Nigeria’s Quadri Aruna has been edged out in the quarterfinal of the 2021 World Table Tennis (WTT) Cup Finals taking place in Singapore after the Nigerian fell 3-1 to Brazil’s Hugo Calderano in the quarterfinal of the Men’s Singles.
World number 13 caused an upset in the round of 16 after he defeated world number eight Liang Jingkun of China 3-1 on Sunday but his fine run was ended by a stronger opponent in the Brazilian star.
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Being their maiden meeting at the top level, it was Calderano that came out victorious over Aruna as the South American outplayed the Nigerian 3-1 (11-6, 6-11, 11-8, 11-4) to clinch the last semi-final spot in the Men’s Singles.
Calderano started the onslaught from the first game before Aruna came back strongly to level the score 1-1. But the Brazilian star, however, showed class to win the third game 11-8, and later closed it out convincingly with 11-4 victory in the fourth game.
Relieved by the victory, the Brazilian acknowledged that the Nigerian was a tough nut to crack. “Aruna is an amazing player. He is strong and powerful. I’m just glad to get my first win over him today. I looking forward to some rest before coming back to take on Harimoto.”
Satisfied by his outing in Singapore, Aruna described his feat as an inspiration to other African players.
“I am so happy with my performance in this competition particularly to be part of the top 16 tournament in Singapore as the only African player. I think I have made my country and Africa proud and I also believe my performance will inspire other African players to aim high in big events like this. I look forward to the new ranking with the hope that I can gain some steps up the ranking ladder by the end of the year.”
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COMMENTS
Congratulations Aruna, you are Africa’s greatest table tennis player of our generation, an inspiration to the younger generation, we appreciate your sacrifices big player.
Aruna, you should hold your head high.You showed class and represented Nigeria and Africa well. I think this government should name a stadium after you. I really doubt if any one in Africa can achieve this high standards you have set consistently for years. Generations unborn across Africa will always celebrate you. I once saw your photo displayed boldy in far away Ghana,inside the table tennis hall, at one the shoppingmalls. they adore you over there. you are truly a Living Legend.
I do hope there is in place a conveyor belt to usher in new talents and groom them preparatory to Aruna Quadri quitting the stage sometime.
Aruna Quadri remains the greatest table tennis player ever to have come out of Africa.