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Africa's medal hopeful, Aruna, defeated Ionescu 4-2 (11-7, 12-10, 8-11, 11-5, 7-11, 11-9) while Taiwo came from behind to record a victory against Jancarik 4-2 (7-11, 7-11, 11-6, 11-9, 12-10, 11-8).
Africa's highest-ranked player, Quadri Aruna, and former West Africa champion, Matti Taiwo, have started their journey at the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) World Championship finals in Durban, South Africa, with a victory.
The 2023 World Championship Finals started on Saturday, May 20, and will end on May 28, the first time Africa will host after 84 years.
Pulse Sports reported that Aruna was drawn against Romanian, Ovidiu Ionescu and Matti Taiwo against Lubomir Jancarik in the preliminary round of the men’s singles.
Africa's medal hopeful, Aruna, defeated Ionescu 4-2 (11-7, 12-10, 8-11, 11-5, 7-11, 11-9) while Taiwo came from behind to record a victory against Jancarik 4-2 (7-11, 7-11, 11-6, 11-9, 12-10, 11-8).
I feel at home in South Africa - Aruna
Aruna admitted that the game was not easy and that they have been better opponents in the German Bundesliga Table Tennis League.
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He said after his victory that he feels relaxed in South Africa and is getting massive support from them.
He said, "It was a very hard match, we were used to each other from the Bundesliga, i didn't relax, and i got fighting to the end.
"This is like playing in my home country, which is Africa, i was here in January, and I got amazing support from them, It's like playing in Nigeria.
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10:19 - 18.02.2023
TABLE TENNIS Who is Olufunke Oshoniake, Nigeria’s seven-time Olympian?
Funke is the only woman to play in seven Olympic games in table tennis.
"The target is to do very well, enjoy the game and myself, and give my best."
Dream come true for Taiwo
For Taiwo, it is a dream come true, as he made his debut at the World Championships.
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The Nigerian young star disclosed that he has achieved his goal at the championship that he targeted to go beyond the first round.
He said, "It was an amazing match, I wasn't expecting the influences, i was just trying to try my best, and everything worked out well for me, i am very grateful to God.
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19:44 - 20.05.2023
Olufunke Oshonaike knocked out as Fatimo Bello cruise to next round of World Table Tennis Championship
The 2023 World Championship Finals started on Saturday to record historical feet in Africa.
"My target is to pass through the first round because this is my first world championship, and i am glad i made my target. This is a dream come through, i have been expecting Africa to host this big event and i am happy they did doing my life time"
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Earlier, seven-time Olympian, Olufunke Oshonaike was knocked out while her compatriot Fatimo Bello cruised to the next round.
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2023 World Championship Finals will be held from May 20 to 28, the first time Africa will host after 84 years.
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