Africa’s top table tennis stars endured a disappointing start at the ongoing WTT Champions Doha, as Nigeria’s Quadri Aruna and Egypt’s Hana Goda exited early from the singles event of the $500,000 tournament taking place at the Lusail Sports Arena, Qatar.
Egypt’s Omar Assar was the first African casualty, losing 3–1 to Japan’s Shunsuke Togami on Wednesday, January 7, despite showing flashes of his experience and fighting spirit.
Hopes of a breakthrough moment rested on teenage sensation Hana Goda, but her impressive run was halted by former world No. 1 Zhu Yuling. Although defeated 3–1, Goda delivered a spirited performance that underlined her growing stature on the global stage. Zhu Yuling, who enjoyed a remarkable 2025 season capped by victory at the United States Smash, relied on her experience to navigate the tight contest.
Goda lost the opening game 11–8 but responded emphatically in the second, dominating 11–5. The third and fourth games produced thrilling rallies and fine margins. Goda pushed Zhu to the limit in the third before narrowly losing 15–13, and despite battling point for point in the fourth, Zhu edged it 12–10 to seal the match. Notably, Goda remains the only African player to reach the Women’s Singles quarterfinals at WTT Champions level, achieving the feat at Montpellier 2024 and again at Frankfurt 2025.
Nigeria’s Quadri Aruna also bowed out after a one-sided encounter against China’s sixth seed Liang Jingkun, who secured a straight-sets 3–0 victory. While the result was disappointing, Aruna displayed glimpses of his trademark power, suggesting positive signs as he builds momentum for the new season.
Attention now turns to the WTT Star Contender Doha 2026, scheduled for January 13–18, where Aruna, Assar, Goda, and other African stars are expected to compete. The tournament promises another thrilling showcase of African table tennis talent at the Lusail Sports Arena.
