Friday, 27 July 2018

ITTF Challenge Nigeria Open: El-Beiali ready to step in Omar Assar’s shoe


By Our Reporter
MOHAMED El-Beiali has cemented his place in the Egyptian national team and he has been an integral member of the team to several tournaments within and outside Africa.

Again, the 29-year-old will be embarking on another journey to Lagos, Nigeria for the 2018 ITTF Challenge Seamaster Nigeria Open with one mission in his mind – to win the title like his compatriot – Omar Assar.

But Mohamed El-Beiali is aware of the task before him when he gets to Lagos and he is optimistic that despite the growing profile of Africa’s elite tournament, he is primed to clinch the title despite missing it narrowly in 2014 when he was beaten in the semifinal in 2014 by compatriot – El-Sayed Lashin.

“Nigeria Open is getting stronger every year particularly with the quality of players and this year, I am ready to fight for the title. I am aware of the quality of players coming this year but I will try my best to make something out of it as I am ready to fight till the end,” he said.

Like every player who is always willing to return to Nigeria, Mohamed El-Beiali described Nigeria Open as a unique tournament in Africa particularly with the friendly nature of Nigerians whose understanding of the sport cannot be underestimated. “I like people in Nigeria and I like Nigerian players and for sure Quadri Aruna has made us proud in Africa. Being my fourth appearances in the competition, I am hoping that I can replicate my 2014 feat where I made it to the semifinal stage,” he added.

Mohamed El-Beiali has admitted that with the array of stars coming to Nigeria Open this year, it promises to be exciting and tough for every player but as an optimist, the Egyptian star is not giving up on his dream of claiming his first title in Lagos. “I have seen the quality of players coming this year and I must confess that it promises to be explosive this year with huge support from the very understanding and supporting Lagos fans. I am hopeful that I can make it this year amidst the stars coming to Lagos.

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