Nigeria Open: I Wouldn’t Have Won If Not For Lagos Fans, Says Aruna Quadri

OLATUNJI SEUN EMMANUEL

Newly crowned champion of ITTF Challenge Seamaster Nigeria Open, Aruna Quadri has said that he was able to win the competition because of the frenzy support he received from Lagos fans inside the Molade Okoya-Thomas Indoor Sports Hall of the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Surulere.

PM EXPRESS reports that the Governor of Lagos State, His Excellency, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode was among hundreds of table tennis fans who motivated the Nigerian player, Quadri with their electrifying support to beat Frenchman Antione Hachard in the final of the men’s singles. He won on the home soil for the first time in a thrilling 4-2 encounter.

“I must appreciate the fans for what they did today, ” Aruna said. “When I was 1-2 down, I heard the fans calling my name with loud voices that ” ji ma sun” in Yoruba language meaning wake up don’t sleep Aruna. The energy arose in me. I was indeed inspired by the thunderous support from the fans. It was amazing. They never get tired. I can say that they gave me this victory. I appreciate Lagos Fans for standing by me and I also want to appreciate my wife too for her support, ” Aruna said.

To the chairman of the Local Organising Committee (LOC), Mr Wahid Enitan Oshodi, Aruna has finally done it winning the Seamaster Challenge on the home soil.

An elated Oshodi said:” I was so proud that Aruna finally won at home. ”

Apart from the prize money of $5,000, Aruna also won reward flow of $200 from Premier Lotto, popularly called Baba Ijebu as a fair play award, while another home boy, Jamiu Ayanwale won the best Nigerian player award that came with $200.

The women singles was a family affair between two Chinese duo of Guo Yan and Sun Chen with the former winning 4-3.