HEADLINE
Amasiani rules U-14 category at 4th AIF National Junior Tennis tourney
By Monica Iheakam
Chukwudubem Amasiani from the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja, was the cynosure of all eyes at the just concluded 4th Alhaji Adewale Isa Foundation (AIF), national junior tennis championship in Lagos .
Amasiani showed grit and raw talent by overpowering Shamsideen Bello, by 4-1, 4-2 in the U-14 boys category final.
The tournament which ran from August 28 through to September 2 at the Tennis Complex of the National Stadium Surulere, had about 200 kids from over 15 states of the federation compete for honours in the annual event.
Khadijat Mohammed won the girls U-16 by defeating her closest rival Bright Emmanuel 6-4,6-3 .
In the boys U-16 category, Aina Henry from Ekiti State drubbed Awe Damilare 6-2, 6-2 to emerge champion.
For the girls U-12, Nana Roseline outplayed Kwange Emmanuel 5-3,2-4, 10-4, while Michael Joel saw off Ubiebi Peter 4-2, 5-3 to win the boys title.
In the under 14 events, Holzendorff Lerelay beat Benjamin Ndifreke 5-4, 2-4, 10-8 to win the girls title, while Amasiani Chukwudubem beat Shamsideen Bello, by 4-1, 4-2 in the boys final .
For the first time in the championship, Grace Alex from Ekiti State was adjudged the Most Valuable Player (MVP) and was rewarded with a cash prize.
Meanwhile, daughter of Late Alhaji Adewale, Alhaja Olayinka Adigun, expressed delight at the huge turnout of participants at the one week long tournament.
“It’s the dream of our late dad to discover and build tennis talents and that is what this championship is all about.