Former African Youth Champion, Taiwo Mati has moved up in the latest ranking released by the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF), www.aclsports.com reports.
The former World Youth bronze medallist remains Nigeria’s second-best ranked Nigerian in the world as the Portugal-based star moved two steps up to be placed 103 in the world.
Reacting to the feat, the African Games silver medallist attributed the rise to the points gathered from various tournaments in 2023.
He told www.aclsports.com that ranked number two in Nigeria will help him put more effort in training and win tournaments in the country and club side.
Matti said, “I feel good to be ranked number two in Nigeria and at the same thing, I feel I need more work and also to put more effort in my training and workouts.
“I would say the amount of tournaments and points I gained from the previous tournament I attended last year altogether helped in the rise of my ITTF World ranking”.
Ahead of the 13th African Games, Mati said, “My expectations are just to keep the momentum and hopefully everything will work out well. If possible, I can win a medal in the singles category.
Taiwo Mati placed second at the 2022 Portugal Cup and 2nd position at the Portugal Super Cup with Ginásio clube de Valbom.