By Victor Kanayo
Africa’s best tennis player Aruna Quadri and his continental rival Omar Assar of Egypt will again battle each other when the 2023 Africa Tennis Cup tournament serves off from May 4 in Nairobi, Kenya.
The competition is scheduled for the Moi International Sports Centre in Kasarani.
The Africa Club Championships will precede the Africa Cup and both tournaments would serve as dress rehearsals for the first World Championships to be staged in Africa in 84 years, which is due to take place in Durban, South Africa from May 20 to 28.
Aruna who missed out from the title in 2022 after suffering a thigh injury in the final to concede the title to Assar at 4-3 will be hoping to reclaim the title following his recent form at international tournaments across the globe.
The Nigerian, presently ranked 12th in the world, is the highest ranked African table tennis player in the world while Assar is rated 33rd as the second best rated African.
Current African best ranked female Dina Meshref who is at present in fine form following her display at the just concluded WTT Championship in China will be up against compatriot and defending champion Hana Goda who claimed her first continental title in Lagos last year.
Each participating country is expected to present two players each in men and women events while Egypt as the defending champions in men and women will nominate two players alongside the two champions.
Kenya as host will present four players each in men and women events, while Brian Mutua will lead the East African team against the visitors.
