Nigeria’s Quadri Aruna has hit the end of the road at the 2025 ITTF World Championships in Doha, Qatar, following a 4-0 loss to Hugo Calderano on Thursday, Afrosport reports.
Aruna fell to Calderano in the fourth round at the Lusail Arena, with the Brazilian winning the contest 11-4, 11-4, 11-4, 11-6 to progress to the quarterfinals following a dominant display.
Calderano effectively neutralised Aruna’s powerful forehand by forcing the Nigerian into backhand exchanges, which proved largely ineffective.
Despite strategic input from his coaching corner, Aruna struggled to find rhythm, committing numerous unforced errors that further tilted momentum toward his opponent.
The 22-minute encounter showcased Calderano’s elite technique, including his blistering backhand and explosive forehand topspin, which consistently earned him points.
Despite the loss, Aruna, 36, became the first African to reach the Round of 16 at the ITTF World Championships twice, following his quarterfinal appearance at the 2021 edition in Houston, USA.
He ended this year’s edition in Doha as the only African to finish in the top 16, further cementing his legacy in continental and world table tennis.
Speaking after the match, Calderano acknowledged the threat posed by Aruna. “It’s never easy to stay at the same level in every competition, especially after winning the ITTF World Cup last month.
“I had to take some rest and resume training, focused because table tennis is unpredictable. Against someone like Aruna, you always have to be at your best,” Calderano said.
