Atseye, Akewula Win CBN Open Trophies

Though they passed through very rough roads, Henry Atseye and Abiola Akewula weathered the storm to win the Men and Women’s Singles trophies of the 33rd Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Open Tennis Open Championship at the National Stadium, Surulere in Lagos, Nigeria.

Atseye, last year’s runner-up outstroked up coming player, Nonso Madueke in straight sets of 7-5, 6-0 to grab the men’s title, while Akewula defeated Blessing Samuel 6-4,6-0 for the women’s crown.

All the top seeds, including the defending champions of the men and women’s singles were eliminated before yesterday’s final matches.

The Men’s doubles title went to the pair of Sunday Jegede and Sunday Maku, while Fatima Abinu and Omotayo Ibrahim won the women’s doubles title. The mixed doubles, re-introduced by the organisers after 15 years, was won by Shehu Lawal and Fatima Abinu.

For the first time, the governor of CBN, Sanusi Lamido and some top management executives of the apex bank graced the final ceremony, while the president of Nigeria Tennis Federation, NTF, Engr. Sani Ndanusa and his board members attended the finals.

Former president of the federation, Chuka Mammah, school children and tennis enthusiasts also witnessed the event.

By Taiwo Adelu