TheCable

With regular training in Lagos in the last two months, coupled with help from Aruna Quadri, Olajide Omotayo says his game has improved ahead of the ITTF Nigeria Open.

The Italy-based star says he’s confident of his chances ahead of the tournament holding in Lagos.

Omotayo said: “I am in good form at present because I have been training very well after the world championship. I have not missed my training in the last two months while I increased my schedule with training and pep talk from Aruna Quadri.

“I think I have prepared very well for this tournament this year and without mincing words, my target is to win the men’s singles. I have also realised that table tennis is not won by ranking but by what you can do on the table in a particular match.”

Optimism aside, Omotayo is also excited about the prospect of playing against some of the best table tennis players in the world.

He lauded the organisers for raising the profile of the tournament.

“I think I must commend the organisers of this competition for always bringing innovation to the tournament every year,” he said.

“This year, we have quality players coupled with an improvement in the number of the countries. This is good for the players in terms of helping us in our world ranking.”