The 2025 ITTF World Cup in Macao commenced with a captivating clash between two of Africa’s table tennis titans, Nigeria’s Quadri Aruna and Benin’s Abdel-Kader Salifou. Aruna, ranked 20th globally, emerged victorious with a hard-fought 3-1 win (11-6, 11-9, 6-11, 11-8), showcasing his resilience and experience against a determined Salifou. The match replicated their previous encounter at the ITTF African Cup, imbued with momentum swings and high-quality rallies characteristic of these continental heavyweights. Aruna’s initial 2-0 lead provided a comfortable cushion, but Salifou rallied back in the third game, demonstrating the grit that marked his return to the international stage after a five-year hiatus. The fourth game proved to be the decider, with Salifou taking an 8-6 lead, only for Aruna to stage a remarkable comeback, claiming five consecutive points to seal the victory. This win gives Aruna a significant advantage in the group stage of this revamped World Cup format, bolstering his prospects of advancing further in the tournament.
Salifou, despite the loss, exhibited remarkable prowess and determination in his second appearance for Benin after his extended absence from international competition. While acknowledging his missed opportunities to level the match, particularly in the fourth game, he commended Aruna’s fighting spirit. Salifou’s performance signaled a promising return, hinting at greater things to come in subsequent matches. His participation infused the tournament with an added layer of intrigue, enriching the competition with a narrative of resilience and resurgence onto the global stage. This match underscored the growing strength and depth of African table tennis, with both players displaying the skills and tenacity that mark the continent’s rise in the sport.
The World Cup also witnessed the commanding performance of Egypt’s rising star, Hana Goda, fresh off her African Cup triumph. Goda delivered a dominant display, sweeping aside Malaysia’s Seak Hui Li with a resounding 4-0 victory (11-2, 11-4, 11-4, 11-8). Goda’s assertive play allowed her opponent minimal breathing room, showcasing the form that propelled her to African glory. Her comprehensive win not only solidified her position as a force to be reckoned with but also further highlighted the African continent’s growing influence on the world stage. Goda’s performance resonated with the burgeoning strength of women’s table tennis in Africa, signaling a promising future for the sport.
Another Egyptian stalwart, Dina Meshref, marked her eighth World Cup appearance with a convincing 3-1 victory (11-9, 11-9, 11-5, 6-11) over Zhu Chengzhu. Meshref’s vast experience proved invaluable as she navigated the match with composure and tactical acuity. This seasoned campaigner demonstrated her continued relevance among the global elite, adding another chapter to her illustrious World Cup history. Her victory underscored the consistent presence of Egyptian players at the pinnacle of the sport, further amplifying the narrative of African ascendancy in table tennis.
The opening day of the World Cup showcased a plethora of compelling performances from across the globe. Japan’s Hiroto Shinozuka, Croatia’s Tomislav Pucar, and China’s Huang Youzheng each delivered straight-set victories, asserting their dominance in their respective opening matches. These impressive displays set the tone for a highly competitive tournament, underlining the depth of talent present in the men’s draw. The results highlighted the global spread of table tennis prowess, with representatives from different continents making their mark on the opening day.
However, amidst the flurry of decisive victories, a surprising draw emerged as Eugene Wang and Yukiya Uda battled to a 2-2 stalemate. This unexpected result added an element of unpredictability to the tournament, underlining the competitive balance and potential for upsets. The day’s proceedings set the stage for an engaging competition, promising further dramatic encounters as the tournament unfolds. The blend of established stars and emerging talents ensured a thrilling spectacle, captivating audiences with high-quality table tennis and the promise of more exciting clashes to come. The opening day served as a compelling introduction to the World Cup, showcasing the diverse talent pool and the competitive spirit that defines this prestigious event.
