Quadri Aruna came from behind to edge out Hong Kong’s Wong Chun Ting in the second round (last 32) of the men’s singles at the 2023 WTT Star Contender Ljubljana in Slovenia.
The Nigerian who has been out of action in the last six weeks, fell 8-11 in the first game against the Hong Kong penholder.
But Aruna who was desperate for victory to shore up his ranking after dropping to 18th in the latest world rating, returned a better player in the second game.
A good combination of backhand and forehand topspin were all he needed to frustrate his opponent. And this paid off for him as he controlled the match from the second game which he narrowly won at 14-12.
The win was all Aruna needed to demystify his opponent as he dominated the last two matches which he won at 11-8, 11-7 to complete the 3-1 rout of the Asian star and secured his place in the third round (last 16) of the men’s singles.
Aruna will face another Asian star in Lin Yun-Ju of Chinese Taipei whom the Nigerian is yet to beat in any competition.
“I think the match was a bit difficult for me being my first tournament in the last six weeks. My start was a bit awkward but I came back stronger in the second game after changing my tactic. I started to play short balls and varied my services. All these worked for me to record an important victory today which has improved my confidence going into the next match. it is another difficult match but I will do my best as usual,” he added.
Meanwhile, 2023 African champion Omar Assar failed to progress to the third round after he was beaten 3-0 (11-7, 11-8, 11-7) by French teenager Felix Lebrun.