Africa’s number one, Quadri Aruna, yesterday, continued his record setting exploits in table tennis by becoming the first African to qualify for the quarterfinals of the WTT Singapore Smash. He defeated world number four ranked Tomokazu Harimoto in the round of 16 of the men’s singles at the Infinity Arena.

The Nigerian is the only surviving African in the competition, following the early exit of Egypt’s quartet of Omar Assar, Dina Meshref, Hana Goda and Mariam Alhodaby.

Having lost thrice to the Japanese superstar, Aruna, ranked 14th in the world, showed class and composure to stun Harimoto 3-0 (11-7, 13-11, 11-7).

Aruna said: “I actually spoke with some coaches here and they gave me some great advice on how to play Harimoto; so I tried it out.

“I had tried out some tactics in the past against him and it didn’t work; but the advice from the coaches really worked well for me today. However, I have to keep the advice to myself for our next meeting,” a delighted Aruna declared. (The Gaurdian)

•PHOTO:Quadri Aruna of Nigeria serves against Tomokazu Harimoto of Japan in their men’s singles round of 16 match during the WTT Singapore Smash at the OCBC Arena on March 16, 2023 in Singapore. (Photo: ITTF)