28th September, 2011
Defending champion of the Lagos Governor Open Squash Championship, Jonathan Peters, will have his hands full today as he begins to defend his title in this year’s competition, which started on Monday at the Eagles Club, Surulere, Lagos, Nigeria.
P.M.Sports gathered that Peters would contend with Turkey-based Sierra Leonean, Issa Kamara, former Nigeria’s No.1, Gbenga Adeyi, now based in the U.K, Efe Igho, who plays in Spain, Ehime Ehalen, who plays professional squash in the US and Malaysian Mohammedan Adnan, to retain his crown.
Peters said there would be huge hurdles in this year’s edition. “There are many players here coming from Europe, America and Asia. It’s great to play with the best but it increases the challenges too,†said Peters, who beat Durbah Rodney of South Africa in the final of the last edition to win the star prize of $10,000.
Peters, however, said the tournament, since it started three years ago, has added value to the game in the country.
He said, “I started playing squash at five years old with little opportunity for exposure and sub-standard facilities. But I was determined to excel and I am happy with my progress.”