Aruna Quadri became the first Nigerian to win the men’s singles event of the 2018 ITTF Seamaster Challenge Nigeria Open which ended at the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Lagos on Sunday.
Quadri defeated Antoine Hachard of France 4-2 to win the title.
The world number 18, who won $5,000 for his effort, commended the fans for supporting him.
“I am so excited; it is an unbelievable moment and I thank the fans for the wonderful support,” he said.
Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, who watched the table tennis match, rewarded the player with N1m.
He said, “I feel great to be here and see a Nigerian winning it for the first time. I am also a table tennis player. I played Funke Oshonaike and beat her but I think Aruna will beat me very well.”
Quadri lost in the final to Egypt’s Omar Assar in 2015.
China’s Guo Yan defeated her compatriot Sun Chen 4-3 to claim the women’s singles. Qi Fenjie and Chen beat Fan Siqi and Guo Yan 3-0 to win the women’s doubles.
The U-21 men and women’s singles were won by Wang Shaobo and Guo Yan. The men’s doubles title went to France’s Robinot Alexandre and Seyfried Jo.
Nigeria’s Jamiu Ayanwale won the Young Player of the Tournament award.
