by Ian Marshall, Editor (Interview by Olalekan Okusan, ITTF-Africa Press Officer)
Success for the Ivory Coast but it was disappointment for Ghana; at the semi-final stage of the men’s singles event, Oba Kizito Oba accounted for Derek Abrefa, Benin’s Monday Oladele Olabayi ended the hopes of Emmanuel Commey.
Oba Kizito Oba progressed to secure the title recording a straight games win in opposition to Monday Oladele Olabayi; Derek Abfrefa claimed third place.
“I am so happy that I made my people proud with this win as I was really determined to become champion. It was a bit easy in the final but the quarter-final win has boosted my confidence that I can win the tournament.” Oba Kizito Oba
Gold for Oba Kizito Oba delighted those present in the Multipurpose Hall in Trenchville, as did the final of the women’s singles event; a contest in which Fatimo Bello recovered from a two games to nil deficit to eventually record a six games win against colleague Esther Oribamise.
“It was not easy at all because I had to come from behind to win the encounter. I am very happy and grateful to the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation for the opportunity to represent my country. I must also acknowledge the support from the city of Abidjan. It is my first time in this lovely country and I look forward to returning.” Fatima Bello
Earlier in the day at the semi-final stage, Fatimo Bello had beaten Benin’s Ziadeth Olaide Akadiri, Esther Oribamise had prevailed in opposition to the host country’s Akoua Nadia Kamenan. Notably Akoua Nadia Kamenan concluded matters in third place.
It is proposed that the winners will be awarded places in the 2020 ITTF-Africa Top 16 Cup in Tunisia.
2019 ITTF Western Africa Challenge: Entries (Saturday 2nd November)
2019 ITTF Western Africa Challenge: Schedule of Play (Saturday 2nd November)
2019 ITTF Western Africa Challenge: Men’s Singles – Group Stage (Saturday 2nd November)
2019 ITTF Western Africa Challenge: Men’s Singles – Main Draw (Sunday 3rd November)
2019 ITTF Western Africa Challenge: Men’s Singles – Positions 3 to 18 (Sunday 3rd November)
2019 ITTF Western Africa Challenge: Men’s Singles – Final Positions (Sunday 3rd November)
2019 ITTF Western Africa Challenge: Women’s Singles – Group Stage (Saturday 2nd November)
2019 ITTF Western Africa Challenge: Women’s Singles – Main Draw (Sunday 3rd November)
2019 ITTF Western Africa Challenge: Women’s Singles – Positions 3 to 16 (Sunday 3rd November)
2019 ITTF Western Africa Challenge: Women’s Singles – Final Positions (Sunday 3rd November)
2019 ITTF Western Africa Challenge: Bulletin (Saturday 2nd November)