WORLD TABLE TENNIS WILL ELECTRIFY AMERICA WITH INAUGURAL SMASH FROM THE UNITED STATES

LAS VEGAS HOSTING WTT GRAND SMASH, AND LEADING THE SPORT'S EXPANDING FOOTPRINT OVER THE UNITED STATES.

LAS VEGAS, October 21, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — World Table Tennis (WTT) raises the stakes in 2025 with the introduction of the American crash (US Smash) is about to electrify Vegas by 3 to July 13, 2025 at the Orleans Arena.

WTT Grand Smashes represents the pinnacle of professional table tennis, with an exciting 11-day event that combines top-level competition, fan experiences and exciting entertainment.

After the resounding success of China Smash 2024the addition of the US Smash, the first WTT Series event to be held the United Statesrepresents a bold step forward in WTT's mission to elevate table tennis on a global scale.

“Bringing the United States Smash Vegas is a game-changer for our sport and now ensures that a top-level table tennis event enters the most professional sports market in the world,” said Steve DaintonCEO of WTT. “The US Smash will put table tennis in the spotlight as one of the most exciting, fast-paced sports, guaranteed to captivate and energize the American public. We are excited to bring our most prestigious event to Vegas and continue our journey to increase the growth of the sport globally.”

Virginia sungCEO of USA Table tennisechoed this enthusiasm: “We are thrilled to bring a WTT Grand Smash to the US, the world's most influential sports market, and showcase our sport on a stage as dynamic as Vegas. This premier event will attract new fans, energize our community and inspire future generations of athletes and enthusiasts.”

Kicking off over Independence Day weekend, this historic event will showcase the extraordinary talent of local stars Lily Zhang And Jha's childthe best of America included Brazil Hugo Calderano And That of Puerto Rico Adriana Diazand the world's biggest international stars led by China's world No. 1 ranking Wang Chuqin And Sun Yingsha.

For American Lily Zhangthe current world number 29, the opportunity to play a WTT Grand Smash event the United States is a dream come true: “I am extremely excited to play in the United States Smash Vegas. The energy there is second to none and it's great to be able to host such a prestigious event the United States. It's a great opportunity to showcase our sport in a city known for big moments and world-class events.”

US Smash will honor Nevadathe Silver State, with its signature metal flashing throughout the event. Players from around the world will compete for the first-ever silver US Smash trophies in WTT's iconic InfinityArena. The main draw competition includes:

• Men's Singles: 64 players (50 world rankings + 4 Host Wildcards + 2 WTT nominated players + 8 qualifiers)
• Women's Singles: 64 players (50 world rankings + 4 Host Wildcards + 2 WTT nominated players + 8 qualifiers)
• Men's Doubles: 24 teams (20 combined ranking + 4 Host Wildcard pairs)
• Women's Doubles: 24 teams (20 combined ranking + 4 Host Wildcard pairs)
• Mixed Doubles: 24 teams (20 combined ranking + 4 Host Wildcard pairs)

The qualifying rounds will also have a robust field of participants:

• Men's Singles Qualifying: 64 players (58 world rankings + 6 host wildcards)
• Women's Singles Qualifying: 64 players (58 world rankings + 6 host wildcards)

The launch of the US Smash not only expands WTT's global footprint, but also plays a crucial role in building momentum for the sport following a successful final of the World Table Tennis Championships in Houston 2021 and as the world prepares for the LA 2028 Olympic Games.

Fans should stay tuned for the full WTT Series 2025 calendar available soon.

About the WTT series
The WTT Series is the professional table tennis series. Our events combine sports and entertainment, offering a global calendar of the world's best players and offering fans an engaging, innovative 360 ​​experience all year round. Across Grand Smashes, Champions and Contender Series events, our stars inspire future generations of players as they battle to qualify for the end of the season WTT Finals and being crowned world number 1 at the end of the year. Visit worldtabletennis.com for the latest news, videos and info.

About World Table Tennis
World Table Tennis (WTT) is the commercial and events platform of the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) Group. WTT's mission is to transform the global table tennis landscape by revolutionizing the experience and offering of the sport by combining sport and entertainment, engaging fans through innovation in a global events calendar for all, to empower future generations to inspire table tennis players and fans. Visit worldtabletennis.com for more information.

About Orleans Arena
The Orleans Arenaa facility of Boyd Gaming Corporation and affiliate of the Las Vegas Raiders, is celebrating 20 years since opening its doors to the public. The arena serves as one of the country's leading multi-purpose sports and entertainment facilities and has hosted more than 3,500 public events over the past twenty years. The venue has become home to several Olympic championship events, including World Wrestling, Men's Curling and US Figure Skating, in addition to NCAA basketball conference tournaments, touring concerts, family shows, motor sports and more. For more information, visit www.orleansarena.com/ or connect Facebook, X And Instagram. Complete details on entertainment options at Boyd Gaming's Las Vegas properties are available at www.boydgaming.com/explore/entertain.

Founded in 1975, Boyd Gaming Corporation is a leading geographically diversified operator of 28 gaming entertainment facilities in 11 states. The company is committed to advancing corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives that have a positive impact on the company's stakeholders and communities.

SOURCE World Table Tennis

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