Losing start for Kenyans as Aruna, Omar dominate

Africa’s leading players Omar Assar and Quadri Aruna got their ITTF Africa Cup off to a flying start, as Kenyans fell, at Kasarani’s Moi International Sports Centre gymnasium on Thursday.

Aruna savoured an early straight-set (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.

Kenyans miss out on podium places as continental tennis club tourney concludes in Nairobi

Meanwhile, Egypt’’s Omar beat Houmed Saido Mohamed from Djibouti 3-0 in another one-sided preliminary match as Algerian Mehdi Bouloussa subjected Brian Mutua of Kenya to a 3-0 (11 – 7, 11- 4, 11) defeat.        

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

On Friday 5 May, the round of 16 will mark the start of the knockout segment of the event which culminates in Saturday.

“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 is 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,” Aruna offered. 

Assar on his part admits that the Nigerian, 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,” the Egyptian offered.

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.

“I hope I can play better in this tournament and focus on the upcoming events,” Goda offered.