The first brother in Africa, Aruna, defeated the first brother in the Americas Hugo 3-2 and hid his face to celebrate
The 2023 WTT Men's Finals Men's Singles 1/8 finals ushered in a key match, with Hugo, the first brother of the Americas, facing Aruna, the first brother of Africa.
Brazil's Hugo is 27 years old and ranked fifth in the world. Nigerian player Aruna is 35 years old and ranked 16th in the world. Aruna was also a player in the top 10 before. These two players are table tennis miracles. Table tennis in the countries where the two are located is underdeveloped, there is no good atmosphere, and there is no good coach. However, it has produced two high-level players, Hugo and Aruna.
Both players played at a high level. The two played a full five rounds. Aruna won three games in a row after dropping two games to defeat Hugo 3-2 and stage a shocking comeback.
In the first game, Hugo started 4:1 and took a 6:2 lead in the middle game. Stuck in a stalemate, Hugo maintained the 4-point advantage to the end, winning the first game 11-7.
In the second game, Hugo got off to a 6-0 start. Aruna scored two points in a row to close the gap. However, Hugo scored five points in a row to win the game 11-2 and lead Aruna 2-0. Hugo was in a hot state and suppressed Aruna in all aspects.
In the third game, Hugo started 4:2 and was tied by Aruna with two points in a row. Hugo scored three points in a row to take the lead again. Aruna called a timeout, disrupting the other man's rhythm. The pause worked. Aruna scored two points in a row to close the gap. Hugo took another 8-6 lead. Aruna began to explode, scoring four points in a row to gain a set point. After each side scored one point, Aruna pulled one back at 11-9.
In the fourth game, Aruna started 3-0. Aruna grew stronger and braver. In the middle game, Aruna took a 6-3 lead. However, at 8:5, Hugo scored 4 points in a row to overtake the score. Brother America still has two brushes. Hugo won the match point 10-9. Aruna, who was cornered, could only give it a go, dare to shoot, and smash in a row. Aruna overwhelmed Hugo in momentum. He scored three points in a row to win another game 12:10.
The fifth game started very closely, and the middle game was tied at 6. Aruna scored three points in a row to take the lead. Hugo also scored three points in a row to tie the score again. At the critical moment, Hugo ate serve, and Aruna got match point. Although Hugo tied the score, Aruna scored two more points in a row to win the fifth game 12:10.
In the end, Aruna defeated Hugo 3-2 and advanced to the quarterfinals of the men's singles, staging a shocking reversal. At the moment of victory, Aruna was very excited and hid her face to celebrate!
This result is kind of interesting. The two teamed up to deliver a wonderful game. I have to say that both of them are of a very high level. And both of them played at a very high level in this game. He played a multi-board back and forth ball many times, and he also dared to change and take the initiative to attack. Many technical levels can only be reached by the main force of national table tennis. Hugo and Aruna are a great example of the charm of table tennis. They have made a great contribution to the promotion of table tennis competitions.
恭喜阿鲁纳！雨果也值得称赞。
Aruna will face the winner of Fan Zhendong and Darko in the next round.