Polina Mikhailova Bids Welcome to St Petersburg

A total of five events will be staged: Cadet Boys’ Singles, Cadet Girls’ Singles, Hopes Boys’ Singles and Hopes Girls’ Singles. Each competition will be organised in two stages, a group phase followed by knock-out with play-off matches for positions.

The tournament differs from one year ago when team events were also staged.

One Month Remains
“There is just over a month left before the start of the most significant and exciting international tournament for the youngest Russian table tennis players, the Russian Cadet and Hopes Open Tournament in memory of Nikolay Nikitin”, explained Polina Mikhailova, who excelled at the recent Liebherr 2015 European Championships in Ekaterinburg.

She won bronze in both the Women’s Team and Women’s Singles events.

Traditional
“The tournament is dedicated to the memory of the founder of the Eurosib Companies Group and the first President of the Table Tennis Federation of St. Petersburg, Nikolay Genievich Nikitin”, added Polina Mikhailova. “It is being held for the 16th time, so we have every right to call this competition traditional.”

Furthermore, tradition is very much the word the describe St Petersburg.

“Every year more and more Russian and foreign young sportsmen come to the most beautiful city in our country, St. Petersburg, not only to perform in the prestigious tournament but to gain ranking points and enjoy the beauty of St. Petersburg”, continued Polina Mikhailova.

Opportunity
Now, the leading female player in Russia, the tournament provides the opportunity for young players to make the first steps in trying to emulate the 29 year old.

“Playing in the tournament will be the start of a sport career for many; hard work is awaits on the journey”, stressed Polina Mikhailova. “Overcoming these difficulties can make you become a stronger player and gain good results in both Russian and international tournaments.”

Stepping Stone
Several years ago the tournament was a stepping stone for Polina Mikhailova.
“The Nikolay Nikitin Memorial was for me one of the first and the most important international events, it laid the foundation of my successes and opened the door to the Russian National Team and the World”, concluded Polina Mikhalova. “I invite all Russian table tennis players and our foreign friends to take part in XVI Nikolay Nikitin's Memorial and to visit my favourite city.”

Download Full Information
2015 Russian Cadet and Hopes Open Tournament in Memory of Nikolay Nikitin: Prospectus – Detailed Information 
2015 Russian Cadet and Hopes Open Tournament in Memory of Nikolay Nikitin: Local Website 
2015 Russian Cadet and Hopes Open Tournament in Memory of Nikolay Nikitin: Official Facebook Page

*** ITTF.COM / By: Ian MARSHALL,  ITTF Publications Editor // October 29, 2015 ***