I want to retain doubles title at Nigeria Open, says Frenchman Hachard

On his first visit to Lagos, Antoine Hachard partnered compatriot, Gregoire Jean, to clinch the men’s doubles title at the 2017 ITTF Challenge Nigeria Open.

Despite not making it to the podium in the men’s singles, Antoine Hachard is eager to make a return to Nigeria’s commercial nerve centre again this year with the hope of exceeding his 2017 performance.

Apart from aiming for a better outing this year, Hachard would love to experience the beautiful and exciting atmosphere inside the Molade Okoya-Thomas Hall of the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Lagos.

“I first heard about the excitement of the tournament in 2016 after watching the mesmerising dancing step of Finland’s Olah Bendek when he emerged winner at the 2016 edition of Nigeria Open.

“I decided to return this year because it will afford me the opportunity to have a good result as I felt very great last year,” he said.

The Frenchman described the organisation of the tournament as top-notch.

“Last year’s edition of Nigeria Open was well organised and it was a very special atmosphere because the crowd was totally involved during the matches and I loved this kind of experience.

This made me to play well and I am looking forward to same experience this year,” he said.