Nigerian table tennis star Aruna Quadri has dropped two places from 18 to 20 in the April 2020 edition of the players’ rankings released by the International Table Tennis Federation on Thursday.
Despite dropping on the global ranking, Aruna maintains his status as the highest-rated African table tennis star in the world.
Quadri, who hasn’t tasted action since the injury he sustained on February 28, is yet to resume full training in his base in Lisbon, Portugal, following the COVID-19 pandemic that forced the Portuguese government to lock down major cities in the European nation.
The Oyo State-born athlete has, however, started lighting training indoors, which would aid his quick return when life returns to normal in Portugal.
Quadri’s compatriot, Olajide Omotayo, also dropped in the latest ITTF ranking.
Omotayo, who has been stranded in Italy since the pandemic, dropped down the ladder by one step to 92 in the world.
Also, Egypt’s Omar Assar dropped to 38 from 35, while among the biggest movers in the world is Senegal’s Ibrahima Diaw, who rose to 69 after moving up six steps.
In the women’s rating, Egypt’s Dina Meshref maintains her position, as the African champion still occupies 32nd place in the world.
Despite dropping by eight steps to 120 in the world rating, Offiong Edem remains the highest-ranked Nigeria female player in the world.
Olufunke Oshonaike occupies 174th place in the rating.
Following the current suspension of ITTF events in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the latest ITTF rankings released on April 16 will be frozen until activities resume.
