Africa’s flagbearer – Egypt will be aiming for a place in the quarterfinal of the 2018 ITTF Team World Ciup holding in London, as the Ahmed Saleh-captained side battle host – England in the deciding match of Group B of the men’s event.
The Egyptian team were beaten 3-0 by world number two team – Japan in their first group match but the highlight of the encounter was the match between Omar Assar and 14-year-old Tomokazu Harimoto.
After taking a 2-0 lead over Assar, the Japanese was taught some lessons by the Germany-based Egyptian. Assar put up a good fight to level the encounter at 2-2 but it was the Asian youngster that laughed last as he ensured that the match was beyond Assar. The match ended 3-2 in favour of the world junior champion to put the overall result at 3-0.
But today’s encounter against England will determine the fate of the African team in the competition as a win will ensure they get a passage to the quarterfinal round.
A confident Saleh told NationSport yesterday that he hopes that they can raise their game against England. “I must admit that the game against England promises to be exciting and we will fight for every point to ensure we advance from the group. Qualifying from the group is our first target in this tournament and I hope and believe in my team that we can do it in front of the London fans.”
Later today, the quarterfinal matches will be played and the best four teams will progress to the last four of the championship holding at the Copper Box Arena in London.