She concluded the day in first place in her women’s singles group; she beat Djibouti’s Rahma Houssein (11-4, 11-3, 11-2, 11-2), followed by success in opposition to Algeria’s Lynda Loghraibi (11-9, 11-2, 11-6, 11-3).

An ideal start and companying her, as always her father, Jalel Garci, present to give moral support; involved in the catering business he had made the 40 kilometres journey from Grombalia.

Understandably he was delighted with the improvement Fadwa has made in recent times.

“I am so happy seeing my daughter represent my country. She has made the name of the family popular and I am so happy whenever I watch her play. I am proud of her and I will continue to support her.

I am not a table tennis player but when she started with her sister, I encouraged them, in my community everyone is happy that she has represented us well. I am happy to travel and support her in this tournament and I hope she can make it to Tokyo 2020.

I am happy whenever she improves or wins. She actually learnt playing table tennis after following her sister to training. She was five when she started and she would always cry in order to follow her sister. Now she is a champion and we are so happy for her feats in the sport.” Jalel Garci

Meanwhile, for Fadwa Garci, the presence of her father inspires her. She is happy to see her father watch her play for the national team.

“I am happy that this two year dream for me to compete at the Olympic Qualifying Tournament has come true. I am happy to see my role model, Quadri Aruna of Nigeria because he has been an inspiration to a lot of players in Africa. I like his movement on the table and particularly his topspin technique, which is unique among the top players in the world.” Fadwa Garci

Now Fadwa Garci is looking forward to following in the footsteps of colleague Safa Saidani who represented Tunisia at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.

“I will be very happy if I qualify for the Olympics because I want to make my father and my country proud. I am also happy for the opportunity that Tunisia has given to exhibit my talents.” Fadwa Garci

The goal is Tokyo, after the end of day one Fadwa Garci is on track.