Aruna Qaudri yesterday at the Molade Okoya Thomas Hall inside the Teslim Balogun Stadium added another feather to his cap; winning his maiden ITTF Challenge Nigeria open title.
Quadri had to dig deep to battle to a 4-2 victory against Frenchman Antione Hachard in the men’s singles finals of the 2018 Seamaster ITTF Challenge Nigeria open.
Hachard dominated the early proceedings; winning the first set 13-11; but Quadri came back strong taking the second set 11-3.
Hachard was back in front after the third game; winning that 11-8; but again, Quadri leveled with 11-7.
The world number 18, who won $5,000 for his effort brought on his mastery at the fifth game dusting Hachard to win at 11-5 before finishing up 11-8 in the sixth set to light up the atmosphere of the Molade Okoya-Thomas Indoor Sports Hall which was packed full with enthusiastic fans including Governor Akinwunmi Ambode.
Ambode, rewarded Quadri with N1million saying, “I feel great to be here and see a Nigerian winning it for the first time. I am also a table tennis player. I played Funke Oshonaike and beat her but I think Aruna will beat me very well.”
Amongst the cheering crowd on Sunday was also former Lagos Commissioner for Sports, Enitan Oshodi, Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) first Vice President, Seyi Akinwunmi, Nigeria Referees Association (NRA) President, Tade Azeez and music star, Tony Tetuila, among other top dignitaries.
Quadri who had failed to win the top prize in the past four attempts confessed his victory on Sunday was made possible by the fans. He lost in the final to Egypt’s Omar Assar in 2015.
“I am so excited; it is an unbelievable moment and I thank the fans for the wonderful support.
“The support of the fans was simply amazing. They played for me and made the victory possible. I dedicate this moment to all the fans and supporters,” the new champion said on Sunday.
China’s Guo Yan defeated her compatriot Sun Chen 4-3 to claim the women’s singles. Qi Fenjie and Chen beat Fan Siqi and Guo Yan 3-0 to win the women’s doubles.
The U-21 men and women’s singles were won by Wang Shaobo and Guo Yan. The men’s doubles title went to France’s Robinot Alexandre and Seyfried Jo.
Nigeria’s Jamiu Ayanwale won the Young Player of the Tournament award.
