TABLE TENNIS: Omotayo relishes encounter with Aruna in Mauritius
ITTF African Championships semifinalist, Olajide Omotayo says his last-four match with compatriot Aruna Quadri has been a big boost of confidence for him going forward.
At the continental competition held in Mauritius early this month, Omotayo achieved an incredible feat, playing all the way to the semifinal humbled tournament’s number three seed – Egypt’s Mohamed El-Beialy – while at it.
Being his second appearance at the senior African championships, Omotayo,a former national junior champion, said the feat has really motivated him to aim higher in his career.
“Apart from the crucial wins I had in Mauritius, I think I have learnt that believing in yourself means a lot because this helped me a lot when I played against the Egyptians and for the first time I had the opportunity to face Aruna Quadri and this will surely help me a lot in boosting my confidence,” he told NTTF media.
I am satisfied with my performance in Mauritius because it has erased the poor outing at the ITTF Nigeria Open. This will also help me to push myself more and work harder now because eyes will now be on me across the world.
“Being my second time participating in the African Championship and getting to the semifinal is really a big motivation. I will use this result to push myself, work harder and continue to believe in myself.
Omotayo is currently training in Germany, and will be competing at the 2018 Belgium Open later in the year.
“My next competition is the Belgium Open and now I have the privilege to practice in Germany with a Bundesliga team and I strongly believe this will help me a lot as they have top ranked players in the team. I am sure with the help of the coach and players; I will improve in as much I continue to work hard.
“My target is to improve more because without me improving I won’t be able to win matches. Now I am motivated and this will really help a lot,” he added.
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