Top Ad
I DIG Radio
www.idigradio.com
Listen live to the best music from around the world!
I DIG Style
www.idigstyle.com
Learn about the latest fashion styles and more...

Notable World Cup quartet, Quadri Aruna heads list

Written by 
Published in Table Tennis
Thursday, 01 August 2019 09:22

Significantly, the next three names in the order of merit have all enjoyed similar success. Egypt’s Ahmed Ali Saleh is the no.2 seed, followed by colleague Omar Assar and Nigeria’s Segun Toriola.

Ahmed Ali Saleh is the member of the group with the most Men’s World Cup appearances, a total of five; the first being in 1998 in Shantou, the most recent in 2011 in Paris. Approaching his 40th birthday, he is one of the most experienced players on duty in Lagos but none can match the evergreen Segun Toriola, in September he will celebrate his 45th birthday. Winner of the Africa Cup title in 2008 in Brazzaville, he has made four Men’s World Cup ventures; his first in 1996 in Nîmes, the latest in 2008 in Liège.

Both Ahmed Ali Saleh and Segun Toriola are major challengers to the aspirations of Quadri Aruna, who is aiming for his sixth Men’s World Cup appearance but, despite a recent run of indifferent form on the ITTF World Tour and at ITTF Challenge Series tournaments, is Omar Assar not the greatest threat to the hopes of Quadri Aruna?

Omar Assar is in search of his third Africa Cup title and his third Men’s World Cup appearance. Notably, in the most recent five editions of the tournament, the two have always met; moreover except for 2015 in Yaoundé, all have been in finals. In Yaoundé Omar Assar prevailed in the semi-final round, progressing to secure the title; last year he repeated the success, winning in Nairobi. Quadri Aruna succeeded in 2014 in Lagos, 2016 in Khartoum and 2017 in Agadir.

Now on home soil, a great deal is expected of Quadri Aruna, can he regain the title; will there be an extra degree of pressure?

“I don’t think I will be under any pressure playing in Lagos particularly with the support from the fans. I am ready to compete against anybody because I will always want to make my country proud. There is no doubt that it is going to be tough because everybody is playing well now.” Quadri Aruna

The contest between the leading African players of the present day is eagerly anticipated; but remember April and the Liebherr 2019 World Championships, we all looked forward to seeing the Chinese stars meet in the guise of Ma Long and Fan Zhendong.

It didn’t happen, could someone have other ideas in Lagos?

Read 372 times

Soccer

Messi jerseys to test Paraguay's away shirt ban

Messi jerseys to test Paraguay's away shirt ban

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsArgentina coach Lionel Scaloni is confident there will be Lionel Me...

Ex-Uruguay striker Forlán loses pro doubles debut

Ex-Uruguay striker Forlán loses pro doubles debut

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsMONTEVIDEO, Uruguay -- Former soccer star Diego Forlán's newfound c...

New video puts ref Coote under fresh scrutiny

New video puts ref Coote under fresh scrutiny

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsPGMOL, the refereeing body for English football, has confirmed that...

2026 FIFA


2028 LOS ANGELES OLYMPIC

UEFA

2024 PARIS OLYMPIC


Basketball

At 39, LeBron oldest with 3 straight triple-doubles

At 39, LeBron oldest with 3 straight triple-doubles

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsLOS ANGELES -- LeBron James recorded the 40th 30-point triple-doubl...

Kings' DeRozan (back tightness) exits win early

Kings' DeRozan (back tightness) exits win early

EmailPrintSACRAMENTO, Calif. -- Sacramento Kings guard DeMar DeRozan was ruled out of Wednesday nigh...

Baseball

Williams' Medal of Freedom, MVP up for auction

Williams' Medal of Freedom, MVP up for auction

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsBOSTON -- Ted Williams' Presidential Medal of Freedom, which was pr...

Guardians, AL Central champions, tweak staff

Guardians, AL Central champions, tweak staff

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsCLEVELAND -- Guardians manager Stephen Vogt made some tweaks to Cle...

Sports Leagues

  • FIFA

    Fédération Internationale de Football Association
  • NBA

    National Basketball Association
  • ATP

    Association of Tennis Professionals
  • MLB

    Major League Baseball
  • ITTF

    International Table Tennis Federation
  • NFL

    Nactional Football Leagues
  • FISB

    Federation Internationale de Speedball

About Us

I Dig® is a leading global brand that makes it more enjoyable to surf the internet, conduct transactions and access, share, and create information.  Today I Dig® attracts millions of users every month.r

 

Phone: (800) 737. 6040
Fax: (800) 825 5558
Website: www.idig.com
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Affiliated