Omotayo begins WTT US smash campaign as Aruna awaits main draw

Nigeria’s top table tennis stars, Quadri Aruna and Olajide Omotayo, are set to fly Africa’s flag at the WTT US Smash 2025, which serves off July 3 at the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas. While Aruna, Africa’s top-ranked player, has secured direct entry into the men’s singles main draw, his compatriot Omotayo begins his campaign […]

Nigeria’s top table tennis stars, Quadri Aruna and Olajide Omotayo, are set to fly Africa’s flag at the WTT US Smash 2025, which serves off July 3 at the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas.

While Aruna, Africa’s top-ranked player, has secured direct entry into the men’s singles main draw, his compatriot Omotayo begins his campaign in the preliminary round.

The 2019 African Games gold medallist faces a tricky opener against Chinese-born American wildcard Victor Xie on Friday, July 4. Ranked 162nd in the world, Omotayo will look to assert his experience against the 777th-ranked opponent as he eyes a spot among the elite in the main draw.

Now training between the U.S. and France, Omotayo is no stranger to the international spotlight. A strong showing in Las Vegas could be a career boost and a confidence builder ahead of the Paris Olympics later this month. His run will be watched closely, especially by African fans eager to see both him and Aruna progress deep into the tournament.

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Aruna, currently ranked 18th in the world, enters the competition as one of the seeded players in the main draw. The 35-year-old continues to lead African table tennis on the global stage and is expected to be a serious contender in Vegas. The WTT US Smash 2025, the first Grand Smash event in the United States, features an $1.55 million prize pool and runs until July 13.