Aruna Quadri will face Japanese star Tomikazu Harimoto in the round of 16 of the men’s singles event at the 2023 WTT Singapore Smash.

Speaking after round of 32 win over French teenager Alexis Lebrun at the Singapore Sports Hub’s OCBC Arena on Tuesday, Quadri admitted that his next opponent will be a bigger test.

Quadri has faced Harimoto twice, and the Japanese came out on top on both occasions.

“It is always difficult playing against Harimoto because he is a very fast player. It’s not just that he is a tough opponent, he is a good player who is capable of winning as well.

“But having played him twice at a big stage like this, I think I will try my best to bring him down this time around because it’s a 50-50 match for both of us, anybody can win.

“In this tournament, every player has an equal chance to win the title because we are all at the same level regardless of your world ranking.

“I am happy with my performance and I hope I can do more,” Quadri said after his win.

The match will hold on Thursday, the winner advances to face either of Hugo Calderano and Darko Jorgic in the quarter-final.