by Ian Marshall, ITTF Publications Editor
He made his debut in 2009 in Moscow; overall he finished in 17th place; competing in the Intercontinental Cup, it was runners up spot and thus no place in any of the four main event groups. He was beaten by Brazil’s Cazuo Matsumoto.
One year ago in Saarbrücken it was disappointment; he departed in the initial group phase. However, in Düsseldorf in 2014,he was the sensation of the tournament; the journey to the quarter-finals where China’s Zhang Jike, the champion elect, ended progress, jettisoned the now 29 year old to international fame.
It is the form of three years ago that Quadri Aruna is aiming to repeat in Liège.
He spoke to Olalekan Okusan, the ITTF-Africa Press Officer
“I am expecting a tougher tournament this year. I hope and pray I have a good draw that will favour my style of play. I will also be delighted if I can surpass my previous performance of the quarter-finals and achieve a better result this year.”
I am not under any pressure, I think my performances so far this year are average. I hope I can improve in Belgium.
My first main objective is to quality from the group because I failed to go beyond the first round in 2016. I am hoping that I can put that behind me and progress from the group. My goal is to have better results in future and to be a great ambassador of my country and Africa wherever I go.”
The dream for table tennis in Africa is to improve and get better results in future. Another dream is that Africa gets the needed support for the sport to grow.”
