WTT Contender: Meshref becomes first female African to reach semifinal

Egypt’s Dina Meshref has set a new African record after becoming the first female African player to reach the semifinal of WTT Contender in Doha.

Meshref described the feat to hardwork and support of her team.

From starting her campaign from the main draw (round of 32), Meshref edged out Czech Republic’s Hana Matelova 3-0 (11-9, 11-7, 11-5). She was set up in the round of 16 against Thailand’s Suthasini Sawettabut. A determined Meshref advanced to the quarterfinal of a WTT Series event for the second time in her career, after posting a notable 3-1 (11-9, 11-6, 9-11, 11-9) win over the Thailand star.

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Meshref continued her good form with another emphatic 3-2 win over South Korea’s Kim Nayeong. The tie against the Korean brought out the best in the African star that she had to recover from 2-1 down to win the encounter at 3-2 (11-8, 8-11, 3-11, 11-6, 11-9).

In the semi-final clash against South Korea’s national champion and world number nine Shin Yubin, Meshref put up a good fight but succumbed to defeat against the Asian star 3-1 (7-11, 9-11, 12-10, 9-11) to exit the tournament in the last four.

“I am very very happy and really grateful to God and to every person who helped me during the past period especially my family,” Meshref said: