The ITTF, along with the European Table Tennis Union (ETTU) and African Table Tennis Federation (ATTF), have collaborated to establish ‘Euro-Africa Zone’ as a pilot project, according to the global governing body. The circuit will be one of three regional tours for smaller organisations and middle-ranking players, with the Americas Zone set to launch in 2013 and the Asia-Pacific Zone likely to start in either 2013 or 2014.
The Euro-Africa circuit will comprise up to eight tournaments, with between four and six staged in Europe and two or three taking place in Africa. The Euro-Africa Zone will be open to all ITTF members with the same eligibility regulations as the current Pro Tour.
“The ITTF is very happy with this excellent initiative between the ETTU and the ATTF, which will enhance the competition programme for the associations in Europe and Africa,” said ITTF president Adham Sharara. “The ITTF fully supports this initiative.” ATTF president Khaled El-Salhy explained that the circuit should provide an opportunity for young African players to compete in more ITTF-sanctioned events.
ETTU president Stefano Bosi added: “We started this project with the aim to give our hopes the chance to play more and to our European Associations the opportunity to attend more international events and save money. The solution we achieved with the ITTF and with the support of the African Association looks successful and we feel very happy to have found a common ground to work on.”
