Aruna is optimistic about winning WTT Singapore Smash

African Table Tennis warrior Quadri Aruna is optimistic about winning the World Table Tennis Singapore Smash.

Aruna defeated French sensation Alexis Lebrun 3-2 (8-11, 11-8, 11-5, 7-11, 11-7) in the second round on Tuesday at the Singapore Sports Hub’s OCBC Arena.

The Nigerian is the only surviving African in the competition following the early exit of Egypt’s quartet of Omar Assar, Dina Meshref, Hana Goda, and Mariam Alhodaby.

Aruna’s last 16 tie will be against Japan’s Tomokazu Harimoto on Thursday.

The Nigerian said the game will be a difficult one and he is confidence to beat Harimoto.

“It is always difficult playing against Harimoto because he is a very fast player, but having played him twice at a big stage like this, I think I will try my best to bring him down this time around because it is a 50-50 match for both of us as anybody can win.

"In this tournament, every player has an equal chance to win the title because we are all at the same level, regardless of our world ranking. I am happy with my performance, and I hope I can do more,” Aruna enthused.

The Oyo-born table tennis star targets nine billion naira in the championship.