In an extraordinary display of skill and resilience, Egypt’s Omar Assar has made history by becoming the first African player to reach consecutive quarterfinals at the Olympic Games.
The 2023 African Games champion’s remarkable comeback victory over Kazakhstan’s Kirill Gerassimenko at the Paris 2024 Olympics is a testament to his tenacity and determination.
Trailing 2-0 initially, Assar staged an impressive recovery, clinching the next four games with scores of 12-10, 12-10, 11-9, and 11-3, securing a 4-2 triumph.
This victory not only highlights Assar’s prowess but also keeps alive the hope of surpassing his quarterfinal record set at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
Assar’s journey to the quarterfinals was marked by a series of convincing wins, including an 11-5, 13-11, 11-3, 11-2 victory over Ecuador’s Mino Alberto and a 4-1 win against Madagascar’s Fabio Rakotoarimanana.
The Paris Olympics have been a stage for stunning performances, with Swedish sensation Truls Moregard securing his place in the quarterfinals, and 2023 WTT Contender Lagos champion South Korea’s Shin Yubin, as well as 2024 WTT Contender Lagos champion India’s Sreeja Akula, making significant strides in the Women’s Singles.
Assar will face a familiar foe in the Swedish star Moregard in the quarterfinal of the Men’s Singles, inching closer to another milestone in Paris.
The African Table Tennis Federation (ATTF), now known as ITTF Africa, represents 54 member associations and is dedicated to promoting sustainable growth for the sport through engagement, development, and passion.
