Nigeria’s Taiwo Mati has rued his early exit from the qualifying round of the men’s singles WTT Singapore Smash 2023, The PUNCH reports.
Mati, who made his debut at the lucrative tournament on Wednesday against Alberto Mino, lost in three straight sets to the Ecuadorian in the qualifying round of the men’s singles.
After featuring at the WTT Feeders in Germany recently, Mati had hoped his quest to secure a place in the main draw will invariably rub off positively on his world ranking but he lost 11-9, 11-9, 11-2.
“It was a good experience for me playing at the WTT Singapore Smash,” Mati said.
“But I wished I advanced to the main draw but Mino was a tough opponent but I take that as a good test for me and I hope to do better in the next championship.
Mati will be aiming to redeem his image when he competes at the WTT Youth Contender Antalya billed for the Gloria Sports Arena.
The event holds from March 13 to 19 in Turkey.
“It is going to be another chance to redeem myself, get some points and improve again. I hope to take advantage of that.”
“Winning bronze at the 2021 World Youth Championship remains my biggest achievement so far and I want to add to it.
“My journey has been impressive so far. I’ve really played my way through within 10 years – representing Nigeria at tournaments both in the youth and senior men’s categories.
Contact: [email protected]
