World number 19 Quadri Aruna has been ousted from the ongoing World Table Tennis Saudi Smash in Jedda, following a 3-2 loss to Korean Cho Dae-Seong in the round of 16 on Wednesday, May 8.

Aruna opened his 2024 Saudi Smash account by recovering from a two-game deficit to clinch a 3-2 victory over Indian legend Achanta Sharath Kamal in the first round on Saturday.

What 👏 A 👏 Comeback 👏

Quadri Aruna pulled off this feat of grit in this full-distanced thriller against Sharath Kamal Achanta 💪 🔥 #SaudiSmash #ExperienceAGrandNewLegacy #TableTennis #PingPong @SaudiSmash pic.twitter.com/HOF4UHivCV

— World Table Tennis (@WTTGlobal) May 4, 2024

The 35-year-old was consequently drawn against South Korean international Lee Sang-Su in the round of 32, where he won the first two rounds 11-9 each, before Sang Su launched a fierce comeback at King Abdullah Sports City Infinity Arena on Monday morning.

Aruna fought back point by point and took advantage of his opponent’s missed shots to level the score at 10-10. Even though Sang Su got another point ahead, Aruna’s strong determination was evident. He matched the Korean shot for shot and finally sealed a 13-11 victory at the death.

Quadri Aruna scores big at #SaudiSmash, overcoming Lee Sang Su in a slugfest 👏

Support him in person 👉 https://t.co/iaiOxd3xLm 🎟️ pic.twitter.com/8HGYivmj5r

— World Table Tennis (@WTTGlobal) May 6, 2024

His progression into the round of 16 saw him pick up a Wednesday morning duel with World number 31 Cho Dae-Seong, and the 21-year-old has done well to avenge his compatriot Sang-Su, by defeating Aruna 3-2 after the Nigerian had gone 2-0 up.

Now eliminated from the Saudi Smash, Aruna’s focus will now be on the upcoming 2024 ITTF African Cup and Olympics qualification tournament in Kigali, having been drafted as Nigeria’s flag bearer alongside Offiong Edem, Olajide Omotayo and Fatimo Bello.

With the tournament slated for kickoff on May 12, Aruna will be looking to redeem himself when he possibly comes up against Egypt’s Omar Assar, the men’s singles defending champion.

Assar and Aruna rekindled their rivalry in the final of the 2022 edition in Lagos, but the Nigerian had to forfeit his lead after picking up a thigh injury in the seventh game.