Table Tennis: Egypt's Assar clinches African Games gold, secures Olympic berth

Ahram Online , Wednesday 6 Mar 2024

Egyptian table tennis star Omar Assar clinched the gold medal in the men's singles competition at the All-African Games on Tuesday, defeating Nigerian rival Aruna Quadri in a nail-biting seven-game final (4-3), which qualified him for the Paris Olympic Games.

Egypt s Omar Assar reacts during the table tennis men s singles second round match against Ukraine s Kou Lei at the 2020 Summer Olympics, Monday, July 26, 2021, in Tokyo. AP

Assar's victory marks his third African Games gold medal in the men's singles event, having previously claimed the top prize in 2015 and 2016.

He also secured his qualification for the Olympic Games in Paris later in 2024, joining compatriot Hana Gouda who triumphed in the women's singles final against Dina Meshref (4-2).

Gouda's win marks her first African Games gold medal and guarantees her a spot at the Olympics alongside Assar.

The African Games, which are currently ongoing in Accra, Ghana, will continue until 22 March.

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