April 11, 2008	Friday	Rabi-us-Sani 4, 1429

KARACHI, April 10: All the prominent paddlers of the country will assemble in Lahore next month to feature in the second leg of the PTTF Masters Cup which runs at Wapda Sports Complex from May 2-5.

Top 32 men and as many women players are eligible to compete in the event which was revived by the Pakistan Table Tennis Federation (PTTF) after a long layoff last month by hosting the first leg of the circuit in Karachi.

Wapda ‘A’ and Habib Bank ‘A’ captured the men’s and women’s team event crowns respectively while Saleem Abbas and Sadia Falaksher, both from Wapda, reigned supreme in the men’s and women’s singles.

According to revised format, the first stage will be played on league basis while the second will be on knockout-cum playoff.

The PTTF has named a three-member organising committee on Thursday to run the event. Headed by Dr. Yasmeen Rashid, it includes Khalid Mirza (tournament director) and Irfanullah (organising secretary).

Meanwhile, the national table tennis camp is currently in progress at the PSB Coaching Centre in the city where at least six men’s and an equal number of women’s are under training of the two North Korean coaches.

The PTTF had invited 20 probables — 10 men’s and 10 women’s — but some players have obtained leave for their annual examinations.