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Sport

I didn’t plan to play at CBN Senior Tennis Open Championship, teenage winner says

Championship
Abuja, June 30, 2019 (NAN) Sixteen-year-old Oyinlomo Quadre, winner of the 2019 Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Senior Tennis Open Championship, on Sunday in Abuja said her participation in the competition was a coincidence.

Quadre, who entered the event as a wildcard, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that she did not plan to play at the CBN Senior Tennis Championship.

She said that was what has now made her winning the title “extra-special”.

“I actually didn’t have any plans to play at the CBN tournament this year, but it happened because it coincided with my summer holidays.

“I hope I will be able to play the next tournament I’ll play in Nigeria with the same intensity. Hopefully, I’ll win this tournament again.

“I will return to Morocco in three weeks time. If there is a tournament before then, I’ll also play before leaving,” the player said.

Quadre was at her devastating best throughout the event and tore apart top seeds and veterans at ease in the competition.

Her scintillating yet powerful displays saw her defeating Serena Teluwo, Osariemen Airhunwhunde, Blessing Samuel and Blessing Anuna.

And in the women’s final on Saturday in Abuja, she made light work of her contest with 37-year-old Christie Agugbom, dealing her a devastating 6-1 6-0 blow.

Quadre, who is currently sharpening her tennis skills at the High Performance Centre at Casablanca in Morocco, however admitted that she might have had a slight advantage over her home-based opponents.

“I am very happy to have won this tournament. I can’t say it is easy because I was fighting for every match but without sounding immodest, I deserve it.

“Maybe I have a slight advantage because I don’t know other players’ training schedule or what they did but I put in 100 per cent in every practice.

“In fairness, in terms of being competitive, I may have had an edge. I play more tournaments than other players do.

“This is the first tournament in the circuit this year and I’ve played many tournaments already this year. Maybe it’s an advantage, but I believe hard work is most important,” she said.

Quadre was however excited that Nigeria’s next generation of good tennis players were beginning to emerge.

“There are some junior players coming through now. Apart from me, there is Jumai and there is Omolayo, who got to the quarter-finals.

“Tennis improves each time I return home because any time I come back, there is an improvement in the players I see and play,” she said.(NAN)
KIA/ECN/OLAL
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(Edited by Emmanuel Nwoye and Olawale Alabi)

Sport

Emmanuel retains CBN Tennis Open title, Quadre crowned new women’s champion

Finals
By Kayode Adebiyi
Abuja, June 29, 2019 (NAN) Defending champion and top seed Sylvester Emmanuel outclassed six-times champion Abdulmumin Babalola 6-4 6-4 to retain his CBN Senior Tennis Open Championship on Saturday in Abuja.

The men’s final which took place on the Centre Court of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja, saw Babalola not fully himself.

Babalola who edged second seed Joseph Imeh 3-6 7-6 6-4 in their grueling semi-final fixture on Friday was obviously suffering from fatigue.

In spite of his enterprise and determination, Babalola lost the first set 4-6 to Emmanuel, who seemed to have taken to court with a definite game plan against his opponent.

In the second game, Emmanuel was cruising to victory but Babalola persevered and appeared to want to replicate how he won his semi-final game.

However, Emmanuel had other plans and knew he had to keep calm and take his chances to avoid taking the game to a third set.

He kept his calm and took the set 6-4 to beat Babalola to the title in two consecutive CBN Open finals and deny him a record-equaling seventh title.

In the women’s final, new kid on the block, Oyinlola Quadre, was too good for veteran Christie Agugbom.

She earned a routine 6-1 6-0 victory, with the win presenting her with her maiden title at the tournament.

Quadre, 16, who had been in her devastating best throughout the tournament, took only 40 minutes to disperse Agugbom and wrap up what was an awesome all-round performance.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that students of at least five schools within the FCT were mobilised to the venue of the finals ostensibly to add colour to the event.

At a brief medal-presentation ceremony, Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, said the bank was committed to making good use of Nigerian youths’ energy through sports.

Represented by CBN’s Director of Corporate Communications, Isaac Okoroafor, Emefiele congratulated the Nigeria Tennis Federation (NTF) and participants at the tournament.

He also disclosed that the 41-year-old CBN tennis tournament would be scaled up in the coming years.

“We will collaborate with the NTF to take this tournament to the next level. We brought it to Abuja for the first time last year to mark its 40th anniversary.

“This year’s event is the second edition in Abuja. Our plan is to make it bigger in the coming years,” he said.

In his remarks, NTF President Ifedayo Akindoju thanked the CBN for its commitment and consistency in sponsoring the tournament.

