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Egypt’s Omar Assar has overtaken Nigeria’s Quadri Aruna as the best-ranked African player in the world, according to the 2024 week 12 ranking released by ITTF.
In the 2024-week 11 rankings released by the International Table Tennis Federation, Quadri Aruna was Africa’s top Table Tennis player, ranked 11th in the world.
However, Egypt’s Omar Assar has now displaced him, having climbed five places in the recently released rankings, while Nigeria’s Quadri Aruna dropped eight places in the pecking order.
Assar’s Rise to Prominence
Assar’s ascent in the rankings comes after his impressive performance at the Singapore Smash, where he reached the last 16.
Additionally, his victory over Aruna at the 2023 African Games in Ghana further solidified his position as the continent’s topmost player.
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Assar’s Ranking Achievement
Assar climbed five steps up the ladder to occupy the 17th spot in the world rankings, while Aruna dropped eight places to be ranked 19th.
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However, Assar’s quest to equal Aruna’s 2023 quarter-finals record at this year’s Singapore Smash was halted by Indian legend Sharath Achanta, who secured a 3-0 win in their encounter.
Return to Prominence
Despite falling short of a quarter-final berth, Assar’s performance in the round of 16 was sufficient to improve his world rating, reclaiming the top spot in Africa’s ranking after surrendering it to Aruna some months back.
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Other Notable Ranking Changes
Chinese player Wang Chuqin has displaced former world number one Fan Zhendong after emerging as the champion of the Singapore Smash.
![Paris 2024 Watch Out! Skit maker Mr. Macaroni is Coming for Table Tennis Gold [VIDEO]](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/10032024/6dbe29bc-b4f0-4d62-ab50-6c0edebdbbe4.jpg?operations=fit(:350))
Meanwhile, German legend Timo Boll and Indian player Sharath Achanta have also seen improvements in their rankings following their performances at the tournament.
Boll has risen to 26th place, while Achanta occupies the 34th spot in the world rankings.
![Paris 2024 Watch Out! Skit maker Mr. Macaroni is Coming for Table Tennis Gold [VIDEO]](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/10032024/6dbe29bc-b4f0-4d62-ab50-6c0edebdbbe4.jpg?operations=fit(960:))
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Mr. Macaroni impresses with his table tennis skills.
Paris 2024 Watch Out! Skit maker Mr. Macaroni is Coming for Table Tennis Gold [VIDEO]
Nigerian comedian Mr. Macaroni has impressed Nigerians with his amazing table tennis skills.
The social media world is in a frenzy after popular Nigerian comedian and skit maker, Mr Macaroni, unveiled his impressive table tennis talents in a viral video.
Pulse Sports Nigeria reports that from highbrow humour to athletic prowess, it seems there’s nothing this multi-talented entertainer and activist can’t do!
Mr. Macaroni eyes Paris 2024
Leading the charge of amazement is none other than the official Nigeria Table Tennis Instagram account.
The table tennis body cheekily suggested that Mr Macaroni might just be eyeing a spot on the national squad for the 2024 Paris Olympics with his skilful display.
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Fans and fellow entertainers have been equally struck by the comedian’s hitherto unknown ping-pong proficiency, flooding social media with a deluge of funny reactions, memes, and rallying cries for him to consider a career switch to professional sports.
“Aside Skit Making, Mr. Macaroni shows off his jaw-dropping table tennis skills,” quipped one Twitter user.
Popular photojournalist, Pooja Media, was not left out as he noted; “Mr. Macaroni should consider professional table table. A good trainer will blend these skills,” he added.
Whether Mr Macaroni will actually take his comic act to the Olympic stage remains to be seen.
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But one thing’s for sure – he’s already the undisputed champion of bringing non-stop laughter to his millions of followers across Nigeria and beyond!
Here are other reactions to the video
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Top 10 Table Tennis Players in Africa in 2023
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Top 10 Table Tennis Players in Africa in 2023
Top 10 Table Tennis Players in Africa in 2024
The ITTF World Table Tennis Championships Finals, hosted in Durban, South Africa, marked a historic moment as it was the first time in 84 years that the event was held in Africa.
In 2024, the African table tennis scene witnessed significant developments and showcased some outstanding talents. The ITTF World Table Tennis Championships Finals, hosted in Durban, South Africa, marked a historic moment as it was the first time in 84 years that the event was held in Africa.
This milestone event not only celebrated the sport but also highlighted the continent’s vibrant culture and talents in table tennis.
Some of the top table tennis players from Africa who have made a mark in 2024 include:
10. Segun Toriola (Nigeria)
Toriola is a veteran Nigerian table tennis player who has been a significant figure in the sport for many years. His experience and skill have contributed to the growth and popularity of table tennis in Africa.
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9. Sarah Hanffou (Cameroon)
Sarah Hanffou from Cameroon is a prominent name in African women’s table tennis. Her participation in international competitions and her ability to consistently perform at a high level have made her a key figure in the sport, inspiring many young players across the continent.
