MUSCAT: The WTT Contender Muscat 2026, held under the auspices of Nasser bin Sulaiman al Harthy, Adviser to the Chairman of the Oman Investment Authority, concluded successfully on Saturday evening, at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex in Bausher, following six days of high intensity international table tennis competition that began on Monday.
The prestigious tournament brought together nearly 200 elite players from 34 countries, delivering world-class performances across all categories and reinforcing Oman’s growing stature as a key host of major international sporting events.
The championship witnessed dominant performances by Chinese players across several categories. In the Women’s Singles final, China’s Shi Xunyao claimed the title after defeating her compatriot Tseng Chiman in straight games (11–5, 11–6, 11–7), demonstrating technical superiority and composure throughout the match.
The Men’s Singles final delivered one of the most dramatic encounters of the tournament, as China’s Wen Ruibo edged Slovenia’s Darko Jorgic in a thrilling seven game battle, winning 4–3 after a fiercely contested match that captivated the audience until the final point.
In the Men’s Doubles, Chinese pair Lin Shidong and Huang Youzheng secured the title with a 3–1 victory over Germany’s Benedikt Duda and Patrick Franziska, while China continued its dominance in the Women’s Doubles as Qin Yuxuan and Tseng Chiman defeated Hong Kong’s Do Hoi Kem and Ng Wing Lam in straight games.
The Mixed Doubles competition produced one of the tournament’s biggest highlights, with India’s Manush Shah and Diya Chitale claiming the title after a thrilling 3–2 victory over the Chinese duo Huang Youzheng and Shi Xunyao, in a match widely regarded as one of the most exciting of the championship.
Egyptian international Dina Meshref praised the tournament’s competitive standard and organisation, stating that the event provided strong technical challenges and an ideal environment for top level performance. She emphasised that competing in Muscat added valuable experience to her international campaign.
Oman national team player Mohammed al Mutawa described the tournament as a significant opportunity for local players, noting that competing against world class opponents from different playing styles contributed greatly to player development and international exposure.
Czech player Stepan Brhel commended the high organisational standards, while Slovakian players Emma Labosova and Dominika Wiltschkova highlighted the professionalism of the event and the quality of competition. French player Joe Seyfried also praised the strong level of play and the enthusiastic crowd support throughout the tournament.
Meanwhile, Sourabh Chakraborty, coach of the Indian team, expressed his appreciation for the excellent organisation, stating that the successful staging of the tournament reflects Oman’s growing expertise in hosting elite international table tennis events.
The tournament featured nearly 200 players from 34 countries and offered a total prize pool of $100,000. With strong spectator attendance and smooth organisational execution, WTT Contender Muscat 2026 concluded as a resounding success, further solidifying Oman’s position on the global table tennis map.
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