Assar overcomes Aruna in Europe Smash thriller News

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Assar overcomes Aruna in Europe Smash thriller

By Daily Sports Nigeria on August 18, 2025

Egypt’s Omar Assar prevailed over Nigeria’s Quadri Aruna in another chapter of their long-standing African rivalry, edging his continental counterpart 3-1 in the first round of the men’s singles at the Europe Smash – Sweden 2025 on Sunday at the Malmö Arena, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

The contest, which has become one of the most anticipated fixtures in African table tennis, delivered the usual intensity.

Assar took the first game 12-10 after a tense exchange, before Aruna levelled with a dominant 11-4 performance in the second.

The Egyptian regained control in the third, overwhelming Aruna 11-3, and held his nerve in a tight fourth game, closing out the victory 11-9 to seal progression into the round of 32.

Statistically, the encounter was evenly fought. Assar won 38 points against Aruna’s 33, with both players exerting aggressive play on serve.

The Egyptian, however, demonstrated greater composure in the decisive moments, stringing together eight consecutive points at one stage and overturning two deficits.

Speaking after the match, Assar spared words of respect for Aruna, a rival he has now faced more than 20 times in his career.

“Of course, hard luck to Quadri. He’s a great player and he did a very good match and I wish him the best in the next tournament,” Assar added.

Victory extends Assar’s head-to-head dominance over Aruna in recent years, having beaten the Nigerian in four of their last five meetings, including the 2025 ITTF African Cup final earlier this year.

However, Aruna remains one of the few players on the continent who has consistently challenged Assar, famously defeating him in the 2022 Africa Senior Championships final.

The Egyptian now faces a daunting challenge in the next round against world number one Lin Shudong of China.

Elsewhere in the competition, Swedish favourite Anton Kallberg battled past Belgium’s Martin Allegro 3-2 in front of home supporters at Baltiska Hallen.

Germany’s Ricardo Walther edged past Elias Ranefur, while veteran Dimitrij Ovtcharov stunned eighth seed Xiang Peng. In the women’s singles, China’s He Zhuojia produced one of the day’s most dominant displays, brushing aside Australia’s Yangzi Liu in straight sets.

Source Punch Ng

Posted August 18, 2025