(by Steve Hopkins, photo USATT)

Spokane is set to become the epicenter of international table tennis this week.  A series of WTT events are set to be played in the second largest city in Washington State.  From August 5–13, elite players from all over the world will converge for two WTT Feeder tournaments and two ITTF Para events.

The events include

• WTT Feeder Spokane I (Aug 5–8)
• ITTF Para Future Spokane (Aug 6–8)
• WTT Feeder Spokane II (Aug 9–12)
• ITTF Para Elite Spokane (Aug 9–13)

Major international events have often been rare in the USA, but after the United States Smash this Summer, there have been a number of major events scheduled.  These events give American players the opportunity to compete on the biggest states without leaving the country – and in addition to the experience it also brings prize money and world ranking points.

In the first of the Feeder events, Aditya Sareen, Park Ganghyeon, and Edward Ly are three of the headliners in both events, but there will be recognizable players from Germany, Japan, and Korea in addition to many of the best from the US and Canada.

Following the Spokane series, American players will turn their focus to Myrtle Beach for the US Open Team Championships at the end of August. But for now, all eyes are on the Pacific Northwest.

Stay tuned to ButterflyOnline.com for daily updates, match highlights, and behind-the-scenes coverage as Spokane welcomes the world.

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