ITTF Challenge Nigeria Open: Dutchman eyes podium place in Lagos
In March, 24-year-old Ewout Oostwouder won his third title at the Dutch national champions of 2018 after beating Barry Wijers 4-2 and this automatically makes him the best male player in Netherland.
However, Ewout Oostwouder is going on adventure to Africa for the first time with hope of experiencing a distinct atmosphere at the 2018 ITTF Challenge Nigeria Open holding on August 8 to 12 in Lagos, which is the commercial nerve centre of Nigeria.
Despite not being in Africa before, Ewout Oostwouder believes from what he has heard and read about the Nigeria Open, he cannot wait to be part of the party this year.
“I have heard a lot about the Nigeria Open but one unique this I heard is that there are many spectators who attend the tournament. Also the fans enjoy watching the game as well as encourage the players,” he said.
The Dutch star admitted that it is the excitement of playing in front of such supporting crowd in Lagos that prompted him to register for the championship.
“Going to Lagos will surely give me another experience and I think it is a good opportunity for me to play in Africa. I am looking forward to play in a hall with many spectators and besides that I have never been in Africa, as I am also curious about the culture of the country,” Ewout Oostwouder said.
In a modest manner, Ewout Oostwouder is aiming for a good outing in Nigeria despite not having an inkling of the seeding list for the tournament.
“I have not seen the seeding list of the tournament and so it is hard to say something about setting targets. It is my first tournament of the season, so I hope to reach a good level again.”
