…as Africa Cup serves off today
Egypt’s ENPPI Club successfully defended their men’s ITTF African Club Championship title in style at the Molade Okoya-Thomas Hall, Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos after thrashing Remo Stars 3-0 in the final on Wednesday, The PUNCH reports.
Ahmed Nadim put the 2019 champions ahead with a win over Amadi Omeh 3-2 (11-9, 11-2, 5-11, 10-12, 11-6) in the first set.
French star Antoine Hachard helped shore up ENPPI’s lead in the second set when he outclassed Remo Stars’ Taiwo Mati in three straight sets 11-5,11-2, 11-3, before Momen Hussein secured the title, edging Azeez Solanke 3-1 (6-11, 11-8, 11-9, 11-9).
In the women’s final, NSCDC came from a set down to beat Ocean Front 3-2 in a thrilling encounter.
Esther Oribamise lost to Bose Odusanya 3-2 (8-11, 6-11, 11-9, 11-5, 12-10) in the first set but NSCDC fought back in the second set through Fatima Bello to restore parity.
Bello thrashed Ajoke Ojomu 3-0 (11-4, 11-9, 11-9).
In the third set, NSCDC took the lead after Halimat Hussein also defeated Shuqurat Aiyelabegan in three straight sets.
Odusanya drew Ocean Front level in the fourth set after she edged Oribamise 3-2 in a nervy set (6-11, 11-5, 7-11, 11-7, 11-8) before the latter redeemed her image by recording a 3-0 victory over Ojomu in the final set.
Meanwhile, 48 players (28 men and 20 women) will compete for continental slots at the Africa Cup, which serves off Thursday (today) at the Teslim Balogun Stadium.
Nigeria’s top-ranked star in the men’s category Aruna Quadri will be aiming to wrestle the title from champion Ahmed Saleh, who is also vying to defend his 2020 title at the event.
Quadri, ranked 14th in the world, set a new record as the first African to reach the semi-final of the WTT Star Contender in Doha, Qatar in March, which Saleh is wary of.
“The present form of Aruna, I must be at my best to overcome players like him in Lagos,” Saleh said ahead of the opening game.
“It is motivating for us players to play in such an environment that you don’t lack the needed support to want to always give your best. I love the venue and the fans because they support you regardless of your nationality which for me is fair enough for all players.
“I will always try my best in every competition but I must admit that the speed in the sport is higher now. I will continue to play even at 42 as long as my body can carry me because my life revolves around the sport,” he added.
Copyright PUNCH.
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH.
Contact: [email protected]
