3rd ITTF Challenge: Egypt’s Assar Banks On Lagos Fans Support To Reclaim Title

By Rilwan Musa Gawu -


Egypt's table tennis star, Omar Assar, says he will be banking on his huge fan base in Lagos to emerge victorious in the men's singles at the 3rd International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) Challenge.

This year's edition runs from August 9th to 13th inside the Indoor Sports Hall of the Molode Okoya-Thomas, Teslim Balogun Stadium Lagos.
According to ITTF-Africa, Assar who has won the event in the past but was absent at the 2016 edition, says he cannot wait to claim his title back.
“I cannot wait to return to Lagos this year because last year, it was a bit tight for me as my club had two crucial matches to beat the drop in the French league," Assar who recently moved to Germany to sign for Werder Bremen in the German Bundesliga said," Assar said. 
"It was the same situation that affected Aruna Quadri as he could not also make it to the tournament last year. But this year, I cannot wait to come to Lagos again as I am eagerly looking forward to reclaim my title from anyone that is holding forth to it."
Assar, went on to describe the atmosphere at the Molade Okoya-Thomas Hall as players’ delight.
“I cannot compare the atmosphere in Lagos to anywhere in the world because the fans are always there to cheer the players. They always want to enjoy the matches regardless of who is playing. The vibes coupled with the applause from them most time inspire players to always want to give their best and I am looking forward to this situation again. The Lagos fans are awesome and I cannot wait to arrive,” the 2015 African games gold medallist added.

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