The 30th edition ofthe WTT Star Contender series - Doha 2025 - kicks off its main rounds at the Lusail Sports Complex on Wednesday. The event, which runs until January 11, serves as a key rehearsal for the 2025 ITTF World Table Tennis Championships Finals, set to be hosted by Qatar from May 17 to 25. On Tuesday, the qualifying rounds concluded across all five categories. In the men’s singles qualifiers, the Swede Christian Karlsson secured his spot in the main round by defeating Romanian Julian Creta 3-1. Meanwhile, Czech player Tomas Polansky edged past American Ma Jinbao 3-2 in a thrilling match that extended to a tiebreak. Chinese Taipei’s Ko Guan Hong delivered a dominant 3-0 victory over India’s Anirban Josh. South Korea’s Xu Seung Min caused an upset by eliminating China’s Xu Ying Bin in a closely fought 3-2 battle. Germany’s Kai Stomper also advanced, defeating French player Alexis Kouraichi 3-1. In the women’s singles, Sweden’s Filippa Bergand defeated Spain’s Sofia Zhang 3-1 to secure her place in the main round. Romania’s Adina Diaconu overcame Ukraine’s Margarita Pistoska with a similar 3-1 scoreline, while China’s Zhu Yuling showcased her prowess by sweeping Korea’s Li Zhiyun 3-0. Korean Yang Haeun triumphed over Hong Kong’s Wing Lam 3-1, and India’s Diya Chitali emerged victorious in an all-Indian clash, defeating her compatriot Ayhika Mukherjee 3-0. The women’s singles Round of 64 promises intense competition. Notably, Qatar’s Aya Magdy faces a formidable
challenge against Japan’s Mayu Kihara, a rising star ranked 29th in the world. (TNN)
