ITTF Ranking: Quadri Aruna Reclaims Africa’s Top Spot
Nigerian table tennis sensation, Quadri Aruna, has reclaimed the top spot in Africa’s ITTF ranking, less than two months after surrendering the position.
Aruna moved to 17th position in Week 22 of the 2024 ITTF Ranking. However, Egypt’s Omar Assar slipped to 22nd in the world ranking after occupying the top spot in Africa in the last two months following his triumph at the last African Games in Ghana.
The Nigerian, who recently reclaimed the ITTF Africa Cup in Rwanda in May, rose by two steps up the ranking ladder to become the highest rated African in the world.
Assar’s drop in the world ranking, was due to the expiration of the quarter-final points he garnered at the Durban 2023 World Championships in South Africa, which automatically made him lose some points that prompted his fall in the ranking.
While others are dropping from the pecking order of ranking, Aruna’s points remain static, as the free-fall of others prompted his rise in the world ranking.
In spite of his one step drop, Egypt’s Dina Meshref held on to the top spot of Africa women’s table tennis as the 24th best player in the world. Meshref’s compatriot, Hana Goda, remained static as the best rated African in the world, ranking 31st in the world.
Players are now eager to pick up their tickets to Paris through the world ranking following the conclusion of all continental quotas for the Olympic Games.
The ranking is expected to take effect from June 11th, as ITTF concludes the list of participants for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games in France.
