Men’s singles defending champion, Omar Assar of Egypt will face a Herculean task at this year’s ITTF Africa Cup especially against Nigeria’s Quadri Aruna who was in superb form at the WTT Series in China and Thailand.
Assar was saved from defeat at the 2022 edition in Lagos following the thigh injury sustained by Aruna during the final of the men’s singles.
While Aruna has been in top shape, Assar has not been in fine form lately at several international tournaments and the Moi International Sports Centre in Nairobi where Assar defeated Aruna 4-3 to win the title in 2018, will be the scene of action yet again.
Aruna and Dina Meshref have been named number one seeds in the men and women event as Taiwo Mati will be making his debut at the tournament after his semi-final finish at the 2022 African Championships in Algiers.
Meanwhile, 15-year-old Hana Goda has expressed her readiness to defend her women’s singles title at the 2023 tournament from May 4 to 6.
“I’m very ready and excited for the tournament,” the Cairo-born athlete said ahead of her departure to Nairobi. “It’s going to be a tough battle as there are really good players but I’m really looking forward to playing the tournament and hopefully I can defend the title.”
Also, each participating country is expected to present two players each in men and women events while Egypt as the defending champions in men and women will nominate two players alongside the two champions.
The Africa Club Championships from May 1 to 3, will precede the Africa Cup and both tournaments would serve as dress rehearsals for the first World Championships to be staged in Africa in 84 years, which is due to take place in Durban, South Africa from May 20 to 28.
Credit: thenationonlineng.net
