saudi Arabia’s Ali al Khadraoui fell 3-0 to France’s Vincent Picard, while another French contender, Joe Seyfried, progressed after a 3-1 victory over Poland’s Mateusz Zalewski. India’s Akash Pal survived a five-set thriller to defeat another Japanese competitor 3-2. Romania’s Darius Movileanu overcame Egypt’s Mohamed Elbelal 3-1.
Oman’s Muhannad al Balushi suffered a tough loss to Korean Kim by 3-0, while India’s Snehit Suravajjula advanced with a 3-0 win over compatriot Modit Dani. Iran’s Hamid Shams was defeated 3-0 by Vladimir Sidorenko, and Romania’s Florent Lampe claimed a straight-sets win over Germany’s Vaho Meng.
In the Women’s Singles qualifiers, Russia’s Elizabet Abramian overcame India’s Anusha 3-1, while Sirin Lynn earned a convincing 3-0 victory over Brazil’s Karenia.
Romania’s Darius Movileanu highlighted the escalating intensity of the event. “The competition will become even tougher now that the main draw is starting. Every round gets more challenging, and all players aim to prove themselves. I hope to secure one of the qualifying spots and advance as far as possible,” he said.
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