Quadri Aruna started his 2025 ITTF World Cup marketing campaign with a gritty 3-1 (11-6, 11-9, 6-11, 11-8) win over Benin’s Abdel-Kader Salifou in one of many headline matches on day one of many match in Macao.
The tie, a rematch of their ITTF African Cup encounter, was full of momentum shifts as each gamers confirmed flashes of why they’re among the many continent’s best. Aruna, nonetheless, held his nerve at essential moments, warding off a comeback from Salifou to seize the victory.
“It’s at all times robust to play the primary match in these occasions,” mentioned Aruna afterwards. “Getting a 2-0 lead gave me some confidence. He got here again strongly within the third and fourth video games, however I stayed calm and held on. I’m actually completely satisfied and glad with my efficiency.”
The Nigerian, ranked twentieth on this planet, needed to dig deep, particularly within the fourth sport, the place Salifou led 8-6 earlier than Aruna rallied again to shut out the tie. The win units Aruna on a agency footing as he seems to be to advance from the group stage on this revamped World Cup format.
Salifou, who was making solely his second look for Benin after a five-year absence from the worldwide scene, confirmed sharpness and resolve regardless of the loss. “I had possibilities to attract degree. I used to be main 8-6 within the fourth, however credit score to Aruna for combating again,” he famous. “I’ll preserve giving my greatest and deal with the following match.”
Elsewhere, Africa’s different main consultant, Egypt’s Hana Goda, cruised to a 4-0 (11-2, 11-4, 11-4, 11-8) win over Malaysia’s Seak Hui Li. Goda, recent off her African Cup triumph, delivered a commanding efficiency, by no means permitting her opponent a foothold within the match.
Egypt’s Dina Meshref additionally started her marketing campaign positively with a 3-1 (11-9, 11-9, 11-5, 6-11) victory over Zhu Chengzhu, displaying her expertise in her eighth World Cup look.
Day one featured different performances throughout the board, together with Japan’s Hiroto Shinozuka, Croatia’s Tomislav Pucar, and China’s Huang Youzheng, all posting straight-set victories. Eugene Wang’s 2-2 draw in opposition to Yukiya Uda stood out because the day’s largest shock.
