By Victor Kanayo
Nigeria’s Quadri Aruna has defeated British champion Liam Pitchford to advance to the third round of the Men’s Singles at the WTT Star Contender in Doha, Qatar.
Aruna, the fifth seed and Africa’s sole representative left in the tournament, overcame a tricky start against Pitchford.
After losing the first game 10–12, he rallied to win the next three games 11–9, 11–9, 11–9, sealing his progression to the round of 16.
His next opponent is Spain’s Alvaro Robles, who defeated a Japanese contender in the second round.
Aruna encountered a difficult season in the previous year while participating in various international competitions.