ITTF World Championship: Aruna Quadri falls to Calderano, but cements African greatness in Doha

In a contest that carried the weight of history and hope for African table tennis, Nigeria’s Quadri Aruna saw his run at the 2025 ITTF World Championships come to an abrupt end on Thursday.

Under the lights of Lusail Arena in Doha, the 36-year-old icon faced Brazil’s Hugo Calderano in what was anticipated to be a pulsating fourth-round battle.

Instead, it was a tactical masterclass from Calderano that sent Aruna crashing out in straight sets.

Despite the loss, Aruna’s journey continues to underscore his lasting influence on the sport—not just in Nigeria, but across the entire continent.

His achievement in reaching the Round of 16 for a second time at the World Championships reinforces his status as Africa’s most decorated table tennis player on the global stage.

Quadri Aruna’s 2025 ITTF World Championships journey came to a halt in the fourth round, as he was handed a ruthless 4-0 defeat by Brazil’s Hugo Calderano at the Lusail Arena, Doha.

The clash, one of the most anticipated of the Men’s Singles round, ended in an unexpectedly one-sided scoreline: 11-4, 11-4, 11-4, 11-6.

From the first serve, Calderano imposed himself with clinical precision, denying Aruna the opportunity to bring his signature explosive forehand into play.

Tactically, the Brazilian’s game plan was flawless. By targeting Aruna’s backhand and maintaining quick transitions, Calderano effectively clipped the wings of Africa’s top-ranked player.

Aruna, despite visible attempts to recalibrate under the guidance of his coaching team, struggled with unforced errors and rhythm breaks that tilted the match further out of his control.

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The match lasted just 22 minutes, but it was long enough to highlight Calderano’s sheer class—his ripping backhands, sharp footwork, and devastating forehand loops ensured there was little room for a comeback.

“It’s never easy to stay at the same level in every competition, especially after winning the ITTF World Cup last month,” Calderano said post-match. “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.”

Though disappointed, Aruna exits the tournament with his head held high.

At 36, he continues to be a beacon for African table tennis. His Round of 16 finish makes him the only African to reach that stage at this year’s World Championships and the first from the continent to do so twice, after his memorable quarterfinal finish in Houston in 2021.

Aruna’s Doha campaign may be over, but his legacy endures—an enduring symbol of African excellence on the table tennis world stage.