Aruna Quadri dropped two places in the April world rankings released by the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) but maintained his status as Africa’s top-ranked table tennis player.

Quadri will maintain that position as the ITTF announced a freezing of the rankings until the resumption of the season which is currently suspended due to the coronavirus.

Quadri who is still recuperating from the thigh injury he sustained at the African Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Tunis in February, is now ranked 20th in the men’s ranking.

Compatriot and African Games champion Olajide Omotayo, the only male Nigerian athlete to have secured a spot at next year’s Olympics, also suffered a drop in the rankings as he fell one place to 92 in the world.

Elsewhere, Egypt’s Omar Assar dropped three spots to 38 while Senegal’s Ibrahima Diaw saw his recent stellar performances rewarded as he bounded six places to 69 in the world.

In the women’s ratings, Egypt’s Dina Meshref is still Africa’s best player with the African champion unmoved in 32nd place in the world.

Despite dropping eight rungs to 120 in the world, Offiong Edem remains Nigeria top-ranked female player while veteran Olufunke Oshonaike holder of the record for the highest Olympics qualifications for an African female athlete moved up four places to 174th.

China dominates the top of the men and women’s rankings with Fan Zhendong replacing compatriot Xu Xin at the top of the men’s rankings while Chen Meng continues her reign as the women’s world number one.

Japan’s Mima Ito shot up to second place in the women’s singles list – her highest ever position.

ITTF AFRICA TOP 5 (MEN)

(20) Aruna Quadri – Nigeria
(38) Omar Assar – Egypt
(69) Ibrahima Diaw – Senegal
(78) Ahmed Saleh – Egypt
(92)Olajide Omotayo – Nigeria

ITTF AFRICA TOP 5 (WOMEN)

(32) Dina Meshref – Egypt
(99)Yousra Helmy- Egypt
(120) Edem Offiong – Nigeria
(122) Sarah Hanffou – Cameroon
(135) Reem El-Eraky – Egypt