As part of the deal, the online gaming brand will benefit from advertising opportunities on the field of play and on social media, including the Match of the Day and Head to Head for the semi-finals and the finals of the tournament.

“We are delighted to be partnering with 188BET,” said WTT Head of Partnerships Sales in Asia-Pacific Raphael Chen. “This is a partnership with several ‘firsts’ – the first WTT Champions event and WTT’s first online gaming partner. We look forward to a fruitful and innovative partnership with this reputable company.”

WTT Champions, which includes individual men’s and women’s events, are WTT’s premier events, which are designed for the best 32 players in the world. Both events will be held as a combined event from 18-23 July 2022 in Budapest, forming part of the WTT European Summer Series.

188BET Managing Director Nigel Singer commented: “We are pleased to be partnering with World Table Tennis in the upcoming WTT Champions European Summer Series. 

“Being the industry first in Asia to be partnering with World Table Tennis, we look forward to a successful event for our Asia audiences.”

A statement from WTT read: “World Table Tennis heralds a new era for table tennis events. Following the resounding success of Singapore Smash in March, it has been gathering momentum and support from the entire business community.”