The Star Awards event is due to be held on December 9 and aims to celebrate the world’s top table tennis players and coaches, who will be expected to be dressed in their finest outfits to attend the evening at the historic Patio de Gale in the centre of the city.

Players will arrive at the ceremony ahead of participating in the GAC Group 2015 ITTF World Tour Grand Finals, scheduled to be held in Lisbon from December 10 to 13.

The ITTF are hopeful the third edition of the Star Awards will build upon the success of the 2013 and 2014 events, both held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

"The ITTF Star Awards has grown into a yearly event with great stature and an important date on the calendar for all of the world's top table tennis players,” said Steve Dainton, ITTF marketing director.

“This year, we head to the beautiful city of Lisbon, in conjunction with the World Tour Grand Finals, to recognise the stars of our sport for what will be a classical and elegant evening."

A record eight awards are set to be given out on the night with the ITTF Star Breakthrough the new addition to the list of categories.

The main individual awards, the Male Table Tennis Star, Female Table Tennis Star, Para Male Table Tennis Star and Para Female Table Tennis Star, will be handed out, while the winners of the , Table Tennis Star Point, Table Tennis Star Coach and Fair Play Star awards will also be revealed, as in the previous two editions.

The ITTF believe both the Star Awards and World Tour Grand Finals are coming to Lisbon with Portuguese interest in the sport  at an all-time high following their men’s team beating Germany to claim gold at the TMS 2014 European Team Table Tennis Championships.

Portugal’s men were also able to secure gold at the inaugural European Games in Baku, Azerbaijan, in June after beating France in the final.

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