Semifinalist at the 2018 ITTF African Championship, Olajide Omotayo gained steps in the March 2019 ITTF ranking released at the weekend as the Lagos State-born star is now the fifth best player in Africa.
Also, Aruna Quadri’s performance at the ITTF Challenge Plus tagged Portugal Open aided his static on the rating as the African champion remains 25th rated player in the world as well as the best player from Africa.
Omotayo whose performance has been consistency at global stage gained five steps up in the ranking to be rated 136 in the world and the fifth best ranked player in Africa. Having featured in two major ITTF tournaments – Hungary and Portugal Opens; this year, the 23-year-old is hoping for another good outing when the Qatar Open serves off later this month in Doha.
The Italy-based star told Sportinglife.ng that he would not give up his ambition of replicating the feat set by Aruna Quadri at global stage. “I will continue to work hard because I know it is only through this I can make it to the top of the sport. There is no doubt that it is going to be tough but I am ready to weather the storm and achieve my dream of being among the world’s best. The global rating and performance of Aruna Quadri have continued to boost our confidence that nothing is impossible with hardwork,” Omotayo said.
Despite not rising in the world rating, the Oyo State-born Quadri gained vital points from Portugal Open following his last 16 berth in the men’s singles.
Like Quadri, Egypt’s Omar Assar was also static in the ranking as the Germany-based star rmains 44th rated player in the world.
Another Egyptian – Mohamed El-Beiali who dropped to 110 from 108 is the thrid ranked African in the world and veteran Segun Toriola is fourth and rated 135 in the world ranking.
Egypt’s Dina Meshref dropped to 52 from 51 in the women’s ranking but the African champion still hold forth as the continent’s best female player in the world.
China holds sway in the world ranking as Fan Zhendong holods on to the number one slot in the men’s ranking while his compatriot – Ding Ning remains the best female player in the world.