Needing one more point to seal the match, Aruna’s Norwegian Opponent equalized once more at 10-10, but with composure and experience, he won the next two points, clinching the set and the match to become the only remaining African male player in the Men’s Singles event of the 2025 ITTF World Championships.
On a day when most African players bowed out on Day 3 of the global showpiece, Aruna pressed on with unrelenting determination, securing his spot in the third round of the Men’s Singles event.
Presidential Support For Africa’s Last Man Standing
Cheered on by the African Table Tennis Federation (ITTF Africa) President, Wahid Enitan Oshodi, Aruna faced one of his toughest challenges yet at Qatar University against Norway’s Borgar Haug.
Although the Norwegian ranks significantly lower than Aruna, the match proved that table tennis is not played on paper.
Aruna started strong, taking the first set 11-7, but Haug bounced back with a dominant 11-3 win in the second. The Nigerian reclaimed the lead with an 11-8 win in the third set, only for Haug to level the match again by taking the fourth 11-8.
Aruna gained a crucial edge through his powerful serves, which Haug often struggled to return. The Nigerian regained control with an 11-7 win in the fifth set.
The sixth set turned out to be the climax of the match.
Aruna led 9-7, but Haug responded with two sharp points to tie it at 9-9.
2025 ITTF World Championships: A Close Finish
Aruna moved ahead to 10-9, needing one more point to seal the match, but the Norwegian equalized once more at 10-10.
With composure and experience, Aruna won the next two points, clinching the set 12-10 and the match 4-2, becoming the only remaining African male player in the Men’s Singles event.
Aruna will face a familiar opponent, Benedikt Duda of Germany, in the third round as he continues his inspiring run in Doha.