The upcoming ITTF World Cup in Macao has placed some of Africa’s top table tennis talents in challenging groups. Nigeria’s Aruna Quadri and Egypt’s Omar Assar are set to face stiff competition as the tournament begins.
Aruna Quadri, Nigeria’s leading table tennis player, has been placed in Group 15 where he will compete against Portugal’s Marcos Freitas and Puerto Rico’s Daniel Gonzalez. The statement released by the African Table Tennis Federation (ATTF) highlights Quadri’s remarkable journey as the first and only African to have reached the quarterfinal stage of this prestigious $1 million prize money tournament.
Egypt’s Omar Assar, another formidable player from Africa, finds himself in a tough position in Group 16, pitted against Sweden’s Truls Moregard and Iran’s Noshad Alamiyan. Assar, known for his tenacity and skill, is an African Games champion who has consistently shown his caliber on the international stage.
The competition’s structure is notably intense, with 48 players divided into 16 groups of three. Only the top player from each group will advance to the second stage, adding to the pressure of the initial matches.
Both Quadri and Assar are scheduled to start their campaigns on April 15, with Quadri facing Freitas and Assar taking on Moregard. The outcomes of these matches are eagerly anticipated, as they could significantly impact the dynamics within their respective groups.
The tournament also sees a strong representation from Egypt in both the men’s and women’s categories. Ahmed Saleh, Mohamed El-Beiali, and three female competitors—Yousra Helmy, Hana Goda, and Mariam Alhodaby—are all set to leave a mark. Notably, Cameroon’s Sarah Hanffou will also be competing, representing Africa in the women’s singles.
The ITTF World Cup in Macao promises exciting matchups with top seeds like China’s Wang Chuqin and Fan Zhendong, and women’s defending champion Chen Meng, all ready to demonstrate why they are the best in the sport.
This event not only showcases individual prowess but also reflects the growing competitiveness of table tennis globally, with players from all continents vying for supremacy on this prestigious stage. Fans of the sport are set for a thrilling tournament filled with intense rallies and strategic gameplay.
