Quadri Emerges Africa’s Best

  Nigerian Table Tennis star, Aruna Quadri on Monday emerged the males singles winner at the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) Africa Top 16 in Khartoum, Sudan after defeating Egypt’s Omar Assar 4-1 in the final. In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) after the victory, Quadri expressed his delight in overpowering his fierce rival and coming out tops in the competition. “I give God all the glory for this victory. It is not my victory alone, but a victory for all Nigerians. I feel so great and happy for this feat. Everyone knows it’s always a tough match when I and Assar meet in finals of competitions. He is a very good player, but we are always wary of one another. My determination and preparation for this competition indeed worked in my favour,’’ he said. The 2014 ITTF star player said his victory was down to his calm approach to the matches throughout the competition. “I made sure that all through the competition I was calm. I didn’t put myself in any form of unnecessary stress or anxiety. I played with rapt attention and an open mind. My joy knows no bounds and this is a call for me to do better and remember that so many other athletes are looking up to me,’’ he said. Quadri who also expressed his ambition to become one of the top 20 best players in the world made it clear that complacency is not an option. “Well, my target is making the list of the best 20 players monthly in the table tennis ranking. When I am on that list, then I know I am gradually getting there. So, for now, I am aiming that, as well as participating in as many tournaments as possible to help me garner more points which will take me to my target,’’ he said. Over the weekend, Aruna Quadri and Segun Toriola had easily progressed into the knock-out round of the ongoing ITTF Africa Top 16 Cup after winning their group matches in Khartoum, Sudan. The tournament had 32 players in the men and women categories who are fighting for the chance to represent Africa at the 2016 ITTF World Cups. In the female category, Nigeria’s Edem Offiong also had a good start. She recorded victories in her matches to move into the next round where she was joined by Congo’s Hian Xing and Egypt’s Dina Meshref.

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This article was first published on 16th February 2016

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