The shuttle drivers are very busy; the hotels are checking in the customers diligently.  Table tennis players from 49 countries are approaching Schwechat, from 21 – 25 September, to attend the ITTF Pro Tour tournament at the Werner Schlager Academy in the Multiversum.

Most outstanding for sure is the team from China, which competes with the reigning World Champions Zhang Jike and Ding Ning in Schwechat.

Outstanding all-time greats as well will be there: Vladimir Samsonov (Belarus), Jorgen Persson (Sweden), Jean Michel Saive (Belgium), Kalinikos Kreanga (Greece) and Zoran Primorac (Croatia).

The greatest challengers for the aces from China should be primarily the stars from Japan (with the local heroes Jun Mizutani and Ai Fukuhara), players from Korea (Ryu Seung Min, the 2004 Olympic Champion), Hong Kong and Singapore.

In the middle: Austria's entire elite, which includes former World and European champion Werner Schlager.

The namesake and athletic director of the Werner Schlager Academy is the host of the tournament which will start for him on Friday (as a direct qualifier into the main draw.)  Most recently, the Niederösterreicher presented in great shape.  In the 3-1 win playing away for SVS Niederösterreich in the Champions League at Istres (France) he contributed two victories.

Pro Tour schedule:
Wednesday 21 September:
9  - 22:30 clock: singles and doubles qualifying, the start of the U21-candidates
Thursday 22 September:
9  - 22:30 clock: U21 competition, qualifying singles and doubles
Friday 23 September:
9  - 21.30 clock: the beginning of the main competition of the women (from 11 clock) and the main competition of the men (from 14 clock), U21, men's and women's double
Saturday 24 September:
9.30 - 21.00 Clock: Under 21, single and double women and men (up to Quarter Finals)
Sunday 25 September:
10.30 - 17.30 clock: Semi Finals and Finals Women and Men's singles, women's and men's double finals

Tickets:
At the counter at the entrance to the Multiversum Schwechat (Möhringgasse 2 - 4). Ticket prices: from € 3, season tickets, club promotions and discounts for youths and seniors

Detailed information you find at www.tt-austrianopen.com