Quadri Aruna’s return to international action ended in disappointment as Sweden’s Truls Moregard breezed past the Nigerian star in straight sets on Thursday to advance to the Round of 16 at the 2025 WTT Yokohama, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

The fifth seed needed just 18 minutes to dispatch Aruna 3-0 (11-9, 11-9, 11-4) in the men’s singles Round of 32 at the BUNTAI Infinity ∞ Arena.

Fresh off reclaiming his position as Africa’s top-ranked player, Aruna entered the tie hoping to better his Round of 32 exit at the United States Grand Smash in July. However, he struggled to find rhythm against Moregard, who seized control from the start and never looked back.

Moregard arrives in Yokohama seeking a timely confidence boost, as Europe Smash Sweden 2025 comes to his home city of Malmö next week. He couldn’t have asked for a better day at the office, containing Aruna’s immense power to move past the Nigerian and into the second round.

The Swede, a two-time WTT Champions semifinalist, displayed clinical precision and fast footwork to neutralise Aruna’s explosive forehands, winning 33 points in total, including 18 on his own serve and 15 on return.

He also enjoyed a seven-point lead at one stage and outpaced Aruna in rally momentum, registering five consecutive points at his best stretch.

Aruna, who earned 15 ranking points and $4,500 for his efforts, could not replicate the form that saw him dominate the African circuit. His best chance came in the opening two games, both of which he lost 11-9 after failing to convert crucial points.

By the final game, Moregard had fully taken charge, racing to a commanding 10-3 lead before sealing the set 11-4 to complete the win.

With the win, Moregard progressed to face home favourite Sora Matsushima, who mounted an inspired comeback earlier in the day to defeat Lee Sang Su in a five-game thriller (16-18, 9-11, 11-8, 11-6, 11-7).

Aruna, meanwhile, will shift his attention to upcoming events as he prepares for the final stretch of the season. The Nigerian remains a key contender on the WTT circuit and will look to regain momentum after this early exit.

The WTT Yokohama, which boasts a prize pool of $500,000, offers 1,000 ranking points and $40,000 to the eventual winner.