By Francis Ajuonuma
Former world number one table tennis player, Dimitrij Ovtcharov says he been overwhelmed by the huge support he receives from the spectators at the ongoing World Table Tennis (WTT) Contender Lagos 2023 holding in the Molade Okoya-Thomas Indoor Sports Hall, Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.
The German, who is a very good friend of Nigeria’s Aruna Quadri, admitted after defeating Liang Yanning of China 3-1 in the men’s singles round of 16 to seal a quarter-finals clash against Chuang Chih-Yuan of Taipei that playing in front of the Lagos fans is like playing at his home country in Germany.
He confessed that he is really enjoying his time in Lagos and has played great table tennis so far.
“Being my first time here in Nigeria and a good friend of mine, Quadri Aruna who is a Nigerian told me a lot of good things about the country. I’m really enjoying my time here. The spectators treat me like a home player. I feel really welcome here.
“I have played great table tennis so far, and I’m happy with my performance against Liang Yanning. I’m looking forward to my quarter-final match against Chuang Chih-Yuan,” he said.
Also speaking after berthing into the women’s singles quarter-finals at the expense of Lee Eunhye of Korea, Pavade Prithika of France said she is happy with her performance, hoping to progress further and described the atmosphere at the venue as great.
“I’m super happy for my victory today against a very tough opponent. The atmosphere was great, and I feel that all the Nigerian people are behind me, so it’s a big strength to play in front of many people who are cheering for you. I thank all of them, I really appreciate it, and I hope it’s going to be the same in the next match,” Pavade said as she looks forward to her quarter-finals match against Kim Nayeong of Korea.
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In other men’s singles quarter-finals fixtures, Desai Harmeet of India will face Xiang Peng of China for a place in the semi-finals, while Franziska Patrick of Germanywill take on Zhou Qihao of China.
In the women’s singles, Wang Xiaotong and Guo Yuhan will battle each other in all China affair, while Korea’s Shin Yubin will face-off with Bergstrom Lindaof Sweden for a semi-final place.
