Quadri Aruna’s good run at the on-going WTT Star Contender Bangkok came to an end yesterday after being mauled by English star Liam Pitchford in the last 16 of the men’s singles at Huamark Indoor Stadium in Thailand.
Aruna, who blamed his not-too-impressive performance lately on fatigue, missed some begging chances against his opponent especially in the first game which ended 13-11 in favour of the English man.
The second and third games were equally dominated by Pitchford with Aruna committing several unforced errors to hand his opponent a passage to the quarterfinal of the $250,000 prize money tournament.
The Nigerian ace exited the tournament after losing 3-0 (11-13, 8-11, and 6-11) to Pitchford.
A disappointed but relieved Aruna told NationSport that he wanted to try and grind out victory from the match, but his body could not carry him.
.“I have tried enough because my body cannot continue as I have been playing top level matches in the last four weeks without taking a break,” he said. “I featured in two WTT Champions Series back-to-back in China, travelled to play for my club in Russia and flew back to Thailand to compete again in just one week.
“So, my exit would surely help me to rest ahead of the Africa Cup in Kenya. I narrowly missed the title in Lagos last year when I copped an injury while leading in the deciding game against Omar Assar.
“I hope I can perform very well in Kenya. I will be travelling back home to rest for a few days before travelling to Kenya next week for the Africa cup,” he added.
Despite his exit in the last 16, Aruna earned crucial 55points which could improve his world rating from the current 12th spot.
English star ousts Aruna at WTT Star Contender Bangkok
