Africa’s number one table tennis player, Aruna Quadri, says he is using the French and Portuguese leagues to prepare for the Men’s World Cup in Saarbrucken, Germany.
The World Cup will serve off on October 1 and end on October 3.
Quadri told the News Agency of Nigeria on telephone from his Portugal base that his target was to surpass his record at the 2014 edition, where he reached the quarterfinals.
He said: “I am doing normal practice with my Portuguese club.
“I am training with my teammates who are from across the globe.
“French and Portuguese league matches are getting me more prepared for the World Cup.
“Many people will be looking out for my performance being the lone African representative.
“I have a whole lot of responsibility on my shoulder following my achievements in recent times and I am trying not to disappoint anyone supporting me.
“At the 2014 World Cup, I lost in the quarterfinals and I am trying so hard to surpass that in this edition.”
NAN reports that Quadri was the first African to play at the quarterfinals stage of the World Cup.
The 2014 International Table Tennis Federation Star Player said the competition would be a tough one, but that he would give it his best.
He said: “The competition will definitely have the best hands in table tennis participating and it will be a keenly competed one.
“Apart from eyeing a medal, I will also use the competition to build up myself and increase my confidence level.”
NAN.
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