by Olalekan Okusan, ITTF-Africa Press Officer

However, the important factor is that he progressed through the qualification stage; in the first round, it was tough draw to say the least; Mattias Falck finished proceedings the runner up.

Now looking ahead to Budapest, Khalid Assar is confident he can reach the later rounds even though his journey will start, as in Muscat, in the preliminary stage.

“Playing at the Oman Open is one of my preparations for the World Championships; it was a good experience playing from the group to the main draw. I hope this kind of preparation will help to put me in shape for the Budapest challenge.” Khaled Assar

In Muscat it was a strong field, in Budapest it will be even stronger; a fact of which the young man from Cairo is more than well aware.

“There is no doubt that the best players in the world are coming to Budapest and I am also aware that my campaign will start from the preliminary stage. I am hopeful that I can make a meaningful impact in Budapest by giving my best. My target is to make it to the last 16 which is possible with the right frame of mind going into the competition; this is one of big tournaments for me and I am eagerly looking forward to the party in Hungary.” Khaled Assar

Presently on the men’s world ranking list, Khalid Assar is named at no.182; in Budapest to achieve his goals it will be a tough task.