Nigerian table tennis star Quadri Aruna reinforced his elite status at the 2025 ITTF World Championships with a thrilling 4-2 victory over Germany’s Benedikt Duda, sealing a place in the fourth round of the Men’s Singles at the Lusail Hall in Doha, Qatar.
Now the last African standing in the Men’s Singles, following Egypt’s Omar Assar’s second-round exit on Monday, May 19, Aruna delivered a composed and tactical performance against the left-handed German.
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Despite trailing 1-2 in their previous head-to-head meetings, Aruna started strong, edging the first set 11-9. Duda responded authoritatively with an 11-4 win in the second, but Aruna adjusted quickly, targeting his opponent’s forehand to take the third set 11-8.
A controversial service fault at 2-2 in the fourth set seemed to unsettle the Nigerian, who lost the game 11-2. But Aruna displayed exceptional composure in the fifth, mounting a remarkable comeback from 3-9 down to win 12-10.
Riding the momentum, Aruna dominated the sixth set with powerful forehand loops and sharp placement, clinching it 11-9 to complete a well-earned 4-2 victory.
Commentators and fans alike praised Aruna’s resilience and tactical intelligence, hailing the win as a masterclass in mental toughness and adaptability on the world stage.
