After winning the ITTF Challenge Nigeria Open in Lagos, Aruna Quadri has again confirmed his supremacy in Africa after emerging men’s singles champion at the 2018 ITTF African Championships concluded in Mauritius on Sunday September 9, 2018.
Also, Egypt’s Dina Meshref reclaimed the title she lost to Nigeria’s Olufunke oshonaike in 2016 with a convincing 4-0 win over compatriot – Reem El-Eraky to win the women’s singles title.
Quadri finally dropped a match in the final against Egypt’s Ahmed Saleh with a 4-1 win having won all his matches at 4-0.
Spurred by the support of the Mauritian fans, Quadri was in fine form from the start of the encounter against the experienced Saleh, Quadri played with caution and he ensured his opponent was forced to commit lots of unforced errors.
After winning the third game, Quadri raced to the lead to win to the admiration of the fans who greeted his victory with applause.
For Quadri, he is aiming for the African Games next year. “I am so happy that I was able to win this title for the first time having come close in 2016. My next target is the All African Games title because the likes of Segun Toriola and Omar Assar have won this and I am hoping that I can win this as well. I must express my appreciation to the Mauritians for their support; it was because of their enormous support that kept me throughout the competition. It is great again winning another title 28 days after winning the ITTF Challenge Seamaster Nigeria Open in Lagos,” he said.
For Meshref, the title has finally returned to Egypt. “I am happy reclaiming my title again after losing it in 2016 but I must also admit that it was not easy winning it because there are lots of good players particularly the Nigerians. The atmosphere in Mauritius was good for me and I enjoyed every day I spent in the country,” she said.
