Nigeria Open: Upset On Eve Of Finals, As Aruna Crashes, Li Ping Bows Out

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Bode Abiodun, beats Aruna Quadri on Saturday at the Lagos 2017 ITTF Nigeria Open 

Number one seed in men’s singles, Nigerian top player, Aruna Quadri has been sent packing out of the ongoing ITTF Nigeria Open at the Molade Okoya-Thomas Hall of Teslim Balogun Stadium in Surulere, Lagos.

The eve of the finals of Lagos 2017 championship also saw two other big fishes crashed out on Saturday August 12 in the men’s singles .

It was number three seed – Qatar’s Li Ping that tasted the first defeat in the men’s singles as the former world mixed doubles champion was taken to the cleaner by India’s Sarthak Gandhi.

Being his second match of the competition, Li Ping was a made to play his last match of the competition by the dazzling Indian star who won the encounter at 4-2.

Also, the number one seed and fans favourite – Aruna Quadri of Nigeria became the second casualties as he was beaten by his compatriot – Bode Abiodun in an epic round of 16 tie.

The encounter had all the qualities of a top class clash as well as a good advertisement for the tournament. The fans were indeed treated to exciting match but after the encounter, the fans were disappointed that Quadri could not go beyond the last 16 after he suffered a surprising 4-2 defeat in the hand of Abiodun.

An excited Abiodun said after the victory that he would make Nigeria proud in the tournament.

“With training and concentration anything is possible. He is my teammate at Sporting Lisbon and I know how he plays. This is my first time of upsetting top player. I believe I can make Nigeria proud as the weight is on my shoulder now,” he said.

Abiodun added: “It is not easy beating Quadri so I have to give thank to God.”

P.M.EXPRESS reports that Abiodun made his ways to the semi final of the event later in the evening of Saturday.  The Nigerian beat Sanil Shetty 4-3 to qualify for the Nigeria Open semis.