Chijioke Gabriel
Quadri Aruna’s campaign at the 2025 ITTF World Championships in Doha came to an end on Thursday after a disheartening four rounds defeat.
The Nigerian star was comprehensively outplayed by Brazil’s Hugo Calderano in a one-sided men’s singles encounter at Lusail Arena.
Hailed as one of the tournament’s marquee clashes, the match fell well short of expectations as Calderano dominated from start to finish, sealing a commanding 4-0 victory with scores of 11-4, 11-4, 11-4, and 11-6 to earn his quarter-final place.
Calderano’s tactical mastery was evident as he successfully neutralised Aruna’s feared forehand by forcing exchanges to the Nigerian’s backhand, where Aruna struggled to gain the upper hand.
The 22-minute contest showed Calderano’s elite technical skills, including his rapid backhand and explosive forehand topspin, which repeatedly earned him crucial points.
At 36, Aruna continues to be a pioneering figure for African table tennis, having twice reached the round of 16 at the ITTF World Championships, following his 2021 quarter-final run in Houston.
In Doha, he was the sole African player to reach the top 16, further affirming his place in the sport’s history.
After the match, Calderano acknowledged Aruna’s calibre, noting the challenge he posed.
