Sports
FANS at the ongoing ITTF Challenge Nigeria Open have hailed ITTF 18th ranked player, Aruna Quadri, for living up to expectations in the just-concluded round of 32 of the tournament.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Nigeria’s Quadri defeated Amato Antonino of Italy with 11-4, 14-12, 11-6 and 11-5 which ended 4-0 on Friday in Molade Okoya-Thomas Hall, Teslim Balogun, Lagos.
A disable table tennis player, Ibrahim Soares told NAN that the he was impressed with the services exhibited by the Portugal-based player whose game thrilled the Aruna Quadri fans club and other spectators.
Soares said that in spite of the fact that he played well, Quadri still played to show that he had his unique style of play, which he applied to silence Antonino.
“We are here to cheer players but our focus is on our own Quadri, we believe in him and he has proved himself by beating the Italian player flat,” he said.
Lawal Kehinde, another physically challenged member of Aruna Fans club, said the members were happy with his performance and he had proved that he deserved to ITTF 18th ranking position.
Kehinde, who was wearing the Aruna Quadri branded T-Shirt, said Quadri had been very supportive and that members would continue to support him as he was progressing in the tournament.
“Quadri is a talented and focused player, that is the reason he has been improving in the world ranking, his performances are outstanding. So, we will continue to support him,” he said.
Atinuke Shoremilekun, another fan of Quadri, described him as a fantastic player that had a strong fans club and had enjoyed cheers from spectators in the hall.
“Quadri’s game is like a must watch because of his impressive performance which has earned him increasing following anywhere he is competing. We are happy for him,” she said.
Biola Adesope told NAN that he would continue to pray for Quadri and that he was confident that he would come out tops in the men’s single event at the end of the tournament.
NAN reports that the 46,000 dollars prize money tournament holding from Aug. 8 to Aug. 12, has 169 players from 27 countries competing in men’s, women’s singles, men/women’s doubles and U-21 men and women events. (NAN)
– Aug. 10, 2018 @ 16:55 GMT |
Tags: Seamaster ITTF Challenge Nigeria Open: Fans express delight with Qaudri’s performance
