Trending 
Quadri Aruna, revered as Nigeria’s distinguished table tennis maestro, has soared up one notch in the most recent International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) ranking, to become the world’s 12th-best player.
As per the ITTF’s Week 7 ranking of 2024, unveiled on Tuesday, Aruna’s stellar performance at the World Table Tennis Star Contender Goa in India propelled him upward, eclipsing former European champion Dimitrij Ovtcharov of Germany, who now holds the 13th spot.
Aruna’s ascent from the 16th rank earlier this year underscores his resolute climb in the rankings, buoyed significantly by his recent feats.
While Egypt’s Omar Assar slid to the 22nd position from 20th, he retains his stature as the continent’s second-best player on a global scale.
Furthermore, Egyptian stalwart Ahmed Saleh has surged one rank to seize the 52nd position in the world rankings, while his compatriot Mohamed El-Beiali ascended to the 63rd spot.
Taiwo Mati, Nigeria’s second-highest-ranked player, stationed in Portugal, has ascended two spots to secure the 103rd position globally.
A noteworthy leap is witnessed in Egypt’s Mahmoud Helmy, the erstwhile African U-21 champion, who has catapulted an impressive 498 positions to clinch the 215th spot in the world rankings.
In women’s table tennis, Egypt’s Dina Meshref retains her position as Africa’s premier player, steadfastly holding the 27th spot globally. She is closely pursued by compatriot Hana Goda, positioned in 30th place.
Fatimo Bello remains Nigeria’s foremost female player in the rankings, stationed at the 116th position globally.
Anticipation is rife as Quadri Aruna is poised to lead the Nigerian contingent at the forthcoming ITTF World Team Table Tennis Championships Busan 2024 in South Korea later this week.
