2024 ITTF World Cups: Aruna, Assar To Lead Africa
For the first time in the history of the ITTF World Cups, eight African players led by Nigeria’s Quadri Aruna and Egypt’s Omar Assar have been confirmed for the $1m prize money elite tournament, taking place in Macao, China from April 15th – 21st, 2024.
The annual tournament which has been rested for some years will be making a return as part of ITTF’s unwavering dedication to revitalising the sport’s illustrious heritage. With the centenary celebrations of table tennis approaching in 2026, this initiative according to ITTF embodies the world table tennis ruling body’s commitment to infusing iconic events with renewed energy and excitement.
2023 African Games champion Assar and finalist Aruna top the list of African players already listed for the championships. In the men’s event, Assar and Aruna will be joined by Egypt’s duo of Ahmed Saleh and Mohamed El-Beaili,
For the women’s event, 2023 African Games champion Egypt’s Hana Goda and compatriots Mariam Alhodaby and Yousra Helmy will feature, as well as Cameroon’s Sarah Hanffou.
Since its inception in 1980 in Hong Kong, China, the World Cup format has evolved with the assembling of the sport’s elite from every corner of the globe for a fierce competition. With a new playing system, the action kicks off with Stage 1, where players are divided into 16 groups of 3, engaging in intense round-robin battles.
The top-ranked players lead the charge in each group, while the rest are drawn in using a modified snake system, ensuring every match is a showdown of skill and strategy. To keep the competition fierce and fair, players from the same association are pitted against different groups.
The winners of each group will advance to the knockout draw of Stage 2 while the Galaxy Arena, the premier indoor venue in Macao, China with its cutting-edge arena will blend the world of table tennis with entertainment, delivering an unprecedented spectacle for spectators worldwide.
ITTF-Africa/Chidi Nwoke.