“41 years of commitment to ensuring that this tournament runs regularly is phenomenal.

“We have had some exciting revelations in this year’s edition and the quality has been outstanding. I want to thank everyone for their roles in this success,” he said.

The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Youths and Sports Development, Olusade Adesola, was represented at the event by Tayo Oreweme, a director in the ministry.(NAN)
KIA/STJ/OLAL
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(Edited by Joseph Edeh and Olawale Alabi)

Sport

Stage set for Emmanuel-Babalola rematch in CBN Tennis Open final

Stage set for Emmanuel-Babalola rematch in CBN Tennis Open final

Final

By Kayode Adebiyi

Abuja, June 28, 2019 (NAN) Defending champion Sylvester Emmanuel beat Thomas Otu while six-time winner, Abdulmumin Babalola outclassed second seed Joseph Imeh in the semi-finals on Friday to set up a rematch final at the 2019 CBN Tennis Open Championship.

Emmanuel, 21, saw off 2015 winner Otu, whose performance in the game was below expectation, 6-4 6-1.

Otu started the first set as though he was a man on a mission to stop Emmanuel but once the favourite managed to take the first set, there was no doubt as to whom victory belonged.

Babalola, on the other hand, had a more grueling game, as he drew inner strength to overturn Imeh’s dominance and won 3-6 7-6 6-4.

The game looked like Imeh’s in the first set and he was coasting home in the second, but he threw away his lead and allowed Babalola take the set 7-6.

That slip proved costly as an experienced Babalola capitalised on Imeh’s frustration and won the game in 2hour 40mins.

Babalola now has the chance to revenge the 2018 edition of the tournament, when Emmanuel beat him to win the trophy.

A seventh title for Babalola would see him equal the tournament’s all-time record.

But Emmanuel told News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) after the game that he was aware of his opponent’s weaknesses as much as his abilities.

“I am happy that I have the opportunity to defend my title. Otu is a great player and he defeated me the last time we met in Lagos.

“But today’s game was easier than expected. Maybe he had a bad day. The final will be different, I am sure.

“I’ve been playing Babalola for some time now and I know I have to draw up a strategy if I want to carry the day.

“I know his ability and of course, he has his weaknesses,” Emmanuel said.

Babalola, however, told NAN that he would be out for his pound of flesh in the final on Saturday.

“The semifinal game against Imeh was a great one, but today was a matter of survival of the fittest.

“The difference today was that I took my chances when the opportunity came. He could have easily defeated me.

“Hopefully, things will work my way in the final against Emmanuel. It is like a return match which you would want to win if you were the loser the last time,” he said.

The men’s and women’s singles finals of the CBN Senior Tennis Open Championship will be played on Saturday at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja. (NAN)

KIA/STJ/JPE/AFA

Edited by Joseph Edeh/Felix Ajide

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Sport

Agugbom, Quadre to clash in CBN Tennis Open women’s final

Final
Abuja, June 28, 2019 (NAN) Two-times champion Christie Agugbom on Friday defeated Aanu Aiyegbusi in the semi-finals of the ongoing CBN Senior Tennis Open Championship to set up a final clash with teen sensation Oyinlomo Quadre.

The 37-year-old Agugbom proved too powerful for Aiyegbusi and showed no sign of slowing down as she won 7-5 6-1 at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Agugbom has now reached her second consecutive CBN Open final.

Aiyegbusi started well and seemed destined to take the first set, but veteran Agugbom did just enough to win the decisive break in the 10th game.

The second set was more straight-forward, however, as Agugbom broke twice to power to victory.

She will now clash with 16-year-old Quadre, who saw off Blessing Anuna 6-0 6-0 in the other semi-final game.

Quadre has so far been nothing short of impressive in the tournament and Agugbom will certainly be weary of her consistency and form.

Speaking with NAN on her chances against her more experienced opponent, Quadre said she was mentally ready for the final battle.

“I know the final will be different from the semi-final game. Yes, I played well in the semi-final but the final is going to be more challenging.

“I will go into it with the same mentality with which I have played every game in this tournament so far.

“My strategy is the same. I will fight and have the same winning mentality,” she said.

NAN reports that the 2019 CBN Senior Tennis Open will end on Saturday.(NAN)
KIA/STJ/DE/OLAL
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(Edited by Dorcas Jonah and Olawale Alabi)

Sport

Emmanuel, Imeh book CBN Open quarter-final tickets, Quadre, Agugbom enter semis

Tennis
Abuja, June 27, 2019 (NAN) Defending champion Sylvester Emmanuel and second seed Joseph Imeh on Thursday in Abuja made light work of their third round games.

