Author : WTT Team

WTT Youth Contender Hong Kong 2023 presented by Hang Seng Bank is ready to serve up a week of big-hitting table tennis. Next-gen stars are set to hit the tables at Queen Elizabeth Stadium from 7-13 August with a total of 12 titles up for grabs.

Local hopes will rest on the shoulders of Chan Baldwin Ho Wah. The 18-year-old has had a fantastic year so far, picking up the U19 Boys’ Singles title at WTT Youth Contender Helsingborg 2023 in June. When Hong Kong gets underway, the World Youth No.29 will be rocking a spot in the draw as the 3rd seed, well positioned to make a run at the title.

FOLLOW EVENT ACTION

While Chan may sit behind two U19 entries in the World Rankings, the local athlete has one thing to hold over his opponents; both the 1st and 2nd seed in Hong Kong are yet to win a U19 Boys’ Singles title this ranking period.

While both GIl Minseok and Kwon Hyuk have found plenty of success in the lower age categories, they are yet to take the top prize in a WTT Youth Series event. But with the duo positioned highest in the ranks, Hong Kong will provide both a chance to finally add an U19 trophy to their collection.

Park Gahyeon will be determined to once again stand on top of the podium in 2023.

It’s a different story in the U19 Girls’ Singles with the top entries heading to Hong Kong, China with a bucket-full of success behind them.

Park Gahyeon tops the list and will be favourite to continue her winning ways in 2023. Park hit it big this year, taking down the U19 title at WTT Youth Star Contender Lima. Those World Ranking points catapulted her up the global ladder, with the Korean Republic athlete now standing at World Youth No.6.

Close behind is rising star Yuna Ojio. With her unique katana grip, Ojio has rocked the boat and upset the status quo. With two U19 Girls’ Singles titles from the WTT Youth Series the past 12 months, the 15-year-old is not to be underestimated. The stats sheet is further proof, underscored by a 90% win rate this year. Currently sitting at World Youth No.15, you can be sure Ojio will be hunting to add more points to her total before 2023 closes out.

WTT Youth Contender Hong Kong will see singles events played out from U19 down to U11, with mixed doubles also being staged in the U19 and U15 age categories.

Be sure to tune in to see the globe’s youth take centre stage when action gets underway at 10:00 (GMT+8) on 7 August.