Athletes revealed for Oceania’s premier event

February 15, 2018

Ready for action; Yoshua Shing will competing the ITTF-Oceania Cup on home soil. ( Photo: ITTF World)

The qualified players list for the 2018 ITTF-Oceania Cup has been released, with the region’s biggest names set to battle for the coveted title.  Oceania’s premier event will see the athletes battle it out for a share of the $40,000AU prize pool, with this year’s edition taking place in Port Vila, Vanuatu from the 18th-19th of May.

Australia’s Heming Hu will look to make his debut appearance at the event.  The Olympian is the currently ranked no.1 in Australia and will be keen to wrangle the title from defending champion’s David Powell’s hands. 

Vanuatu’s Yoshua Shing will be an underdog for the title and ready to cause some upsets.  At the 2017 ITTF-Oceania Cup, the two time Olympian was able to take the bronze medal for his first ever podium finish.  In 2018 he will be competing on home soil, and the crowd will be sure to push Shing to go climb even higher. 

In the women’s event, three time champion Jian Fang Lay is set to defend her title.  While Lay is definitely the veteran within in the field, she doesn’t look like slowing down.  The 44 year old recently found herself as high as no.66 in the World Rankings, and undoubtedly will be favourite to take the title. 

Stephanie Qwea will be the Vanuatu’s representative at the event.  Qwea took silver on home soil at last year’s Mini Pacific Games, and will be looking for similar form when the ITTF-Oceania Cup comes to her backyard. 

There is more at stake than just the title and prize money.  The winner will take 1800 World Ranking Points and will earn the right to participate at the ITTF World Cup later in the year. 

Check out the full list of qualified athletes below and comment who you think will take home the title.