Oyo-born Aruna Qaudri on Sunday at the Molade Okoya Thomas Hall inside the Teslim Balogun Stadium added another feather to his cap; winning his maiden ITTF Challenge Nigeria open title.
Quadri had to dig deep to battle to a 4-2 victory against Frenchman Antione Hachard in the men’s singles finals of the 2018 Seamaster ITTF Challenge Nigeria open.
Hachard dominated the early proceedings; winning the first set 13-11; but Quadri came back strong taking the second set 11-3.
Hachard was back in front after the third game; winning that 11-8; but again, Quadri leveled with 11-7.
Quadri brought on his mastery at the fifth game dusting Hachard to win at 11-5 before finishing up 11-8 in the sixth set to light up the atmosphere of the Molade Okoya-Thomas Indoor Sports Hall which was packed full with enthusiastic fans including Governor Akinwunmi Ambode.
Amongst the cheering crowd on Sunday was also former Lagos Commissioner for Sports, Enitan Oshodi, NFF First Vice President, Seyi Akinwunmi, NRA President Tade Azeez, music star, Tony Tetuila, and other top dignitaries.
Quadri who had failed to win the top prize in past four attempts confessed his victory on Sunday was made possible by the fans.
“The support of the fans was simply amazing. They played for me and made the victory possible. I dedicate this moment to all the fans and supporters,” the new champion said on Sunday.
The women singles was a family affair between two Chinese duo of Guo Yan and Sun Chen with the former winning 4-3.
