Aruna, Assar renew African table tennis rivalry in Nairobi next week

Nigeria’s Quadri Aruna and Egyptian Omar Assar will freshen up their rivalry in African table tennis in Nairobi, Kenya when the 2023 Africa Cup holds next week. The Africa Table Tennis Federation (ATTF) yesterday announced that the tournament would hold from May 4 to May 6 at the Moi International Sports Centre in Kasarani. Aruna […]

Nigeria’s Quadri Aruna and Egyptian Omar Assar will freshen up their rivalry in African table tennis in Nairobi, Kenya when the 2023 Africa Cup holds next week.

The Africa Table Tennis Federation (ATTF) yesterday announced that the tournament would hold from May 4 to May 6 at the Moi International Sports Centre in Kasarani.

Aruna who missed out on the title in 2022 after suffering a thigh injury in the final match to concede the title to Assar at 4-3 will be hoping to reclaim the title.

This is in view of his recent form at international tournaments across the globe.

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Aruna, presently ranked 12th in the world, is the highest-ranked African in the world while Assar is rated 33rd and is the second best-rated African.

Also, the current African best-ranked female, Dina Meshref of Egypt, is at present in fine form following her display at the just-concluded WTT Champions in China.

Meshref will be up against compatriot and defending champion Hana Goda who claimed her first continental title in Lagos last year.

“Kenya as hosts will present four players each in men and women events, with Brian Mutua leading the East African team against the visitors,” the ATTF said in a statement.

“The Africa Cup will serve as a dress rehearsal 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 May 28,” it added.