Aruna battles top seed Harimoto in WTT Star Contender Doha semifinal
By Olaolu Joseph
Nigeria’s Quadri Aruna has advanced to the semifinals of the 2025 WTT Star Contender Doha, where he will face top seed Tomokazu Harimoto of Japan in what promises to be an electrifying encounter.
Aruna secured his place in the last four by defeating Korea’s Park Ganghyeon in an intense quarterfinal match at the Lusail Arena in Doha.
Earlier on Friday, January 10, the world’s second-highest-ranked African player avenged previous losses to Spain’s Alvaro Robles, earning a hard-fought 3-2 victory in the round of 16.
In the quarterfinal, Aruna showcased outstanding form against Park, who had earlier caused a major upset by eliminating German star Patrick Franziska in the second round.
Aruna dominated the first two games 11-9 and 11-8, but Park rallied to claim the third 11-4. However, Aruna quickly regained control, sealing the match with an 11-9 win in the fourth game for a 3-1 victory.
With this triumph, Aruna becomes the only African male player to reach the semifinals of a WTT Star Contender event, matching his remarkable 2022 achievement.
The Nigerian star now prepares to face Harimoto, a familiar rival. Aruna emerged victorious in their last meeting at the WTT Champions Frankfurt in Germany. However, Harimoto will be determined to reverse the outcome when they clash on Saturday.
