To slay a giant of the game of Omar Assar’s pedigree surely adds some confidence to one’s game. Tunisia’s Wassim Essid who recorded this remarkable feat at the recently concluded ITTF African Club Championships, is enjoying this bounce as he is confident about his prospects at the 2025 ITTF Africa Cup holding in Tunis.
The 17-year-old triumphed over the five-time Africa Cup champion Assar with a 3-2 victory, to become only the third African to better Assar in a competitive clash.
Despite Essid’s win though, his team narrowly lost 3-2 to Assar’s ENPPI. Nevertheless, Essid is optimistic about the ITTF Africa Cup, believing that playing on home soil will boost his performance against the top players.
“Of course, I have an advantage playing in my country, Tunisia, because my fans, friends, and family will support me. This competition will be a bit different because there are many top players, and I will try to give my best to go far in this tournament,” he said.
Meanwhile, President, Tunisia Table Tennis Federation (TTTF), Lofti Guerfel, has expressed his excitement about hosting the tournament, describing it as a gathering of the continent’s best talents.
Guerfel said: “It is surely a special event with talented players from across Africa gathering in Tunis. I hope you enjoy your stay in Tunisia.
“Our youth players are improving every day, and we are providing the best conditions for them to excel in the competition. There are many talented players like Quadri Aruna and Omar Assar. We also have young players who have nothing to lose against the top players. They will be ready to cause upsets as the pressure is more on the senior players than the young ones.”
