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SINGAPORE: Singapore's biggest table tennis competition will be back for the third time. The Singapore Open will be held from 4-8 June, and organisers are touting it as a dry run for the Beijing Olympics.
That is because the TMS Singapore Table Tennis Open will feature the world's top players in both the men's and women's events.
So for the spectators, it will be as good as watching the table tennis competition at the Olympics.
At the Singapore tournament, the big names will battle it out for a total prize of US$120,000. But there is more at stake for the record 259 players taking part this year.
Jackie Tay, CEO of Singapore Table Tennis Association, said: "In this tournament, the players will fight for the very important seeding points, even though they have already qualified for the Olympic Games.
"Their performance at this tournament will determine their seeding as far as the actual draw is concerned."
So the top players from China, Korea, Japan and host Singapore will be out to show their best. For Singapore paddlers, they will be using this event as a final tune-up, before going into intensive preparations for the Olympics.
Liu Guodong, head coach of Singapore national team, said: "For the women singles and doubles, I hope they qualify for the top eight. For the men's singles, I want at least one of them to get into the top 16, while for the men's doubles, to finish top eight."
But the Singapore Table Tennis Association assured players that while they will be pushed hard, it will not be done at the expense of safety.
To get the players in top form, much emphasis has been placed on strength and conditioning, as well as the mental aspect of training.
To give a further boost to Singapore players, organisers of the Singapore Open are encouraging local fans to turn up in red to show their support.
With such strong competition, organisers are expecting a good turnout at the Toa Payoh Sports Hall. Fans can catch the competition free of charge on the first day of the tournament.
To bring the event closer to the public, a series of road shows will be held over the next few weekends. - CNA/ir
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