What to Expect from WTT Star Contender Chennai?
Synopsis
The WTT Star Contender Chennai 2026 promises thrilling table tennis action with an increased prize pool of USD 300,000. From February 10-15, the tournament will showcase top players, including defending champions from Korea and Japan, as well as India's finest talents in a competitive knockout format at the Tamil Nadu Physical Education and Sports University.
Key Takeaways
WTT Star Contender Chennai 2026 features a prize pool of USD 300,000 .
The tournament runs from February 10–15, 2026 .
Indian legend Sharath Kamal will be the tournament director.
A total of 167 players from 17 countries will compete.
Defending champions are Oh Jun-sung and Miwa Harimoto .
Chennai, Jan 27 (NationPress) The WTT Star Contender Chennai 2026 is set to showcase elite table tennis in India from February 10–15 at the Tamil Nadu Physical Education and Sports University. This marks the second occurrence of Chennai hosting this prestigious event and the fourth overall WTT Star Contender to be held in India.
This year's tournament boasts an increased total prize money of USD 300,000, up from USD 275,000 last year. Singles champions will take home USD 17,000 and 600 ranking points, while doubles victors will receive USD 5,500 and 600 points.
Indian table tennis stalwart Sharath Kamal, who marked his retirement at this event last year, will take on the role of tournament director for the 2026 edition.
Defending champions Oh Jun-sung from Korea and Miwa Harimoto from Japan lead a competitive field. India’s representatives include Manav Thakkar, who reached the semifinals in the last edition, alongside Sathiyan Gnanasekaran, Manush Shah, Harmeet Desai, Ayhika Mukherjee, and emerging talents Yashaswini Ghorpade, Diya Chitale, and Snehit Suravajjula.
Manush Shah and Diya Chitale, India’s first-ever qualifiers and champions at the WTT Contender Muscat 2026, will lead the mixed doubles category, while world No. 7 Manav Thakkar pairs with Manush Shah for the men’s doubles.
Featuring 167 players from 17 countries, including 90 Indian participants and 77 international competitors, the tournament will follow a knockout format, with qualifying rounds commencing on February 12.
In the Women’s Singles, the 16-year-old Miwa Harimoto, an Olympic medallist from Paris 2024, captured her first title at this level by defeating fellow countrywoman Honoka Hashimoto 4-2.
Meanwhile, Manav Thakkar's remarkable journey ended in the semifinals, marking him as the only Indian male to reach the semifinals of a WTT Star Contender. The Mixed Doubles title was claimed by South Korea’s Lim Jong-hoon and Shin Yu-bin after a straight-games win.
The WTT Star Contender Chennai 2025 was organized by Stupa Sports Analytics and Ultimate Table Tennis (UTT) under the auspices of the Table Tennis Federation of India (TTFI), featuring a prize pool of USD 275,000 and offering 600 ranking points to winners.
Point of View
It's evident that the WTT Star Contender Chennai 2026 is a significant event that not only highlights India’s growing stature in international table tennis but also showcases the nation's commitment to hosting world-class sporting events. This tournament is a testament to the dedication of players, organizers, and the Table Tennis Federation of India in promoting the sport.
NationPress
12 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the prize money for the WTT Star Contender Chennai 2026?
The total prize money for the WTT Star Contender Chennai 2026 is USD 300,000, which is an increase from last year's USD 275,000.
Where will the tournament be held?
The tournament will take place at the Tamil Nadu Physical Education and Sports University in Chennai.
When will the WTT Star Contender Chennai 2026 occur?
The event is scheduled from February 10 to 15, 2026.
Who are some key players participating in the tournament?
Defending champions Oh Jun-sung from Korea and Miwa Harimoto from Japan will headline the field, along with India's Manav Thakkar and other talented players.
How are the matches structured?
The tournament will follow a knockout format, with qualifying rounds starting on February 12, leading up to the main draw.
