NAN-S-9
Challenge
By Kemi Ajayi
Lagos, Aug. 9, 2017 (NAN) Some foreign players at the ongoing 2017 “Seamaster ITTF Challenge Nigeria Open’’ say the atmosphere at the Molade Okoya-Thomas Indoor Sports Hall of Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos is conducive for competition.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that players from 22 countries are participating in the five-day event.
Reeth Tennison of India told NAN that she was enjoying every bit of the competition due to the atmosphere and spectators in the hall.
“This is my first time in Nigeria and I am excited to be part of this year’s edition of the challenge.
“The atmosphere is very good and I’m enjoying every bit of it and this is what is obtainable in India,’’ the 22-years-old female player said.
Similarly, Portuguese Francisco Jose-Pedro, told NAN that what he saw on ground has met every of his expectation since he came into Nigeria.
The 17-year-old Pedro, who plies his trade for Benéfica Table Tennis Club, added that though the atmosphere was quite different from what obtained in Europe, it was relaxed for him.
“I have heard a lot of things about Nigeria because some Nigerian players ply their trade in Portugal.
“Everything I have seen so far is in order and I hope it will improve each day of the competition,’’ he said.
Also, Yavor Andreev from Bulgaria told NAN that Nigerians were generally friendly.
NAN reports that no fewer than 95 male and 55 female players are jostling for the 46,000 dollars price money at stake.
Meanwhile, in some of the preliminary matches played in the men’s singles, Taiwo Adeyinka defeated compatriot Omeh Amadi 11-10, 11-9, 9-11, 11-7, while Abayomi Animashaun also defeated fellow countryman Akomolafe Sunday 11-8, 11-6, 11-5. (NAN)
KOA/ERO/PDE
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(Edited by Emmanuel Okara/Peter Ejiofor)