Update: 5:00PM VANUATU Olympian, Yoshua Shing has been tagged as the early favourite in the open men’s division of the table tennis 2016 Fiji Open and Para Open next week.

Fiji Table Tennis Association president Anthony Ho said Shing, 22, was a talented player.

Ho said Shing’s rating improved after defending champion David Powell of Australia and Fijian number one Wang Qi were ruled out of the tournament.

Defending champion in the open women’s division Cathy Gauthier of New Caledonia is out as well.

The Fiji Open & Para Open will be held from January 25-30 at the Fiji Sports Council National Table Tennis Centre in Laucala Bay, Suva.