In a thrilling display of resilience and skill, Nigerian table tennis star Quadri Aruna made headlines after staging a remarkable comeback against Tomokazu Harimoto, the No. 5 seed, in the Men’s Singles round of 32 at the 2024 WTT Frankfurt. Aruna, who hails from Ibadan, managed to recover from a daunting 2-0 deficit to secure a stunning 3-2 victory, with scores of 7-11, 11-13, 11-5, 14-12, and 11-3, at the Süwag Energie ARENA. His breathtaking performance not only showcased his tenacity but also illustrated the electrifying atmosphere created by the support of the home crowd, an emotional boost that Aruna credited for his successful fightback.
Reflecting on his victory during the post-match press conference, Aruna expressed profound gratitude towards the crowd’s support, which he said fueled his determination to continue fighting even when the odds were stacked against him. At 0-2 down, he felt the energy from the stands resonated with his spirit, prompting him to focus on enjoying the game and proving his mettle as one of the best players from Nigeria and Africa. His resolve and fighting spirit were clearly on display as he began to turn the tide of the match, demonstrating a relentless approach and a refusal to concede defeat.
Harimoto, who had recently enjoyed success at the WTT Champions Montpellier 2024, entered the Frankfurt competition as a strong contender, having secured victories in the first two games of this best-of-five matchup. His confidence was palpable, and it seemed he was on track for another deep run in the tournament. However, Aruna, currently ranked 21st in the world and with a recent victory against Harimoto in their last matchup, was determined not to let the early setbacks define his performance. The turning point arrived in the third set when he found his rhythm, winning decisively and beginning to build momentum.
The fourth set became critical, as Harimoto initially extended his lead with a score of 1-5, maintaining control and setting himself up with two match points at 9-10 and 10-11. However, Aruna displayed exceptional mental fortitude, saving both match points with aggressive play and forcing the decider. This intense back-and-forth match proved to be a showcase of skill and nerves, captivating the audience and heightening the already charged atmosphere in the arena. Aruna’s ability to weather the storm of Harimoto’s early advantage was a testament to his experience and competitive spirit.
In the final set, Aruna played as if liberated from pressure, attacking with confidence and making decisive strikes against Harimoto. His commanding performance in the deciding game genuinely reflected the shift in momentum. With a stunning backhand shot that sent the crowd into a frenzy, Aruna closed out the match decisively at 10-3, ensuring his place in the round of 16. This victory marked his second win at the prestigious WTT Champions level, following his first success just a week prior in Montpellier, further solidifying his status as a formidable opponent on the international scene.
As he now prepares for the next round of the tournament, where he is set to compete for a share of the generous USD 500,000 prize pool, the identity of Aruna’s next opponent remains unknown. However, his remarkable comeback against Harimoto has undoubtedly raised the stakes and captured the attention of fans and competitors alike. The triumph not only underscores Aruna’s talent and determination but also shines a light on the growing prominence of African athletes in the global table tennis arena, as they continue to challenge established norms and achieve noteworthy accolades on the world stage.
