Quadri Aruna Knocked Out of 2025 ITTF World Championships by Hugo Calderano
Quadri Aruna faced a tough defeat on Thursday at the 2025 ITTF World Championships in Doha, as he was outplayed by Brazil’s Hugo Calderano in a four-round match at Lusail Arena.
The highly anticipated men’s singles match turned out to be one-sided, with Calderano dominating the game and securing a 4-0 victory with scores of 11-4, 11-4, 11-4, and 11-6 to advance to the quarterfinals.
Calderano strategically targeted Aruna’s backhand, effectively neutralizing his powerful forehand shots and showcasing his tactical expertise on the table.
Despite receiving guidance from his coaching team, Aruna struggled to find his rhythm and made several unforced errors that ultimately worked in Calderano’s favor.
Calderano’s technical prowess was on full display during the 22-minute game, with his quick backhand shots and explosive forehand topspins earning him crucial points throughout the match.
As a veteran in African table tennis, Aruna has made significant strides in the sport, reaching the round of 16 twice at the ITTF World Championships and making it to the quarterfinals in Houston in 2021. He remains the only African player to reach the top 16 in Doha.
Following the match, Calderano acknowledged Aruna’s skill and the challenges he posed on the court.
“Maintaining top form in every competition is never easy, especially after winning the ITTF World Cup last month. I had to rest and train hard because table tennis is unpredictable. Against a player like Aruna, you always have to bring your A-game,” Calderano stated.
