(ATR) One of the three candidates for International Table Tennis Federation president is bowing out of the race.
ITTF deputy president Khalil Al-Mohannadi announced his withdrawal on Wednesday, saying he will instead run for the position of ITTF Executive Vice President at the federation’s elections on May 31 in Dusseldorf, Germany.
Al-Mohannadi also publicly endorsed current ITTF president Thomas Weikert over the other remaining candidate, Jean-Michel Saive of Belgium.
"Thomas has had two and a half years as President, where he has made positive changes to the sport, and I believe he deserves to be elected as President in his home country and have four more years to continue to work and implement his vision for our sport." Al-Mohannadi said in a statement.
"Jean-Michel Saive was a great player and ambassador for table tennis, which we all respect him for. Despite that, Jean-Michel has never held a high level international political table tennis position. So I don’t believe it is correct that his first position is that of ITTF President. But of course, if he wins I will be the first to congratulate him."
Weikert said in a statement he was "delighted to receive the backing of Mr. Al-Mohannadi."
"It is wonderful to have his direct support and I am honored he has chosen to endorse me," Weikert added.
"If I have the privilege of being elected ITTF President, I will continue to work in partnership with all leaders in our sport and harness the excellent expertise to ensure Table Tennis grows and thrives."
Written by Gerard Farek
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