Nigeria has marked a significant milestone at the 2025 International Table Tennis Federation World Championships in Doha, Qatar, by clinching its first win in the mixed doubles event.
The dynamic duo of Olajide Omotayo and Rabiat Ayoola staged a thrilling comeback to defeat Egypt’s Mahmoud Helmy and Fathy Hend 3-2 in the Round of 64.
The prestigious tournament, which commenced on Saturday, features over 300 athletes from more than 70 member associations competing across five individual events: men’s singles, women’s singles, men’s doubles, women’s doubles, and mixed doubles.
In spite a shaky start, losing the first two sets 9-11 and 7-11, Omotayo and Ayoola displayed remarkable resilience.
They rallied back to take the next three sets 11-6, 12-10, and 11-7, sealing a hard-fought 3-2 victory and advancing to the second round of the mixed doubles category.
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Aruna Quadri also stole the spotlight with a dominant 4-0 win over Brazil’s Victor Ishiy in Men’s Singles.
Aruna, the 2024 African Cup champion, on Saturday delivered a confident performance, winning 11-9, 11-7, 11-7, 11-9 to underline his top-contender status.
Also impressing for Nigeria, Olajide Omotayo and Kabirat Ayoola edged Egypt’s Mahmoud Helmy and Hend Fathy 3-2 in a gripping Mixed Doubles battle.
Despite losing the first game, the Nigerian pair rallied brilliantly to clinch victory in five thrilling sets and reach the second round.
Elsewhere, Egypt’s Yousra Helmy advanced in Women’s Singles with a commanding 4-1 win over Australia’s Jocelyn Lam.
However, several African players bowed out early, including Nigeria’s Hope Udoaka and Ethiopia’s Darara Dufera, who lost in straight sets.
The 2025 ITTF World Table Tennis Championships, featuring over 300 athletes from 70 countries, runs for nine days in Doha, Qatar.
Matches are being held at the Lusail Multipurpose Hall and Qatar University Sports Complex, with strong global interest and fierce competition.
A major upset came in Mixed Doubles as unseeded Italians Bobocica and Stoyanov stunned 12th seeds Ionescu and Szőcs 3-0.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that fans can expect more thrilling encounters when action resumes on Sunday, with several key fixtures on the schedule.
The competition will last nine days.
NAN
