Quadri Aruna’s bid for a deep run at the 2025 US Smash came to a heartbreaking end in Las Vegas as Japan’s Tomokazu Harimoto fought back to win a pulsating round of 32 encounter 3–2 — adding another dramatic chapter to their growing rivalry.
Under the bright lights of the Maverick Arena, the third-seeded Harimoto needed 37 minutes to overcome Aruna’s fierce challenge, coming from 1–2 down to claim a thrilling victory: 11–1, 8–11, 8–11, 11–8, 11–5.
The Japanese star raced out of the blocks in the opening game, dominating proceedings and surging to an 8–0 lead before sealing it 11–1. But Aruna, Africa’s top-ranked player, responded superbly — mixing his trademark power forehand with sharp serves — to take the next two games by identical 11–8 margins, turning the match on its head.
With Aruna leading 2–1, Harimoto, currently ranked world No. 4, showcased his mental toughness and tactical range in the fourth game. After both players were locked at 8–8, the 22-year-old strung together three straight points to level the match and force a deciding game.
In the final set, Harimoto struck early, taking five of the first seven points and never relinquishing his lead. Although Aruna mounted a brief rally to close the gap to 5–9, the Japanese star held firm to close out the contest 11–5.
This was the seventh meeting between the pair in six years — and the third straight match to go the full distance. Harimoto now leads their head-to-head 5–2, having also won their last meeting in straight games at the WTT Star Contender in Doha. However, Aruna famously edged him 3–2 at the WTT Champions in Frankfurt late last year, making him one of the few players to have beaten Harimoto more than once on the WTT circuit.
Aruna had entered the match in excellent form following a dominant 3–0 win over China’s Zhou Qihao in the previous round. But Harimoto’s relentless returning game and ability to absorb pressure proved the difference.
Statistically, Harimoto won 49 points to Aruna’s 36, including a 10-point streak in the first game. Aruna’s best run was five consecutive points, and while he managed to claw back a six-point deficit during one phase of the match, the consistency of the Japanese star ultimately saw him through.
Harimoto now advances to the round of 16 as he continues his pursuit of a maiden US Smash title, while Aruna exits with pride after yet another world-class showing on the big stage.