The performances helped them to book their places in the quarter-finals of the CBN Senior Open Tennis Championship.

The tournament, which started on Monday at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja saw Emmanuel defeat Oche Adehi 7-6 6-0.

Second seed Imeh advanced to the quarter-finals after defeating Christian Paul 6-2 6-3.

Emmanuel has made a strong start to the defence of his title and is yet to drop a set in this year’s CBN Open.

Six-times champion Abdulmumin Babalola and 2015 winner Thomas Otu also progressed to the quarter-finals, and will take on Shehu Lawal and Godgift Timibra respectively.

In the women’s game, Oyinlomo Quadre created a major upset by defeating top seed Blessing Samuel to advance to the semi-finals.

Sixteen-year-old Quadre, ranked number two in Africa and 158th on the ITF World Junior Rankings, will next do battle with Blessing Anuna for a shot at the final.

Anuna herself had to rally and persevere to claim a 6-2 2-6 6-3 victory over Bukola Olowu.

Christie Agugbom, 37, also picked a semi-final slot with a dominant 6-1 6-2 performance against teen sensation Omolayo Bamidele.

She will next play Aanu Aiyegbusi, who dispersed Jumai Mohammed 6-2 6-3 in their quarter-final clash.

The CBN Senior Open Tennis Championship will end on Saturday.(NAN)
KIA/JPE/OLAL
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(Edited by Joseph Edeh and Olawale Alabi)

Sport

CBN Senior Tennis Open Championship: Babalola, Dickson advance to second round

Tennis
By Kayode Adebiyi
Abuja, June 26, 2019 (NAN) Third seed Abdulmumin Babalola and qualifier John Dickson recovered from slow starts to reach the second round of the CBN Open on Tuesday at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja.

Six-times champion Babalola defeated qualifier Gabriel Friday 7-6 3-0, after the latter retired during the second set due to injury.

Friday started the game brightly and looked like capable of creating an upset before Babalola broke him in the 12th game and forced him to retire.

On Court 3, qualifier Dickson, who played three games in the preliminary qualifying stage, showed resilience to defeat 37 seeded Odeyemi Opeyemi 3-6 6-1 6-0.

Dickson, ranked 74 on the National Ranking, was participating in only his second CBN Open’s main draw.

Babalola, 34, will now face Emmanuel Jetutu in the second round for an attempt to win the tournament for a seventh time.

In other games, Shehu Lawal dispatched Abubakar Saminu 6-2 6-0, while Isaac Attah defeated Abubakar Gingiri 6-4 6-2.

Clifford Enosoregbe was made to sweat in the second set but was able to beat George Abamu 6-0 6-4.

Dickson told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) after his victory that persistence gave him victory over a more experienced Opeyemi.

“Actually, it was tough but I had the zeal that I could push through, in spite of losing the first set.

“It was belief that earned me the game today. I was consistent, especially with my backhand and I was putting the ball in his weaker side.

“I was more physical and it helped my game. Opeyemi is more familiar with the tournament than I am and his experience showed but I fought and gave him a match,” he said.

In the women’s game, two-times champion Christie Agugbom and top seed Blessing Samuel both advanced into the second round.

Agugbom, who won the tournament’s 2008 and 2014 editions, dispatched Oiza Yakubu while Samuel had to rally to defeat rising star Omolade Aderemi 7-5 6-4.

NAN reports that a total of N8.2 million is up for grabs as prize money in the 41st edition of the CBN Senior Open Tennis Championship.

Winners in the men’s and women’s singles categories will smile home with N700,000 each, while N105,000 has been earmarked for winners of the men’s and women’s doubles per player.

The CBN Open ends on Saturday.(NAN)
KIA/JPE/OLAL
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(Edited by Joseph Edeh and Olawale Alabi)

Sport

Second seed Imeh survives first round scare at CBN Senior Tennis Open Championship

Tennis
Abuja, June 24, 2019 (NAN) Second seed Joseph Imeh came from a set down to beat Emmanuel Ikakah 3-6 6-2 6-3 in the first round of the CBN Senior Tennis Open Championship on Monday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the competition holding at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja got underway on Monday.

Playing on Centre Court, Imeh conceded a shaky first set with 3-6 to Ikakah, ranked 29th on the latest National Ranking.

The second set was more straightforward, as Imeh put up powerful display expected of a player of his calibre.

However, the third set seemed destined for another defeat for Imeh, which would have been a major tournament upset, before he fought back to take the set 6-3.

