Recently updated on September 1st, 2018 at 10:40 pm
Aruna Quadri has become the first Nigerian to win the ITTF Nigeria Open men’s singles title after defeating Frenchman, Hachard Antoine in the final match of ITTF Nigeria Open 2018 held at Molade Okoya Thomas Hall of Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.
For his effort, Aruna Quadri won the ITTF Nigeria Open top prize money of $5,000. The Nigerian also won another $200 courtesy of the fair play award, which was also awarded to him.
The world No. 18 emerged victorious over Thailand’s Wisutmaythangkoon Supanut 11-9, 14-12, 11-9, 11-8 in the semi-final of the competition.
Also, the best Nigerian home-grown player of the tournament, Jamiu Anyawale was rewarded with cash gift of $200.
In the words of Aruna Quadri:
“If not for my fans that supported me all the way, this victory would not have been possible and so I want to thank the people for standing by me.”
The runner-up was rewarded with $2,500 while Guo Yan from China went home with $5,000 for winning the women’s singles. Her fellow compatriot, Sun Chen was awarded with $2,500 for emerging as the first runner up of the women’s singles.
Delighted with Aruna Quadri’s win, Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode stated:
“This is a major improvement from last year’s competition and again for the very first time in the last six years, we found a Nigerian winning the men’s singles and this brings a lot of excitement for me because I have been supporting table tennis and I know that next year’s tournament will be more exciting than this.
As a government, we are going to put more support; we put more financial support so that we can attract more people and also encourage more Nigerians to participate. You know we actually gave bonus to Nigerians that have qualified and that is also to encourage more of our own local players to compete internationally.”
