Recently updated on February 10th, 2019 at 11:01 am
Emmanuel Sylvester and Sarah Adegoke have emerged winners of the 40th edition of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN Senior Open Tennis Championship.
Emmanuel Sylvester in the men’s category, ended his third final encounter with Babalola 6-3, 7-6 and 6-4 as well as defeating NTF number one seed, Joseph Imeh, in the quarter-final. Sarah Adegoke in the women’s category defeated Agugbom, a former Nigeria Tennis Federation (NTF) number one seed 4-6, 7-5, 6-0.
In the words of Emmanuel Sylvester:
“I played very good tennis and it worked for me, I thank God for that. I was happy to defeat my opponent (Babalola) in our third encounter today; it was not easy winning this tournament but I thank God for His blessings.”
However, Babalola and Agugbom still emerged winners with final cups in the men and women’s double.
Babalola paired with Lawal Shehu to defeat Nonso Madueke and Henry Atseye 6-2, 6-3. In addition, Agugbom and Blessing Samuel equally won the women doubles trophy by defeating Rose Abu and Bukola Olowu 6-2, 6-1.
Also in the CBN Senior Open Tennis Championship, which is usually organized in collaboration with NTF, the physically challenged persons participated.
Alex Adewale defeated Wasiu Yusuf in the men’s Wheelchair tennis final 6-1, 6-1, while Kafayat Omisore won Chituru Nwaozuzu 6-1, 6-3 in finals of women wheelchair tennis.
Ifedayo Akindoju, NTF President said:
“I am happy for the successful conclusion of this 40th edition of CBN open, which is the first to be hosted by our board.
More tournaments are going to come up this year through the board’s efforts which will further develop the game of tennis in the country.
We will continue to appeal to CBN and other supporting sponsors of the game so that an academy can be established which will greatly influence our global performance in not distant future.”
