Newly crowned West African champions, MATTHEW KUTI and HOPE UDOAKA are the biggest movers in Week 18 of the 2024 International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) rankings released by the world body.

KUTI, who defeated most of the experienced players in the region to become the new regional champion, moved up by 750 steps in the men’s singles to be ranked 185 in the world — his career best in the world ratings.

UDOAKA, on her part, gained 365 steps to be ranked 173 globally and the fourth-best Nigerian female player in the world after OFFIONG EDEM, FATIMO BELLO and TOSIN ORIBAMISE.

Her upward movement comes after she posted a flawless display to win the women’s singles title at the 2024 ITTF West Africa Regional Championships in Lome, Togo last weekend.

Like KUTI, MUIZ ADEGOKE also gained 591 steps up the ladder to occupy the 332nd spot in the world rankings.

Also, ARUNA QUADRI held on to his 19th spot in the world as he hopes to fight his way back into the top 10 through the ongoing Saudi Arabia Smash, which served off yesterday.