Mixed Fortunes at WTT Contender Lagos 2025 as Akula Stuns Top Seed Hayata

Posted : 25 July 2025

It was a bag of mixed feelings at the ongoing 2025 WTT Contender in Lagos, as defending women’s singles champion Sreeja Akula of India began her title defense with a dominant performance, while other top players suffered early exits.

The main draw opened with unexpected results, as several top-seeded players were eliminated in the early stages of the championship.

The five-day, $100,000 tournament is currently taking place at the Molade Okoya-Thomas Hall, Teslim Balogun Stadium in Lagos.

Japan’s Hina Hayata, the top seed in the women’s category, was the biggest casualty on the opening day, falling to Akula in a stunning straight-sets defeat.

Spectators were treated to a day of high-intensity rallies and world-class table tennis as the tournament got into full swing.

Egypt’s former African champion Dina Meshref also impressed, advancing to the second round with a confident opening win.

Akula, who claimed her maiden WTT Contender title in Lagos in 2024, played with poise and tactical sharpness. Her disciplined approach paid off as she dispatched Hayata 3-0 (11-7, 11-8, 11-3) to secure a spot in the next round.

“I was well-prepared for the match, even though it was my first time playing her,” Akula said. “She’s the top-ranked player, but I didn’t focus on rankings—I just stuck to my game plan.”

Seeded ninth, Akula described Lagos as a lucky venue, having made history there as the first Indian to win a WTT title.

“Being the defending champion gives me confidence. I won both singles and doubles titles here last year,” she said. “Lagos has been great for me. I’m happy to return and just want to enjoy the tournament.”

Meanwhile, Egypt’s Hana Goda also got off to a strong start. The 17-year-old, who won her first continental title in Lagos in 2022, came from behind to defeat India’s Roy Krittwika 3-1 (8-11, 11-9, 11-8, 11-7) and book her place in the round of 16.

“My opponent played better than I expected, and I was shocked at the start,” Goda admitted. “She gained momentum early. I’m glad I recovered, though I wasn’t fully satisfied with my performance. I’ll aim to do better next round.”

Goda is set to face Yi-Tian Yeh of Chinese Taipei next. “It’ll be fun playing Yi-Tian again. We faced off as kids, so maybe this is my chance to even the score,” she added.

Seeded third in the tournament, Goda expressed her happiness at returning to Lagos.

“I love being in Lagos. I have many friends here and feel supported. I missed coming last year, and 2023 wasn’t my best performance,” she said. “But Lagos is special—it’s where I won my first African title. I hope to perform better this time.”

Mixed Fortunes at WTT Contender Lagos 2025 as Akula Stuns Top Seed Hayata

ADD A COMMENT :

Hot Topics