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8. Ahmed Saleh (Egypt)
Ahmed Saleh is another Egyptian player who has consistently shown his prowess in the sport. His experience and skills have been vital in various international and continental tournaments, contributing significantly to Egypt’s dominance in African table tennis.
7. Ibrahima Diaw (Senegal)
Ibrahima is one of the talents in table tennis. His performances in regional and continental tournaments have shown his potential and growth, making him a player to watch in the future of African table tennis.
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6. Olufunke Oshonaike (Nigeria)
Representing Nigeria, Oshonaike has been a key player in African table tennis. Her participation in international events reflects her experience and skill in the sport.
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5. Mariam Alhodaby (Egypt)
Alhodaby is another prominent Egyptian player who has made significant contributions to the sport. Her participation in various events and her competitive performances in the women’s teams category highlight her skills and dedication.
4. Hana Goda (Egypt)
As a rising star in African table tennis, Hana Goda has captured attention with her skills and performances in major events. Her showdowns, especially in the women’s singles category, have been particularly noteworthy.
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3. Dina Meshref (Egypt)
Dina Meshref, a leading female table tennis player from Egypt, has shown remarkable performances, particularly in events like the ITTF Africa Cup. Her matches have been a highlight, showcasing her talent and competitive edge in the sport.
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2. Quadri Aruna (Nigeria)
Quadri Aruna, another top player from Nigeria, has been instrumental in elevating the profile of African table tennis on the global stage. His participation and performance in critical events, such as the ITTF Africa Cup and the ITTF World Table Tennis Championships, demonstrate his skill and competitive spirit.
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1 . Omar Assar (Egypt)
Omar Assar has been a prominent figure in African table tennis, showcasing his skills in various international events. His performance at the ITTF Africa Cup, where he claimed the men’s singles title, is a testament to his prowess and dedication to the sport.
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The achievements of these players, among others, underscore the growth and potential of table tennis in Africa. Their participation in international events not only showcases their talents but also represents the progress of the sport on the continent. As table tennis continues to evolve globally, African players are increasingly becoming key figures, contributing to the sport’s diversity and competitiveness.
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Nigeria suffers early elimination at ITTF World Team Championships
The 2024 ITTF World Team Table Tennis Championships has been a mix of triumphs and trials for African teams, with Egypt’s women’s team shining as a notable exception.
Nigeria, a powerhouse in African table tennis, encountered a significant hurdle with the withdrawal of star player Quadri Aruna due to food poisoning.
This setback impacted the team’s performance, leading to an early exit alongside Algeria, South Africa, and Madagascar. Each of these teams struggled to make their mark against formidable opponents, concluding their journey in the first round.
The Nigerian teams, both men and women, faced disappointment as they were unable to progress beyond the first round. The men’s team, affected by Aruna’s absence, and the women’s team, faced strong competition from teams like Germany, Mexico, Slovakia, and Poland, resulting in defeats that led to their early departure from the championship.
The Egyptian women’s team showcased remarkable skill at the 2024 ITTF World Team Table Tennis Championships in South Korea, securing their spot in the second round. After competing fiercely in a group that included teams from Romania, Iran, Portugal, and Thailand, they emerged second, thanks to their strategic play and determination. Their success was highlighted by a key victory over Thailand, showcasing the team’s resilience and skill.
The Egyptian men’s team faced its own set of challenges, starting the competition with a series of defeats. However, they managed to turn their fortunes around with a crucial 3-1 victory over Thailand. This win allowed them to finish fourth in their group, demonstrating a commendable fightback despite the initial setbacks.
Amid the mixed outcomes for African teams, Dina Meshref and the Egyptian women’s team provided a beacon of hope. Excelling in Group 8, they defeated teams from the Czech Republic, Ukraine, and Croatia. Despite a loss to France, their overall performance was strong enough to secure advancement to the second round, underscoring the talent and potential within African table tennis.
Former African Games champion Edem Offiong reflected on the challenges faced by African teams at the championships. Citing lack of preparation as a key factor, Offiong emphasized the importance of such international competitions in preparing teams for future events, including the upcoming African Games in Ghana. This perspective highlights the need for better preparation and support for African teams to excel on the global stage.
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How Quadri Aruna Begins the year with a win against South American Champions
Aruna’s victory earned him a spot in the quarterfinals, where he was set to face the world’s number one player, Fan Zhendong of China.
The table tennis world witnessed a stunning upset at the World Table Tennis (WTT) Men’s Finals in Doha. Nigeria’s Quadri Aruna defied the odds to defeat South American champion Hugo Calderano.
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Aruna, ranked 16th in the WTT rankings, faced a daunting challenge against Hugo Calderano, the world’s number-five player from Brazil.
Aruna’s extraordinary performance highlights his journey from underdog to victor in one of the sport’s most thrilling encounters.
