by Olalekan Okusan, ITTF-Africa Press Officer

Leading names in the continent but stern tasks await; all three must start their campaigns in the qualification tournament.

Presently listed at no.26 on the Men’s World Rankings and the winner last year at the 2018 ITTF Challenge Series Seamaster Open on home soil in Lagos, Quadri Aruna lines up alongside colleagues, Olajide Omotayo, Kazeem Makanjuola and Jamiu Azeez. Notably at the 2018 African Senior Championships in Mauritius, Olajide Omotayo was the player very much to catch the eye; contrary to expectations he reached the semi-final stage of the men’s singles event.

Meanwhile, Omar Assar competes alongside younger brother Khalid Assar and Youssef Abdel-Aziz. Similar to Olajide Omotayo, Youssef Abdel-Aziz is very much a name to note. Now in his first year out of the junior ranks; in 2018, he was crowned African junior champion, whilst also later in the year being on duty at the Buenos Aires 2018 Youth Olympic Games.

Fine form in 2018 from both Olajide Omotayo and Youssef Abdel-Aziz; it was the same from Dina Meshref. Gold medallist at the ITTF-Africa Top 16 Cup in Nairobi and also the women’s singles winner at the 2018 ITTF African Senior Championships. She will be present in the Hungarian capital alongside colleague and cousin, Yousra Helmy.

Egypt and Nigeria, the traditional rivals for continental supremacy, present in force at the Seamaster 2019 ITTF World Tour Hungarian Open; also Algeria is represented. Currently resident in London, Hiba Feredj competes in the women’s singles event.