by Ian Marshall, ITTF Publications Editor

Not only is there the motivation of competing on home soil; in addition at the 2016 ITTF African Junior and Cadet Championships, Tunisia came very close to securing the Cadet Girls’ Team title.

They were beaten in the final by Egypt in a full distance five match encounter.

After losing to Eman Taha (11-5, 11-3, 11-8), Fadwa Garci partnered Manel Baklouti to doubles success against Rinad Fathy and Eman Taha (11-7, 11-4, 8-11, 9-11, 12-10), before overcoming Rinad Fathy (6-11, 11-9, 11-13, 11-4, 16-14) to level the overall score in the fixture. Alas for Algeria, it was not to be; in the concluding match of the engagement, Manel Baklouti was beaten by Eman Taha by the very narrowest of margins (7-11, 11-6, 6-11, 11-5, 12-10).

The pill was even more bitter to swallow as earlier in the tournament, in the group stage, Tunisia had beaten Egypt by three matches to nil. Notably Fadwa Garci beat Shahd Sameh (11-7, 11-8, 8-11, 11-9), before teaming with Manel Baklouti to secure the doubles in opposition to Rinad Fathy and Eman Taha (11-7, 11-5, 6-11, 6-11, 11-8).

Fadwa Garci spoke to Olalekan Okusan, the ITTF Africa, Press Officer

We are preparing for this major competition very seriously, and I am sure we will be fully ready for D-Day. I think that we have the best young generation in Africa for boys and girls. We just have to work very hard to compete very well against the likes of Nigeria, Egypt and Algeria.

Of course last year, we almost won the Cadet Girls’ Team title after beating Egypt in the group matches and I hope that this year, the African title will not elude us. I hope that we will win lots of African titles at home this year.

It will be more advantageous for us and will be amazing to win title at home. Personally, I will be aiming for the titles in the junior events.

My parents encourage me very well and motivate me to do my best. I thank them very much.