Aruna’s Victory at the WTT Men’s Finals
Nigeria’s top table tennis player, Quadri Aruna, showcased incredible skill and determination at the World Table Tennis (WTT) Men’s Finals in Doha. Entering the tournament ranked 16th in the WTT rankings, Aruna was considered an underdog, especially given his previous losses to Hugo Calderano, the world number five from Brazil.
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Aruna made a remarkable comeback in a match that kept spectators on the edge of their seats. He turned the tables astonishingly despite losing the first two sets, 11-7 and 11-2. He won the subsequent three sets, 11-9, 12-10, and 12-10, clinching a 3-2 victory in a nail-biting five-set encounter.
This impressive turnaround marked a significant milestone in Aruna’s career and led him to the tournament’s quarterfinals.
The Quarterfinal Berth
Aruna’s victory earned him a spot in the quarterfinals, where he was set to face the world’s number one player, Fan Zhendong of China.
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This matchup was eagerly anticipated, pitting Aruna’s resilience and strategic play against Zhendong’s top-ranking prowess.
The Role of Coaching and Strategy
A critical factor in Aruna’s success was his coach’s strategic guidance and motivational support. Throughout the match, his coach’s advice and encouragement kept Aruna focused and resilient, contributing significantly to his comeback and ultimate victory.
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Aruna’s win at the WTT Finals is a significant achievement for Nigeria and Africa in the global table tennis arena. His ability to compete and triumph against higher-ranked players on such a prestigious stage is a testament to his skill, hard work, and the growing competitiveness of African athletes in international sports.
Looking Ahead
With the WTT Men’s Finals offering substantial World Ranking points and featuring a prize pool of $340,000, the tournament is a high-stakes event for the participants. Aruna’s performance adds to his accolades and boosts his world rating ahead of the qualifying tournament for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
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Winners emerge at Ogun SWAN/Tokunbo Talabi Table Tennis Tourney
Rafiu Alarape of Silverbird Television defeated Afolabi Sobande of Radio Nigeria/Paramount FM Abeokuta to win the championship with a cash prize of $50.
Winners have emerged at the maiden edition of the Ogun State SWAN/Tokunbo Talabi Table Tennis Championship with a cash prize of $100.
Rafiu Alarape of Silverbird Television defeated Afolabi Sobande of Radio Nigeria/Paramount FM Abeokuta to win the championship with a cash prize of $50.
Rafiu defeated Sobande 3-2 in a five-set clash in a keenly contested final played inside the Iwe-Iroyin hall of the Ogun State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Abeokuta, the state capital.
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Sobande will go home with a prize of $30, while Sunday Adenekan of Ogun State Television (OGTV) and Segun Folarin Paramount FM Abeokuta, joint third-placed winners, went home with a cash prize of $20.
Ogun Govt declares support for Sports in the State
The sponsor of the tournament, Secretary to the Ogun State Government (SSG), Mr. Tokunbo Talabi, was excited with the level of participation of members of the State branch of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN).
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The SSG who the Special Adviser represented to Governor Dapo Abiodun on Finance, Mr. Bayo Adenekan, expressed the commitment of the present administration to the development of sports to continue to discover excellent talents and stars from the State such as Segun Torinola, Kehinde Okenla in table tennis, Tobi Amusan who is the world 110m hurdle record holder and the likes.
Ogun SWAN appeals for sports development
The State SWAN Chairman, Michael Azeez-Ogunsiji, appealed to SSG for continuous tournament sponsorship annually to promote the game among members.
The SWAN urged interested parties, such as corporations and philanthropists, to support the state government in advancing regional sports.
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“We are calling on multi-national companies to partner with the State Sports Council Council, sports associations in the state to see how we can galvanize sports to discover future talents for major national and international competitions,” he pleaded.
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Over 60 players set for Daniel National Table Tennis Championship
The championship will be held from December 21 to 22 at the Molade Okoya-Thomas Hall of the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos.
At least 64 players in the U-15 and U-19 categories will compete at the First Daniel Ford International Elite Youth Invitational National Table Tennis Championships.
The championship will be held from December 21 to 22 at the Molade Okoya-Thomas Hall of the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos.
The tournament is sponsored by UK-based property firm Daniel Ford International and organized by the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF).
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The founder and CEO of Daniel Ford International, Yemi Edun, said the decision to organize the championship intends to identify potential players and advance table tennis in the nation.
He added that the tournament was borne out of his passion for the sport, having grown up in the Surulere area of Lagos, considered Nigeria’s sports capital.
He said, “Table tennis was widely played at homes and on the streets growing up, but I also lived in Surulere, which was and still is, to some extent, the sports capital of Nigeria.
“The National Stadium located in Surulere is also known as Sports City, and living in this neighbourhood made me acutely aware of all things sport, including table tennis. Aside from that, I grew up when table tennis legends like Atanda Musa were routinely featured on the front pages of national newspapers,” he said.
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The tournament will be played in a round-robin format, with the 16 (boys and girls each) in U-15 and 16 (boys and girls each) in U-19 would be drawn into a group of four, with the top two in each group advancing to the knockout stage of the tournament.
Source:Pulse Sports