About 32 emerging stars will launch their final battle for top honours at the Second Atanda Musa U-15 Invitational Championships, which ends today at the Lagos Country Club, Ikeja.

The two-day tournament brought together the top 32 players from the just-concluded Efunkoya Cup, with Usman Ayoola and Khadijah Musa, aiming to dominate the boys’ and girls’ events.

The performance of the young players has so thrilled former Commonwealth champion, Atanda Musa, who is sponsoring the competition, that he has promised to get more corporate and private bodies to key into the event.

Musa, who is one of the most decorated table tennis players in Africa’s history, has also promised to sustain the tournament as part of his support for the growth of the sport, as well as an avenue to give back to the country.

“I am thrilled with what I have seen from the group matches, which goes to show that Nigeria is not lacking in talent.

“My decision to host the tournament was borne out of my desire to support the game that took me across the world. I have resolved to host it every year, and by the grace of God, I will continue to do this.

“I hope and pray that some of the players will become world beaters in the near future,” he said.

Top seed in the boys’ category, Ayoola, admitted that the tournament has been very tough, saying, “It is not sure for anybody in the tournament. I am so happy meeting Atanda live, and I hope I can be motivated to emulate him and surpass his record.”