(by Steve Hopkins)

Dimitrij Ovtcharov announced on Friday that he has had an ankle surgery and will be unable to attend the World Championships next month in Houston.

Ovtcharov was in the midst of a solid year, having medaled twice in Tokyo.  He is the World’s No. 8 ranked player, and he won this event in 2017.  His absence removes one of the potential medalists, and perhaps provides an avenue for others.

Germany will still have Timo Boll and Patrick Franzisca seeded in the Top 15.

Want to be a part of history in Houston?  Visit this HoustonSports.org page to purchase tickets.

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“Houston is honored to be the first city in the Americas to host the WTTC”, said Harris County – Houston Sports Authority CEO Janis Burke. “The event will showcase the world’s most talented players, and we want to invite all of Houston’s culturally rich and diverse population to come out and support them in force. Even if they are just beginning to learn about the sport, we encourage everyone to experience this marquee, once in a lifetime event!”