Olufunke Oshonaike reclaimed her long lost African title at the ITTF African Senior Championships after beating Egypt’s Dina Meshref 4-2 in the final of the women’s singles.

The Egyptian has been unbeaten in the last two years, but Oshonaike with her experience confused the young North African to emerge as the new continent number one star.

An elated Oshonaike said she was happy that her experience was very handy against the Egyptian. To emerge as the new African Champion, Oshonaike won (7-11, 11-13, 11-5, 11-9, 7-11, 7-11).

PARAGON…Oshonaike shows off her trophy.

A joyful Oshonaike said: “”I knew it was going to be tough because being the African champion and she has been unbeaten in the last two years. I just told myself to go out there and have fun and show my experience and when it started working, I gained more confidence. But when the match was 2-2 my coach, Segun Toriola told me not to give up and I kept on going and it worked for me at last.

This victory means a lot to me. That I can still become African champion despite my age. It shows that nothing is possible regardless of age. I am so happy despite the challenges of making it to Morocco. I feel great and I am so excited that I can still do it and this is also an inspiration for girls that no matter your age, you can achieve whatever you put your mind into in life,” she said.

However, Aruna Quadri’s efforts of becoming the continent champion failed as the Nigerian fell 4-3 to defending champion, Egypt’s Omar Assar in an entertaining final.

An elated Omar Assar said after the match, “It was really a crazy match because against Aruna its always very exciting. I think I gave my 100 per cent concentration and I listened more to my coach