Nigerian table tennis sensation Quadri Aruna has surged past Egypt’s Omar Assar to reclaim his status as Africa’s highest-ranked player, climbing to a career-high 16th in the latest International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) world rankings released this week. Assar, who had held the continental crown since November 2023, slipped to 19th amid recent struggles on the global circuit.
Historic Rise for Aruna: The 35-year-old Olympian’s ascent to 16th globally marks a new personal milestone, bolstered by his standout quarterfinal run at the Singapore Smash in March, where he earned $11,000. Aruna remains the only African to ever reach an Olympic quarterfinal (Tokyo 2020) and holds the record for the highest-ranked African in ITTF history (10th in 2014).
Assar’s Dip: Assar, the 2023 African Championships gold medalist, faced early exits in recent WTT events, including a first-round loss in Singapore. His ranking decline underscores the intense competition ahead of Paris 2024.
Olympic Implications: With the ITTF’s June 18 rankings cutoff looming, both players vie for automatic Olympic qualification. Aruna’s current position strengthens Nigeria’s hopes, while Assar aims to rebound at May’s WTT Contender Lagos.
Aruna and Assar remain the sole Africans in the ITTF top 20, highlighting their dominance in continental table tennis. Their rivalry intensifies as Aruna seeks to cement his legacy and Assar fights to regain momentum. The upcoming Lagos event (May 13–19) offers Assar a critical chance to win home-turf favor and close the gap.
With Paris 2024 on the horizon, Aruna’s resurgence signals a pivotal shift in Africa’s table tennis hierarchy. Fans eagerly await whether the Nigerian star can sustain his form or if Assar will reclaim supremacy in this high-stakes duel.
Final Note:
The ITTF rankings, updated weekly, reflect athletes’ performances over the past 12 months, setting the stage for a thrilling race to Olympic qualification. Stay tuned for updates as Africa’s titans clash for glory.
Quadri Aruna Reclaims Throne as Africa’s Top-Ranked Table Tennis Star, Ousts Omar Assar in ITTF Rankings
