by Olalekan Okusan, ITTF-Africa Press Officer

The 19 year old is a left handed pen-hold grip player. Moreover, he proved a most worthy competitor; it was only against the major powers that he experienced defeats.

Facing Egypt in the group stage of play, he was beaten by Ahmed Elborhamy (11-8, 11-8, 11-7), later in the quarter-final contest against Tunisia, he lost to Aboubaker Bourass (12-10, 11-9, 11-8).

However, those were his only defeats in the whole event; facing Congo Democratic in a 3-1 group stage success, he accounted for Josue Olenga (11-4, 11-8, 14-12), before in a 3-2 defeat at hands of Togo in the contest for fifth position, he overcame Atarou Assou (12-10, 11-8, 6-11, 11-7).

“When I started table tennis 13 years ago, my coach then was a pen-holder so I had to take after him. It was not a difficult style for me when I started because I saw myself playing like every other player. Even some of my mates most times ask me whether the style is convenient for me. I love it and I see myself as unique player.” Joseph Amissah

Understandably he has a role, the best modern day pen-holder of them all.

“I take my time to watch Xu Xin a lot because we play same style as left-hand players. I like to stand out and this style stands me out even in Ghana. I love the style and I think I can also become the first pen-holder to become African champion.” Jospeh Amissah

We wish him well, a pen-hold grip African champion from Ghana; now that would be a major boost for the whole continent.