Speaking with NAN shortly after the game, Imeh said first round games could be tricky but hoped to get better subsequently.

“It was a first round game and I just had to bring myself back to the game after a set down.

“I gave it my best in the end, but it was a game that brought the best out of both of us.”

He added that there were moments in the game when he became nervous, saying he has to do more in the aspect of mental strength.

“There was a time in the game when I became nervous, especially during the second set and when my opponent broke me in the third set.

“I felt I couldn’t just go down like that and I told myself that it’s either I win or lose this game. I think I have to work on the mental aspect of my game.

“From this game, I learnt that I need to pick myself up and keep my focus each time I go down,” he said.

His opponent, Ikakah, told NAN that he went into the game with a winning strategy in spite of not being the favourite but got distracted.

“I wanted to win and I had the mindset of winning but it just didn’t turn out the way I planned. I felt tight as the game went on and got distracted.

“Although my opponent stepped up his game a little bit, it was distraction that eventually cost me the game. However, it was a good game and I take the lessons learnt from it,” he said.

NAN reports that Monday’s first round fixtures of the championship were delayed for several hours due to an early morning downpour in Abuja.

In the women’s game, Omolayo Bamidele saw off Christy Mbadiwe, who struggled with a shoulder injury throughout the game, 6-7 6-1 6-2 to advance to the second round.

The 2019 CBN Senior Tennis Open is the 41st edition of the tournament and features four categories: men’s singles, women’s singles, men’s doubles and women’s doubles.

It also has the men’s and women’s singles wheel chair categories.

The competition, which started on Thursday is expected to end on Saturday, June 29.(NAN)
KIA/OLAL
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(Edited by Olawale Alabi)

Sport

NCC Tennis League Cup kicks off in Abuja

By Kayode Adebiyi

Tennis

Abuja, Sept. 22, 2018 (NAN) The 2018 edition of the annual Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) Tennis League Cup teed off at the Abuja National Stadium on Saturday.

The tournament, which has been running since 2015, is an International Tennis Academy (ITA) championship sponsored by the NCC.

Declaring the tournament open at the tennis court of the Abuja National Stadium, the Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) of the NCC, Umar Dambatta, assured tennis stakeholders that the Commission would continue to support the event.

Represented by Inatimi Spiff, Deputy Director, Corporate Planning and Strategy of the Commission, the EVC stressed that the tournament has yielded positive results among Nigerian youths since its commencement.

“This is the fourth year that we are having this tournament and we are pleased to continue to sponsor it, because of the result it has yielded.

“Everyone is a winner and we advise the players to use this as a platform to further sharpen their skills,” Dambatta said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the NCC Tennis League Cup will be played in 12 venues across the six geopolitical zones of the country.

Delivering her goodwill message at the opening ceremony, a representative of the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, Hauwa-Kulu Akinyemi, praised the effort of the NCC and encouraged other institutions to emulate the Commission’s gesture.

“This competition has been taken to 12 venues in the six geopolitical zones, which means youths in those areas have been empowered.

“I want to appeal to other institutions to support sports development because this competition shows that sports can be used to empower our youths,” Akinyemi, a director in the ministry, said.

The NCC Tennis League Cup is a team-based tournament in four categories: men’s singles, women’s singles, men’s doubles and women’s doubles.

NAN also reports that a total of 23 million naira prize money is up for grabs in this year’s tournament, with the overall best team smiling home with the sum of seven million naira.

The runners up and third-placed teams will earn five million and three million naira, respectively, while the fourth-placed team will be rewarded with two million naira.

Speaking at the event, Dayo Akindoju, President of the Nigeria Tennis Federation, also commended the NCC, while urging other well-meaning bodies to come on board and support the discovery of sports talents for the nation.

“The NCC Cup is one of the biggest tennis events in Nigeria. We are grateful to the Commission for encouraging our youths and for discovering talents for the federation.

“We hope other institutions will emulate what the NCC is doing for sports development,” Akintoju said.

In the opening matches decided at the Centre Court of the Abuja National Stadium on Saturday, Imeh Joseph of Team Tech Vibes defeated Oparaoji Ude of Team Goshen 6-3, 6-3.

Joseph’s teammate, Thomas Otu also overpowered Emmanuel Sunday of Goshen 7-6, 6-4.

In the women’s game, Tech Vibes’ Aanu Ayegbusi dispersed Goshen’s Blessing Samuel 6-2, 6-4 to advance to the next round of the tournament. (NAN)

KIA/KTO/MZA

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Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo/Maharazu Ahmed