Ogunshakin, Osaji Shine As Azimuth Junior Tennis Tourney Serves Off
Seyi Ogunshakin, one of Nigeria’s best Under-12 players, is one of the shining stars at the AZIMUTH Shipping Lines Limited Junior Tennis Championship which served off on Tuesday, 11 January, 2022.
The youngster from Ekiti won two of his matches in two straight matches to advance to the quarterfinal stage of the competition as the 12 & Unders players dominated the first day of tennis action at the Lagos Lawn Tennis Club, Onikan, Lagos.
He beat Abednego Godwin 4-0, 4-0 in the second round and now looks set to land in the semis of the tournament which pays winners and runners-up Education Grant of 100k and 50k respectively.
In the girls’ event, Ndidi Osaji, a title hopeful, is coasting to a semis spot as she also won all her matches.
Benjamin Favour, Vanessa Inyang anf Mofifunoluwa Atilola are also some of the shining stars at the ongoing event which has attracted about 300 players from over 20 states of the federation.
The players in the 14 & Unders will start competing on Wednesday, 12 January while the 16 & Unders will kick off on Thursday.
Richard Inyang, the Tournament Director, was in awe of the attendance which he says keeps increasing every year.
“Mannn, this year’s competition has blown my mind already and we have only just started.
“The number I gave you about the attendance will rise at the end of the day because of how people have continued registering for the competition.
“We are happy, and we hope to keep up with this level of competition for prizes and honors at the tournament,” he said.
The competition had a draw of 32 for the 12 & Under category for both boys and girls, a situation which Inyang says has never happened before.
“Before now, we’d have just done round robin and determined the winners, but we did a draw of 32 for national U-12 players? That’s a lot.
“I’m even scared for the other categories right now, because of the number of entries. We’re very happy, and we hope for more improvements,” Mr. Inyang, who doubles as a tennis coach, added.
Nigeria Tennis Live will keep updating tennis followers and enthusiasts on the happenings at the competition.
