The nation’s capital Pyongyang will stage a World Tour event from July 29 to August 2 in what marks a significant step for the sport in the region.

“The Pyongyang Open is sure to be a fantastic table tennis event,” ITTF marketing director Steve Dainton said following a visit to the country.

“It was amazing to see one of the best table tennis facilities in the world when we visited Pyongyang.

“The venue will ensure its one of the best Challenge Series World Tour events of the year.

“It has also been 36 years since the last ITTF event was held there.

“Having seen the situation for myself I am sure it will truly be a memorable event."

The sport enjoyed a surge in popularity in North Korea after Kim Hyok-Bong and Kim Jong claimed the mixed doubles title at the 2013 ITTF World Championships in Paris.

The duo produced a superb display to beat South Korean pair Lee Sang-su and Park Young-sook in the final, a victory that ensured they returned to their country as heroes.

The North Korean players then went on to clinch Asian Games gold last year in Incheon to add to their medal collection.

Before their triumph in the French capital, North Korea had won only two World Championships titles, coming in 1975 and 1977.

The Pyongyang Open will be the 13th leg of the series, which offers vital qualification points for the season-ending World Tour Grand Final, due to place in Lisbon in December.

The next stop on the World Tour is the Japan Open, which is due to begin in Kobe tomorrow and runs through until Sunday (June 28).

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