Aruna retains ITTF Africa title

Nigeria table tennis star, Quadri Aruna, has successfully defended his ITTF Africa Senior Championships crown, defeating Egypt’s Ahmed Saleh 4-0 (11-2, 12-10, 11-6, 11-6) in the men’s singles final in Tunisia on Sunday.

Aruna entered the final in style as he left no stone unturned to defeat his compatriot Olajide Omotayo 4-0 (12-10, 11-6, 11-9, 11-2) in the semi-finals.

Saleh also recovered from a two sets deficit to outclass Congo’s Idowu Saheed 4-2 (12-14, 8-11, 11-8, 11-8, 11-8, 11-7) in the second men’s singles semi-final to book the final showdown with Aruna.

Aruna however made a lightwork of the Egyptian to win his third continental title. He won the second title last year in Algeria with a 4-3 nerve-wracking win against Egypt’s Omar Assar.

Meanwhile, in the women’s doubles final, Nigeria recovered from their team event disappointments as the duo Fatimo Bello and Funke Oshonaike won gold by defeating Egypt’s Sarah Hanffou and Marwa Alhodaby 3-2 (11-8,8-11, 11-4, 7-11, 12-10).

All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH.

Contact: theeditor@punchng.com