by Olalekan Okusan, ITTF-Africa Press Officer

The dream is to secure a place in the North African team for the continental multi-sports gathering.

An admirer of Nigeria’s Quadri Aruna and China’s Ding Ning, in Budapest it is for Reem El-Eraky very much a stepping stone.

“It has been an exciting experience since I arrived a few hours ago in Budapest. I have come across several players I cannot imagine meeting in my lifetime as a player. They are world class players; this is what is unique about a world championships. I am so excited competing in my first singles even at a world championships, having featured in the team championship since 2016 in Malaysia. It is very competitive and hard for every player in this tournament. My focus is to win as many matches as possible; progress from the group and secure a place in the main draw.” Reem El-Eraky

Undoubtedly, Budapest presents a major opportunity for Reem El-Eraky to showcase her talents; an achievement completed last year in Mauritius at the 2018 African Championships. She partnered Farah Abdel-Aziz to women’s doubles gold.

“My main mission in this tournament is to be able to secure my place at the 2019 African Games and to ensure I gain points to get an easy draw at the Games in Morocco.” Reem El-Eraky.

In the initial stage of the women’s singles event in Budapest, Reem El-Eraky is drawn in the same group as Australia’s Michelle Bromley and Kyrgystan’s Altynai Omuralieva.