by Ian Marshall, ITTF Publications Editor

At the final hurdle, a three-one success was posted against the formation comprising Egypt’s Ahmed Meshref and Zaid Wael, who joined forces with Tunisia’s Atef Ben Salah.

The one win for the defeated was recorded by Ziad Wael; in the second match of the contest, he overcame Mootezz Saadaoui (9-11, 11-4, 8-11, 11-5, 11-9).

However, wins from Omar Ammous against Ahmed Meshref (11-5, 9-11, 11-7, 11-9) and in opposition to Ziad Wael cemented the victory (11-8, 11-7, 12-10). The one further win for the Tunisians was recorded by Aboubaker Bourass; in the second match of the contest he overcame Atef Ben Salah (11-5, 11-7, 11-8).

Earlier at the semi-final stage Omar Ammous, Aboubaker Bourass and Mootezz Saadaoui had recorded a three-nil win against the Algerian trio formed by Azzeddine Lazazi, Islem Tifoura and Abderrahmane Sebia.

“I am very happy with the victory, especially regarding the very good level of the other teams. My main tactic was always to take the initiative”, Omar Ammous

In the opposite half of the draw, Atef Ben Salah, Ahmed Meshref and Ziad Wael had secured a three-two win in opposition to the outfit formed by the host nation’s Iheb Kallel who partnered the India pairing of Shriram Kannan and Shaurya Pednekar.

The player to impress was Shaurya Pednekar; he accounted for both Ahmed Meshref (11-8, 11-9, 11-5) and Ziad Wael (13-15, 11-7, 2-11, 13-11, 11-9).

Disappointment for India but not in the Junior Girls’ Team event where, after the previous day a three-nil win had been recorded against the Tunisian trio of Manel Baklouti, Fadwa Garcia and Abir Haj Salah; the same margin of victory was secured when facing the team comprising Razan Fawzi and Tikouk Maroua who joined forces with the host nation’s Hiba Feredj.

Thus for Manushree Patil, Selena Selvakumar and Kushi Vishwanath, in a competition involving three teams playing on a group basis, it was the top prize; Manel Baklouti, Fadwa Garcia and Abir Haj Salah finished in second spot.