The Story
Formed in 2019, World Table Tennis (WTT) is the commercial and events arm of the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF). Created as the commercial vehicle to drive success and professionalised the sport carrying a prize purse of over US$500,000. Its primary objective was to elevate the sport to the higher ranking of world sports and bringing the core of all table tennis business to the limelight of global sports business; transforming the table tennis experience and delivering the event internationally through world-class entertainment with fan-engaging content.
World Table Tennis stars battled throughout the WTT series to qualify for the Singapore hosted first-ever WTT Cup Finals from 4-7 Dec 2021 at the OCBC Arena of the Singapore Sports Hub. Featuring 16 of the world’s top 20 players from each of the men’s and women’s singles categories, Singapore saw Olympic champions Chen Meng and Fan Zhendong, and Singapore’s Feng Tianwei exhibiting their world-class table tennis skills at the event. With Singapore’s commitment to bring sporting events back safely for everyone, the event allowed a maximum of 900 fans at each session with strict adherence to existing Covid-19 Safe Management Measures (SMM).
KIN, with its team of 15 full-time and contract staff, was appointed as the Lead Event Management agency to develop and manage the event’s 3 key pillars – Competition Venue, Games Services and Covid-19 SMM – alongside the Organising Committee. Having amassed its sports logistics expertise and experience, as well as proven execution methodology of Major Sporting Events over the years, KIN provided turn-key solution to set-up the event that was televised internationally.
Leveraging on their network in the industry, sports flooring and equipment were shipped in and setup on-site at event venues, integrating sports production lighting that was programmed to achieve the lux level of WTT requirements and lighting spread standards, as well as enhancing the atmosphere by incorporating show lighting for award ceremonies – all within the span of one month.
A dedicated team of Games Services personnel was also set up to manage the movement of International delegates and players’ arrival and departures as well as their daily
transportation between official venues.
An “all star” show experience with live DJ sets, show lightings and effects during the Victory Ceremonies highlighted the status and achievements of the winners. The event concluded with a big bang at the Closing Ceremony witnessed by a 1000-persons public audience.
While making sure the event venue and environment were setup to event requirements with a visually vibrant “show” element, strict compliance to existing SMM with additional steps of taking daily Antigen Rapid Test (ART) were implemented to ensure its crew and sub-contractors were kept safe throughout the setup phase and during event days. Event branding, directional and informational signages deployed throughout event grounds ensured movement of athletes, delegates, liaison officers and crew maintained safe distance and minimised human interaction and cross contact.
The WTT Cup Finals 2021 was executed with delivery-excellence giving a wholesome and safe experience for all local and international stakeholders.
