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Egyptian duo Dina Meshref and Omar Assar and Nigeria's teenage Taiwo Mati are the only Africans left at the World Table Tennis Championship in Durban.
Egyptian duo Dina Meshref and Omar Assar and Nigeria's teenage Taiwo Mati are the only Africans left at the World Table Tennis Championship in Durban.
The 2023 World Championship Finals started on Saturday, May 20, and will end on May 28, the first time Africa will host after 84 years.
Pulse Sports reported that Africa's highest-ranked player, Quadri Aruna, was knocked out by Spanish Alvaro Robles in the round of 64 after a dramatic seven-set clash, 4-3.
Dina Meshref only African Woman left
The world's No. 28 ranked player, Dina Meshref, is the only woman left in the championship. She demonstrated her skill as she progressed to the round of 32 after defeating Anna Wegrzyn of Poland.
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Meshref said she remained committed to elevating her continent with each triumph.
Meshref, who hoped to continue her winning streak in the championship.
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19:59 - 23.05.2023
Africa's medal hopeful Quadri Aruna knocked out of World Table Tennis Championship
Aruna, was knocked out by Spanish Alvaro Robles in the round of 64 after a dramatic seven-set clash, 4-3.
She said, “It is an honour to represent Africa at the highest stage of table tennis. Right now, I am just trying to focus on each match, and to fight for each point.
"My draw was not an easy one, but I am glad that I still managed to come through it by winning my first two singles matches. I hope that I can continue this winning streak.
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"I will continue to give my all and aim for success, not just for myself but for all the aspiring players in Africa who look up to us.”
Omar Assar, Taiwo Mati only Africa medal hopeful
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22:16 - 22.05.2023
I Love Table Tennis, I cant stop playing, Seven time Olympian Olufunke Oshonaike
Oshonaike overcame significant hurdles to accomplish everything she has. The Nigerian has won 25 national championships, 11 medals in the African Games, and three titles at the continental level.
The reigning Africa Cup champion, Omar Assar, and Taiwo Mati, are the only medal hopefuls from Africa.
Assar has also proven his mettle on the international stage. His performance propelled him to the round of 32 after he survived a late surge from Kazakhstan’s Kirill Gerassimenko to emerge triumphant with a 4-2 win, giving African supporters a reason to cheer.
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Assar emphasized the significance of his journey, said “Playing table tennis here in South Africa means a lot to me, as I am sure it does to all African players as well.
"I will continue to prepare for my next match as I normally do and stick to my game plan, including trying to improve on my mistakes too. I will focus on the things I need to correct before the next match so that I can play better.
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14:45 - 03.05.2023
TABLE TENNIS Egypt Clubs rule 2023 African Club Championships
Egypt’s ENPPI and Petrojet are the champions of the 2023 Africa Table Tennis Club.
"I feel at home being here in Africa and I look forward to having better performances ahead. This tournament is an opportunity for me to show that Africa can compete with the best in the world.”
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19:59 - 23.05.2023
Africa's medal hopeful Quadri Aruna knocked out of World Table Tennis Championship
Aruna, was knocked out by Spanish Alvaro Robles in the round of 64 after a dramatic seven-set clash, 4-3.
22:16 - 22.05.2023
I Love Table Tennis, I cant stop playing, Seven time Olympian Olufunke Oshonaike
Oshonaike overcame significant hurdles to accomplish everything she has. The Nigerian has won 25 national championships, 11 medals in the African Games, and three titles at the continental level.
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22:51 - 20.05.2023
Quadri Aruna, Matti Taiwo begin World Table Tennis Championship with victories
Africa's medal hopeful, Aruna, defeated Ionescu 4-2 (11-7, 12-10, 8-11, 11-5, 7-11, 11-9) while Taiwo came from behind to record a victory against Jancarik 4-2 (7-11, 7-11, 11-6, 11-9, 12-10, 11-8).
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