From world number 73, Nigeria’s Aruna Quadri has moved to 30 according to the November International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) ranking released on Thursday.
Also, Quadri’s compatriot, Ojo Onaolapo who recently moved to Italy to pursue his professional career won his first major title in the Italian league.
Quadri, who stunned the world after beating three top rated players at the last World Cup in Germany, has overtaken Egypt’s Omar Assar as the highest ranked African player in the world.
Also, this development has received commendation from the President, African Table Tennis Federation (ATTF), Khaled El-Salhy, who described as good news for the continent.
Specifically, he disclosed that this would improve African chances of having more slots at the World Championship and Olympic Games.
“I am happy that Quadri is making Africa proud and for us this is a good development for the continent as this will surely improve our chances of having more slots for Africa in major competitions like the Olympic Games. We will continue to support the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF) in their quest to churn out more players like Quadri and we hope other players in the continent will take a cue from the performance of Quadri at the World Cup,” El-Salhy said.
Also, ATTF Vice President, Olabanji Oladapo believes with more support Quadri can make it to top 10 in the world. “I don’t think there is a big gap between Quadri and some of the players in the top 10. He has shown that with more support, he can make it there. But he needs the support of all and sundry especially the private sector. For us at ATTF, this is a good news and we hope it will rub off on the fortune of the game in Africa,” Oladapo said.
To lift the Italian Cup title, Onaolapo played from the group stages to make to the final where he battled against Italian national player, Bisi Paolo.
To the chagrin of the fans at the venue, Onaolapo dazed the Italian 3-2 to win his first title in Italy.
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