African stars stamp authority

Two of Africa’s leading players Omar Assar and Quadri Aruna are predicting a tough ITTF Africa Cup edition despite easing past their opponents at Kasarani’s Moi International Sports Centre gymnasium yesterday.

Aruna savoured  early straight sets (11 – 9 , 11-  5 , 11  -9) win over  Kenya’s Peter Muturi to bolster chances of a spirited campaign in Nairobi where he played second fiddle to  Assar five years ago.

Egypt’’s Omar also beat Houmed Saido Mohamed from Djibouti 3-0 in another one-sided preliminary match.

In another match, Algerian Mehdi Bouloussa beat Brian Mutua of Kenya 3-0 (11 – 7, 11- 4, 11).         

After the first preliminary matches, both Aruna and Assar predicted tough encounters ahead of the round of 16 which starts tomorrow.

Tomorrow’s round of 16 will mark the start of the knockout segment of the event which culminates in Saturday.

Aruna commented: “I think this time round it will not be about me or Assar. We have so many good players in Africa and I am looking forward to playing match after match. It’s possible that we could meet at the final with Assar, but the main objective of this tournament is who will be the best player and win the medal.”

Assar on his part remarked; “Aruna is one of the event favorites, last time we met we had a very good rivalry and game in Lagos where I won at his home ground. This time I am looking forward to even a better match.

In the ladies category, Egyptians Dina Meshref and Hana Goda (who is the defending champion) are renewing their rivalry in Nairobi after a pulsating final in Lagos last year where the latter emerged the winner.

Hana said in an interview that he is going for nothing short of victory.

She emphasized:  “I hope I can play better in this tournament and focus on the upcoming events.