Quadri Aruna, Nigeria’s top-ranked table tennis player and the continent’s leading force in the sport, saw his aspirations for a 2025 title victory come to an abrupt end at the WTT Star Contender tournament in Doha, Qatar. His journey, which began with promising victories, culminated in a semi-final defeat against the tournament’s top seed, Japanese prodigy Tomokazu Harimoto. Aruna’s performance, while ultimately ending short of the championship, underscored his consistent presence among the world’s elite table tennis players and reaffirmed his status as a trailblazer for African table tennis. The semi-final loss, however, marked a setback in his quest for a major international title and a reversal of his recent head-to-head record against Harimoto.
Aruna’s campaign in Doha commenced with a display of resilience and skill. He overcame an initial setback against British champion Liam Pitchford, rallying to secure a four-set victory that demonstrated his ability to adapt and regain control of a match. This victory set the stage for a subsequent encounter against Spain’s Alvaro Robles, a familiar opponent against whom Aruna had previously experienced both victory and defeat. In a tightly contested match that stretched to five sets, Aruna emerged victorious, avenging a prior loss to Robles and solidifying his progression through the tournament. These early wins highlighted Aruna’s mental fortitude and his ability to perform under pressure against high-caliber opponents.
The quarter-final match against Korea’s Park Ganghyeon further solidified Aruna’s impressive run. He dominated the match, showcasing a blend of power and precision that left Park struggling to keep pace. Aruna secured a 3-1 victory, losing only one set while demonstrating a commanding performance that signaled his readiness for a deep run in the tournament. This win propelled him to the semi-finals, setting up a highly anticipated clash against the tournament favorite, Tomokazu Harimoto.
The semi-final clash against Harimoto proved to be a turning point in Aruna’s Doha campaign. Facing the formidable Japanese player, Aruna struggled to find his rhythm and impose his game. Harimoto’s aggressive style and exceptional control dictated the flow of the match, leaving Aruna on the defensive. The Nigerian star, despite his best efforts, couldn’t counter Harimoto’s relentless attacks and succumbed to a straight-sets defeat (11-9, 11-3, 11-5). The loss marked a disappointing end to what had been a promising tournament for Aruna, halting his momentum and preventing him from reaching his first final of 2025.
Despite the semi-final defeat, Aruna’s performance in Doha reinforced his standing as a prominent figure in international table tennis. He remains the only male African player to reach the semi-finals of the WTT Star Contender, a feat he first achieved in the 2022 edition of the tournament. This consistent performance at a high level underscores his role as a pioneer for African table tennis, inspiring aspiring players across the continent and demonstrating the growing competitiveness of African athletes on the global stage. While the loss to Harimoto was a setback, it also provided valuable experience and identified areas for improvement as Aruna continues to pursue major titles.
The WTT Star Contender in Doha also witnessed other surprising results, including the early exit of German third seed Patrick Franziska. Franziska’s unexpected loss to Park Ganghyeon in the round of 32, despite holding an initial lead, highlighted the unpredictable nature of the tournament and the high level of competition present in the field. This upset, along with other unexpected results, underscored the depth of talent in international table tennis and served as a reminder that even the highest-ranked players can be vulnerable to upsets. Aruna’s journey, while ending short of the ultimate goal, nevertheless served as a testament to his enduring talent and his continued prominence in the sport. He remains a force to be reckoned with in international table tennis and a source of pride for Nigeria and the African continent.
