Africa’s number tennis star, Aruna Quadri returned to winning ways with TTC RhönSprudel Fulda-Maberzell (TTC) in the Table Tennis Bundesliga as the Nigerian was instrumental to his team’s 3-1 win over TTC OE Bad Homburg at the weekend.

Quadri who featured in two of the ITTF Restart Tournaments in China last week was in fine form in TTC’s third home win as the team climbed to ninth position in the 12-team league in Germany.

With the match played behind closed doors, it was German international Ruwen Filus who started the day for TTC against Lev Katsman that after taking a 2-0 Filus fell behind to allow the visitor to draw 2-2.

But Filus played on his experience, to get a decisive set 11: 6 and brought TTC in front with a 3-2 (11-6, 11-9, 9-11, 9-11, 11-6) win.

Fan Bo Meng failed to extend the lead in the duel against Rares Sipos and despite three tight sets, Meng was clearly defeated 0: 3 (9-11, 10-12, 7-11)on points, although Meng could have scored the points for himself in the first two sets. The Romanian in the service of Bad Homburg, however, retained the upper hand.

However, the most unequal duel of the day was between Quadri and Maksim Grebnev. Aruna had his problems especially in the first and last set, which is why Grebnev was leading by three points in some cases.

Especially in the fast rallies, however, Quadri showed his quality, which is why the Nigerian was finally able to win the tight duel 3-0 (11-8, 11-5, 11- 9) and bring TTC back into the lead.

And in the fourth match involving Filus and Sipos, the experienced German proved to be the one with the stronger nerves. Filus started furiously with a 6: 0, ultimately decided the set with 11: 5 to win the duel with 3: 2 (12-14, 11-7, 11-6, 7-11, 11-5) to hand TTC a 3-1 win.

“We knew it was a very, very important game for us. For me it was two fighting games. Mentally I had to throw everything into it and show a fighting spirit. I think I succeeded and that was the success,” said TTC’s match winner Filus after the game.

An excited Quadri described the win as crucial as the team is hoping to win their home matches especially without their fans present.

“I am happy we returned with a win after over four weeks that I left the team due to the ITTF Restart tournament in China. I am really looking forward to our next home match,” the Nigerian said.

The next game for TTC is on Friday against TTC drawbridge Grenzau.