Nigeria’s flagbearer in the 2016 ITTF World Cup, Aruna Quadri, was on Friday handed tough first round opponents in the shape of Singapore’s Ning Gao and Sweden’s Par Gerell
In the draw conducted in Saarbrucken, Germany, 12 players will vie for eight slots in the second round where they are expected to battle the top eight seeded players.
A confident Quadri told NationSport that he would give his best in the competition as his opponents are experienced campaigners.
He said, “My opponents are not pushovers as they are champions in their own right. I respect them but I am not under any kind of pressure to play in Germany again. I am now getting used to playing under pressure and as a matter of fact I am going to Germany to enjoy myself without any kind of pressure.
“Statistics showed that I am not one of the favourites for the podium finish but similarly I am not really going to be playing without confidence as I always believe strongly in my capability.
“I am praying for a favourable draw and if God answer my prayer, I believe that I can surprise the world again.”
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