Quadri Aruna is through to the quarter-final stage of the WTT Finals Doha 2023 in Qatar after claiming a stunning first round victory against Brazil’s Hugo Calderano.
He will face world’s number one, Fan Zhendong of China, in the quarter-finals today.
Yesterday, Brazil’s Calderano raced to a lead with a 2-0 (11-7, 11-2) win over Aruna but the African champion clawed his way back in the third game with 11-9 win to narrow the gap to 2-1.
Aruna continued from where he stopped in the third game with a close 12-10 win to put the game into a 2-2 tie.
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In the deciding fifth game, Aruna dazed Calderano in a hard-fought 12-10 win to claim a historic first victory over the South American star.
“I cannot describe how it feels. But I’m very happy and excited,” a delighted Aruna said as he praised the support of his Tunisian coach, Hachmi Abid .
“My coach was telling don’t give up and keep fighting. One set could actually make a difference and it did make a big difference. I listen to him very much. I believe so much in him and I was just doing what he told me to do,” he added.
The win eased Aruna into the quarterfinal of the $340,000 prize money tournament and a rematch against Zhendong.
“I’ve never had a win against Fan Zhendong … I believe I can give my best tomorrow(today) and see how it will go. It’s very important to enjoy it,” Aruna enthused.