Quadri Aruna’s campaign at the 2025 ITTF World Championships in Doha, Qatar, came to an abrupt end following a dominant 4-0 defeat by Brazil’s Hugo Calderano. The highly anticipated fourth-round men’s singles match at the Lusail Arena turned out to be a one-sided affair, with Calderano firmly in control from start to finish. He won 11-4, 11-4, 11-4, and 11-6, securing a spot in the quarterfinals.
Throughout the 22-minute match, Calderano expertly neutralized Aruna’s powerful forehand, forcing the Nigerian player into a series of backhand exchanges that ultimately played into his opponent’s hands. Despite guidance and motivation from his coaching team, Aruna struggled to find his rhythm and made several unforced errors, which further swung the momentum in favor of Calderano.
Calderano’s exceptional technique, highlighted by his blistering backhand and powerful forehand topspin, saw him consistently rack up points. Despite the defeat, Aruna made history as the only African player to reach the top 16 at the event, marking another significant achievement in his career.
