Meshref has won the past four editions of the women’s event, which acts as a qualifier for the ITTF World Cup.

The Egyptian star secured a 11-9, 11-4, 12-14, 11-6 win over Nigeria’s Fatimo Bello in her first Group 1 tie, before beating Tunisia’s Fadwa Garci 11-9, 11-7, 11-5.

The result saw Meshref confirmed as the group winner, assuring her of a place in tomorrow’s quarter-finals at the Salle Multidisciplinaire de Radès.

Meshref’s compatriot Yousra Helmy battled into the quarter-finals after challenging matches in Group 4.

The 2019 runner-up won 11-6, 11-9, 10-12, 7-11, 13-11 against Mauritius’ Nandeshwaree Jalim, before overcoming Algeria’s Lynda Loghraibi 10-12, 11-6, 9-11, 11-5, 11-7.

Nigeria’s Offiong Edem advanced from Group 2 following back-to-back victories.

Edem, who has won bronze at the last two editions of the event, began with an 8-11, 11-9, 11-7, 11-6 win over Tunisia’s Safa Saidani.

Her quarter-final place was secured with an 11-3, 8-11, 11-3, 11-7 win over South Africa’s Simeen Mookrey.

Defending champion Omar Assar of Egypt began the men’s competition in fine fashion.

Assar cruised to an 11-6, 11-3, 11-1 win over Benin’s Monday Olabiyi in his first Group 4 tie, before defeating Congo’s Saheed Idowu 9-11, 11-8, 11-7, 11-3.

Two-times champion Quadri Aruna recorded wins on the opening day as he seeks to improve on his runner-up finish at the past two editions of the event.

The Nigerian star won in straight games against Tunisia’s Adam Hmam 11-5, 14-12, 11-4, followed by a dominant 11-2, 11-9, 11-2 triumph over Algeria’s Sami Kherouf in Group 1.

Competition will continue tomorrow when knock-out matches will begin.