Nigeria’s table tennis star Quadri Aruna ended his run at the 2025 ITTF World Championships in Doha, Qatar, following a fourth-round defeat to Brazilian star Hugo Calderano on Thursday, May 22, at the Lusail Arena.
What was billed as a marquee matchup between two of the game’s most dynamic players turned into a one-sided affair, as Calderano dismantled Aruna 4-0 (11-4, 11-4, 11-4, 11-6) in just 22 minutes to secure a place in the quarterfinals.
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The Brazilian’s tactical brilliance was on full display. He nullified Aruna’s explosive forehand, the Nigerian’s trademark weapon, by repeatedly dragging him into backhand exchanges, an area where Aruna struggled to respond effectively.
Despite instructions and encouragement from his coaching team, Aruna couldn’t find his rhythm, committing a slew of unforced errors that tilted the match heavily in Calderano’s favour.
Calderano’s backhand precision and forehand topspin proved unstoppable, earning him quick points and showcasing why he remains one of the top contenders in global table tennis.
“It’s never easy to stay at the same level in every competition, especially after winning the ITTF World Cup last month,” Calderano said post-match. “Against someone like Aruna, you always have to be at your best. He’s a top competitor.”
Despite the defeat, Aruna continues to blaze a trail for African table tennis. At 36, he remains the only African player to reach the Round of 16 at the World Championships twice, following his historic quarterfinal appearance in Houston in 2021. In Doha, he was again the sole African to break into the top 16, underlining his enduring excellence on the world stage.
