Aruna Quadri, Assar head African contingent to Saudi Smash

Africa’s best-ranked player Omar Assar of Egypt and Nigeria’s Quadri Aruna will lead Africa’s contingent to the $2 million prize money Saudi Smash in Saudi Arabia.

In a statement by the African Table Tennis Federation (ATTF), the duo will lead 12 others in the tournament from Thursday at the Sports Hall King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah.

Assar and Aruna are expected to begin their campaign from the main draw on Saturday in the men’s singles.

Egypt’s duo of Dina Meshref and Hana Goda will also commence their battle for honours from the main draw of the women’s singles.

“With the champions taking home a whopping 2,000 ranking points, the events at King Abdullah Sports City are poised to dramatically shake up the standings when the tournament ends on May 11.

“Saudi Smash emerges as a marquee event in the WTT Series, blending top-tier table tennis action with dynamic entertainment.

“It transcends traditional event boundaries, creating a captivating spectacle that draws in fans and players from across the globe.

“It is set against the backdrop of Saudi Arabia’s rich cultural landscape and modern aspirations. It elevates the experience of table tennis, making it a landmark occasion,’’ the statement said.

Egypt’s quartet of Mohamed El-Beiali, Youssef Abdel-Aziz, Khaled Assar and Ahmed Saleh as well as Senegal’s Ibrahima Diaw and Algeria’s Mehdi Bouloussa will slug it out in the men’s draw.

Meanwhile, Marian Alhodaby, Yousra Helmy, Marwa Alhodaby and Hend Fathym, all from Egypt as well as Cameroon’s Sarah Hanffou and Algeria’s Lynda Loghraibi are in the women’s event. (NAN)