By Daily Sports Nigeria on July 5, 2024
Quadri Aruna, Africa’s sole representative at the WTT Star Contender Bangkok, is set to clash with Japanese player Yukida Uda in the second round of the men’s singles in Thailand.
Aruna, rated as the number four seed by the organisers, has a history with Uda, having narrowly defeated him 4-3 in a closely contested match at the Hong Kong Open in 2018.
Uda, already fired up after his victory against Portugal’s Joao Monteiro (3-2) in the first round, poses a formidable challenge for Aruna.
In his previous outing at the WTT Star Contender in Slovenia, Aruna faced another Japanese star, Sora Matsushima, and suffered a defeat.
However, he remains motivated as he looks ahead to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, scheduled to begin later this month in France.
Beyond aiming for his first WTT title, Aruna is determined to accumulate ranking points that will elevate his status when the draws for the Paris Olympic Games men’s singles are announced.
As the 2024 Africa Cup champion, he aims to surpass his quarter-final finish from Rio 2016 and become the first African player to reach the podium at the Olympic Games.
The WTT Star Contender Bangkok boasts a total prize pool of $250,000, with 600 ITTF World Ranking Points awarded to the champions.
Defending champions Lin Gaoyuan and Chen Xingtong of China, who secured the Triple Crown in the 2023 edition, will be eager to retain their titles.
Source Punch Ng
Posted July 5, 2024
You may also like...
Coutinho remains Barcelona's number one target
NFF Must Build On Super Falcons, Other Teams’...
Benzema Shines In France’s 3-0 Win Against Wales...
Real Madrid reject UEFA compensation for Champions League...
Olympics Coach Commits Suicide After Being Charged With...
Francisca Ordega Joins Levante
Nigerians demand apology from Carragher for controversial AFCON statement
National lightweight title win thrills Adebayo
Rivers Deputy Governor Denies Resignation Rumours, Pledges Support for Governor Fubara
Why Do You Think Fubara Will Allow What You Didn’t Allow – Briggs Asks Tinubu
NOC Women's Commission Celebrates International Women's Day
Ijaw National Congress Threatens Chaos Over Rivers Governor’s Impeachment
Fubara vs. Wike: “Plot To Doctor Supreme Court Judgement Uncovered”
NFF, Fulham back Bassey after racist abuse
Bolaji, four others for Para Badminton International C’ship
Nigeria to host 13th ECOWAS African Wrestling tournament
U-20 AFCON: F’Eagles to resume camping March 10
Rivers Saga: Don’t Beg Wike, We Will Show FG – Rivers Elders To Fubara
Most Read
Rangers International going, going . . . (55,342 views)
Amaju Pinnick: A cat with nine lives (46,487 views)
Second Term: Amaju Pinnick, Other NFF Heavyweights Home to Roost •How Pinnick Broke the Jinx (44,511 views)
Missing $150,000 IAAF Grant: Solomon Dalung’s Hide and Seek game (44,152 views)
Sports Development: Zenith Bank on the zenith (44,114 views)
Current issues in Nigerian sports: Matters arising (44,106 views)
Gov. Abdullahi Ganduje’s solid footprints, commitment to sports development in Kano State (43,919 views)
NFF Presidency: Pinnick, Maigari, Ogunjobi, Okoye in Battle for Supremacy (43,463 views)
Olopade, BET9A wave of revolution in NNL (42,552 views)
Commonwealth Games 2018: Shame of Muhammadu Buhari, Solomon Dalung (41,213 views)
Ibrahimovic’s Man U exit: Whose decision is it? And in whose interest? (39,650 views)
John Mikel Obi: Segun Odegbami’s Outrageous Call! (39,076 views)