by Ian Marshall, ITTF Publications Editor

Likewise, there was success for Egypt’s Ahmed Elborhamy, the no.6 seed and Tunisia’s Omar Ammous, the no.7 seed.

It was the same for Egypt’s Khalid Khader and Mahmoud Helmy, the respective eighth and ninth seeds.

Seeds experience defeat

However, in a stage that witnesses one match remaining for each player (each group comprises four players), there were problems for Qatar’s Nawaf Al-Malki, the no.7 seed and Tunisia’s Youssef Ben Attia, the no.10 seed.

Two players from each group advancing to the main draw, the door is still open but neither player can afford another hiccup.

Opening success

Nawaf Al-Malki overcame Egypt’s Abdelrahman Eliwa in his opening contest (11-5, 11-8, 11-9) but on his second visit to the table experienced defeat at the hands of Abdelrahman Dendan, also from Egypt (11-6, 8-11, 11-7, 15-13).

Notably Abdelrahman Dendan overcame Tunisia’s Yasser Khmakhem (11-8, 11-6, 11-2) on his one further visit to the table and thus is favourite for top spot.

Similar scenario

One defeat for Nawaf Al-Malki, it was the same for Youssef Ben Attia. He accounted for Egypt’s Karim Zarad (8-11, 11-7, 11-7, 12-10), before experiencing defeat at the hands of Tunisia’s Aboubaker Bourass (12-10, 12-10, 4-11, 11-6).

Problems for Nawaf Al-Malki in the Junior Boys’ Singles event; it was the same in the Cadet Boys’ Singles competition

The no.2 seed, in the one contest in which he was required to compete on the third day of action, it was defeat. He was beaten by Egypt’s Karim Zarad (11-9, 9-11, 11-8, 11-9).

Success for prominent names

Defeat for the second seed but for the other leading names, it was success in their opening Cadet Boys’ Singles contests.

Egypt’s Ahmed Elborhamy, the top seed, enjoyed success, as did the Tunisian duo of Youssef Ben Attia and Aboubaker Bourass.

Play continues

Proceedings in both the Junior Boys’ Singles and Cadet Boys’ Singles events continues on Saturday 3rd September.