ITTF Africa Cup: Quadri calls for fans’ support ahead s’final battle vs Assar

Nigeria’s table tennis superstar, Aruna Quadri has called for more fans support at the ongoing ITTF Africa Cup holding in Lagos.

The Portugal-tennis star is set to face his continental rival, Omar Assar of Egypt, in what promises to be an epic semifinal match at the the Molade Okoya-Thomas Hall of Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos Nigeria today (Monday).

Quadri, the defending champion, hailed compatriot Olajide Omotayo for putting up a good fight against Assar in the quarter-finals on Sunday, then called for more fans support ahead of the battle royale.

“I am very happy about tonight’s game. It was a relief to win playing against such a very strong opponent like him; it was a narrow escape for me,” said Quadri after beating Senegal’s Ibrahima Diaw 4-3.

“I must commend Omotayo Jide for a very good game against Omar Assar. Omotayo is indeed another big star in Africa.

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“I want everyone to come tomorrow. The fans’ support was a huge catalyst for my victory today, as always.”

The other semifinal clash in the men’s singles category would be between Egyptian veteran Ahmed Saleh and Algeria’s Sami Kherouf.

To Diaw, the loss to Quadri was painful even as he had learnt his lessons from the encounter.

“I think next time when we meet I will know how to finish up. I am happy with my performance and I am looking forward to the Nigeria Open,” the Denmark-based Senegalese star said.

Women’s defending champion, Dina Meshref of Egypt, would aim to fulfill her dream of holding on to the title when she faces a familiar foe in Nigeria’s Edem Offiong in the semifinal.

In the other last-four match, tournament’s surprise package, Tunisia’s Fadwa Garci, will take on Egypt’s Yousra Helmy.

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