by Olalaken Okusan, ITTF-Africa Press Officer

Clearly in the German city, Yousra Helmy relished in the occasion; notably she advanced through the initial phase of proceedings to reach the first round.

“I will participate in many events from now till Budapest. I have two national team events, the Egyptian Women Cup and the Egyptian Women League finals by the end of March.” Yousra Helmy

A busy domestic schedule, it is the same on the international scene, a hectic itinerary.

“Also, I will play in the Spanish Open in March; the whole Egyptian national team will participate in a training camp in Germany before Budapest. Due to the busy schedule ahead of me, I will have to be continuously in top form, because of the important events I will participate in and I hope I will continue to be in my best form before Budapest.” Yousra Helmy.

A fine effort two years ago, the question posed for Yousra Helmy is as to whether she can progress even further in Budapest.

“Last time in Düsseldorf I reached the main draw for the first time in my life. I hope I can keep up this achievement and maybe do a bit better and win a match in the main draw; of course this also depends on my draw. I hope I can reach the main draw again this time and hopefully advance to the second round and I hope to win a few matches in women doubles. I am teaming up with Dina Meshref. I believe we are a strong doubles pair and we can achieve an amazing result. Yousra Helmy.

Most certainly, Yousra Helmy is giving herself every opportunity to succeed in Budapest and perhaps cause more than one upset.

“My expectations will depend heavily on the quality and quantity of practice I will be able to get, as I said we will be hopefully going to a training camp in Germany. I hope we really go and I hope it will be a good one, so I can achieve a better result than last time.” Yousra Helmy

In the Egyptian women’s team, Yousra Helmy joins forces with Farah Abdel-Aziz and Reem El-Eraky; Omar Assar will lead the Egyptian men’s team. He lines up alongside Ahmed Ali Saleh, Mohamed El-Beiali and Khalid Assar.