TheCable

Benedek Olah says the “presence of mighty Aruna Quadri” would make it difficult for him to retain the ITTF Challenge Nigeria Open he won last year.

The Finnish player says the quality of players confirmed for the tournament and an elbow injury he’s nursing may affect his chances.

“I must say that it is not going to be easy to retain the title this year with the presence of mighty Aruna Quadri whom I think he is very talented player,” Olah said.

“So it is not going to be easy at all but I am hoping that the Lagos fans will support me again this year just like they did in 2016.

“As I am eagerly looking forward to the tournament, I am also worried because of the nasty elbow injury which has not allowed me to train 100 percent.”

The Finnish said the enthusiasm of the spectators and the ambience of the Molade Okoya-Thomas Hall, Teslim Balogun Stadium was key to his victory in 2016.

“The atmosphere at the hall was legendary because I have never seen such a lively and fun packed table tennis tournament like what I saw in Lagos last year,” he said.

“Also, I am hoping that the right music will be played during the tournament that will put me in the right frame of mind for every game.”

“Particularly the music interlude in between matches was inspiring to us as players.

Olah, whose victory dance in 2016 went viral on social media, said, “When I came to Nigeria in 2016, I was not expecting that I will win but the right atmosphere was put in place by the organiser coupled with the huge support from the crowd made it possible for me to win.

“It was fun for me and I was so excited because I felt the crowd was enjoying my game so much 100 percent.”