Former European champion – Austria’s Robert Gardos acknowledged the quality of players heading to the 2019 ITTF Challenge Plus Nigeria Open but the France-based star is ready to rock the boat with the top stars.
Being the second time the Austrian star will be heading to Africa and this time around he wants to make an impact when the tournament serves off on August 7 at the Molade Okoya-Thomas Hall of Teslim Balogun Stadium in Lagos.
The Hungarian-born Austrian star admitted that the timing of the tournament fits into his calendar in readiness for the new season.
However, the former European Youth Champion is not going for vacation this time in the West African nation but hoping to make a statement in the tournament.
“I think the tournament fits into my calendar for the new season preparation and I will try to make a good result for my ranking in order to qualify for the next Olympic Games in Japan.
Despite not knowing much about the tournament, Gardos believes he was convinced by some of the top players to be part of Africa’s elite competition.
“I did not know much and I have never been to Nigeria before. I am aware it is a Challenge Plus tournament which has always been well organized in an exciting atmosphere,” he said.
With a modest ambition heading to Lagos, Gardos said: “I hope to play a good level of my game and hope to make it to the last eight and be among the top four in the men’s singles.”
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Recalling his maiden visit to Africa, the Austrian star said: I was in Egypt for a tournament a long time ago, where I also had a vacation. I have not visited many countries in Africa before and I hope to enjoy every moment in Lagos.”