Dina Meshref not ready to surrender ITTF Africa Cup title

Women singles defending champion, Dina Meshref of Egypt, who has won the title in the last four years, as well as most of the other titles in the women’s singles of African competitions, believes nobody in the continent can wrest her ITTF Africa Cup crown from her.

As the only African female player to be ranked in the top 60 in the world, the America University of Egypt (AUE) graduate is eager to remain on top in the continent and hoping again to claim the title when the 2019 ITTF Africa Cup serves off in Lagos on August 3 to 5.

Meshref said: “I will just try to give my best as I am trying to prepare well for the competition.”

Aware of the challenge in Lagos, she added: “Of course it won’t be easy in Lagos. I expect all players to be very well prepared for such an event, especially that it’s a few days prior to another important event (The 2019 All African Games in Morocco). I consider all players competing in the event as my potential rivals and strong competition.”

Meshref sees Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial nerve centre as a unique venue for table tennis, saying, “It is actually very exciting to compete in Lagos, as there are always many spectators and fans who really admire the sport, which makes players excited to get out their best.”

Echoing her determination not to relinquish her title, the Egyptian said: “I really hope I can win the title because it is very important to me, as it serves as qualification for the Women’s World Cup, which is of course one of the most prestigious events of the year.”