Winners have emerged at the maiden edition of GSM Tennis Championship which came to an end on Thursday in Ibadan.
The 3-day tournament was organized to honour the Sport loving Governor of the state, Engineer Seyi Makinde and discover future stars.
At the end of hostilities at the Ibadan Reacreation Club, Sabo, Mubarak Ganiyu, Imole Afolabi, Sarah Adegoke, Adeshina Ismail, and Akin Orebiyi / Tajudeen Kasali emerged champions in the five categories.
Starting with the Junior Boys 16 and Under, 13 year old Oyo State prodigy Mubarak Ganuyu faced a more experienced Akinmusire Michael who had won all his games at the competition in straight sets. Mubarak won the difficult match 5-7, 6-1, 6-1 to win the Junior boys ategory.
Speaking with BCOS Sports, the youngster said he’s happy he defeated his more experienced opponent, “The game was a tough one, because my opponent is a more experienced player, so I decided to play my game and not get distracted by his experience” he concluded.
In the Junior girls 16 and Under, Imole Afolabi dispatched Ajulo 6-1, 2-6, 11-9 to claim the title.
Afolabi, who was drawn bye in the quarter final dispatched Imole Ayo in the semi final. In the final on Thursday, Ajulo had no answer to her brilliant display despite winning the second set.
Elsewhere, top seed Sarah Adegoke followed up her victory in Togo earlier in the year by claiming the Ladies Singles title. Adegoke, playing against Abiodun Oyegoke in the final won 6-0, 6-0 . After the game , Sarah said winning the championship in Ibadan makes the victory extra special.
In the Men’s final match, Adeshina Ismail defeated Adewale Samson 5-7, 6-1, 10-8 to emerge Champion of the category. Ismail, who had gone past Oyelami and Ajibade in the previous rounds came from a set down to emerge winner of the first edition of GSM Tennis Championship.
Also, in the veteran doubles category, Akin Orebiyi and Tajudeen Kasali defeated Bolarinwa/Oloyede 6-3, 6-3, to win the title meant to encourage veterans of the game. Orebiyi/Kasali had earlier dispatched Babayomi/Akinlotan in the semi final.
The Champioship, which is an initiative of Hon. Tobi Oyewumi, the Special Assistant to the Governor of Oyo State on Sports Development, is meant to discover new Tennis talents in the Pacesetters state.
Credit: Boluwaji Ogunmola
