BY Remi Sulola
Taiwo Mati, a 12-year-old budding tennis star, showed class to win two gold medals at the ITTF Junior Open in Egypt.
The Ondo state-born player was one of the standout players of the five-day tournament.
Mati, who was awarded the most improved player at the 2017 ITTF Nigeria Open, defeated Egyptian and Tunisian opponents to emerge as champion in both the Cadet and Hopes singles events.
The National Youth Games champion was not seeded in the competition.
In front of Egyptian fans, Mati defeated home favourite Youssef Ehab in the semi-final stage of the Cadet Boys’ singles event. He continued his fine form against Tunisia’s Youssef Ben Attia in the final to secure the first prize.
In the Hopes singles event, Mati beat Yassin Wael in the semi-final before overcoming Moamen Salaheldin in the final.
Mati said he was inspired by Aruna Quadri to excel at the tournament.
“I have taken my time to watch Aruna Quadri, I noticed that he is very hardworking and very humble,” he said.
“He plays with a lot of confidence regardless of the pedigree of his opponent.
“These are some of the qualities that gave me courage when I was in Egypt and I just hope I can continue to compete at international level.”
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