Aruna returns to WTT events in 2026 after the disappointment of missing out on the end-of-year WTT Cup Finals in 2025. For the first time in the history of the WTT Cup Finals, no African player featured in the 2025 edition, as both Aruna and Egypt’s Omar Assar missed qualification based on their overall performances last season. Aruna will renew his rivalry with China’s Liang Jingkun, while Goda faces a stern test against former world No. The Nigerian famously defeated the Chinese star at the 2021 WTT Cup Finals, but their first encounter at the 2018 Korean Open saw Jingkun dominate with a 4-1 victory. This marks the first time the Qatari capital will host the purple WTT Champions, adding further prestige to the season-opening event.

Source: Punch January 08, 2026 05:53 UTC