The tournament also saw the participation of top Chinese players, including guest competitor Wang Yining, who ultimately won the men’s event against fellow Chinese player Yonis Yichang Xu, representing Western Australia. The presence of these international athletes is a testament to the growing prestige of the TTA Tour. Their participation not only adds depth to the competition whilst providing Australian and Oceania Champions like Cherry Le and Finn Luu with valuable opportunities to test their skills against some of the best from around the world.

Finn Luu, another standout performer, embraced the challenge by taking on Wang Yining of China. Although Finn ultimately lost 3-1, he put up a strong fight, keeping the match close with the match tied at 1-set-all, Finn narrowly lost the final two sets 11-9 and 12-10 in an entertaining performance. Finn’s performance was impressive, especially considering he had just returned from Paris, the 2024 season has seen Finn compete well against world-class opponents like World Number 1 Fan Fan Zhendong and World Number 4. Hugo Calderano.

Former National Champion, Olympian and Former National Coach Simon Gerada, expressed his excitement in Finn’s play, noting that the experience of competing against high-caliber players will only strengthen his game. Gerada also emphasized the importance of the TTA Tour in the domestic calendar, highlighting its role in providing Australian players with crucial competitive opportunities. He praised the tour for its ability to attract international talent, which in turn, elevates the standard of play for all participants.

However, Gerada also voiced concerns about the recent changes in the tour’s format, particularly the decision not to air the Women’s Singles final online. He noted that such changes may not have been as effective as the 2023 season’s approach and stressed that maintaining key operations is essential for the continued success of the tour.

As the TTA Tour continues to evolve, it remains a vital platform for developing and showcasing the best talent in Australian table tennis. With the involvement of international players and the dedication of athletes like Cherry and Finn, the future of the sport in Australia looks bright.