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2024 Paris Paralympics: Nigeria's Alabi upsets World Number 3

Posted : 03 September 2024

Nigeria's Para Table Tennis star, Kayode Alabi, has caused an unexpected upset at the ongoing 2024 Paralympics in Paris by defeating the World Number 3 to secure a place in the Class 6 category of his event.


Not only did Alabi qualify, but another player, Isau Ogunkunle, also advanced to the next round of the Men’s Class 4 singles event at the ongoing Paralympic Games.


Ogunkunle defeated the third seed, Abdullah Ozturk of Turkey, to qualify for the quarter-finals, while Alabi beat Bobi Simion of Croatia.

 


Despite losing the first game 6-11, Ogunkunle staged a remarkable comeback, winning the next three games 11-6, 11-7, and 12-10.


Alabi, who had earlier struggled in the mixed and doubles events, found his form with a 3-1 victory over the world No. 3 (16-18, 11-7, 5-11, 9-11).


Ogunkunle will face France’s Maxime Thomas in the quarter-finals, while Alabi will compete against Thailand’s Rungroj Thainiyom.


Bolawa Akingbemisilu, however, lost to Brazil’s Lucas Arabian in the Class 5 Men’s category, 3-2 (11-7, 7-11, 11-8, 9-11, 11-8).


National Coach Nasiru Sule expressed his delight at Ogunkunle and Alabi’s victories, calling them a morale booster for the team.


“I am so happy today that our players lived up to expectations.


“It has not been easy in the last few days, but today we showed that we can turn things around.


“Ogunkunle’s comeback against a two-time Paralympic gold medalist stunned everyone at the venue.


“His opponent won gold in Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020, and today Ogunkunle has shown he has the quality of a champion.


“I am also happy for Alabi, who defeated the world No. 3 from Croatia.


“This shows we are still in the hunt for medals in Paris,” said the Atlanta 1996 bronze medalist.


Christiana Alabi will take on Chile’s Tamara Leonelli in the Women’s Class 5 on Tuesday, while Abiola Adesope will clash against France’s Lucas.

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