Mat of Africa

WITH an overall 21 medals, defending champion Egypt claimed the 22nd African wrestling championships held in Cairo.

Egypt's medal haul included 11 gold. Tunisia finished second with 16 medals while South Africa came in third with six.

Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco, South Africa, Guinea Bissau, Cameroon and Egypt took part in the four-day tournament at Cairo Stadium's indoor complex in three events: Greco Roman, free wrestling and women's free wrestling.

Egypt dominated the Greco Roman with five gold medals and two silver. Tunisia was second with two gold, one silver and two bronze. Algeria ended up in third place with six silver.

The absence of world silver and bronze medalist Karam Gaber in the 96- kilogramme weight category and Mohamed Abdel-Fatah in 84kg probably cost Egypt a few more medals. Gaber and Abdel-Fatah are both currently taking part in two international championships as part of their preparations for the Olympic Games in Athens in 2004.

Tunisia won the women's free wrestling picking up three gold medals and three silver as opposed to three gold, two silver and one bronze for Egypt which came in second.

Abdel-Khalek Meki, secretary-general of the Egyptian Wrestling Federation, called his countrywomen's performance satisfactory since Tunisia has dominated the event for the past decade. "It's a difference of one silver medal between Tunisia and Egypt so it's a sign that Egyptian women are improving. Seven new promising players will join the national team after this championship and will be trained for major national, regional and international championships," Meki said.

South Africa dominated the free wrestling event for men, pocketing all its gold medals. Egypt was second.