It was a show of superiority on Saturday, May 6, as the 2017 edition of the Tombim Abuja Open reached an interesting climax in Nigeria’s federal capital.
The first leg of the three-legged top class tennis ‘carnival’ was won by Canadian Brayden Schnur, who faced the odds to defeat Fabio De Paula from Brazil 7-6 (2), 6-4 in a classic match watched by teeming tennis lovers and followers.
From the start of the game, the number two seed had showed serious intent to win the game and even though his unseeded opponent matched all of his strokes with equally strong returns, it was not enough to stop Schnur from winning his first ITF Futures in Nigeria.
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| Mr. Yemi Owoseni, Vice President of the Nigeria Tennis Federation, presenting the winner’s trophy to Brayden Schnur at the tennis section of the National Stadium, Abuja on Saturday, May 6, 2017. Photo: Ewaoche Ameh. |
Paula’s Doubles win with his partner, Romboli Fernando, however, proved that their status as the best doubles team was no fluke.
They defeated the pair of Bega Alessandro from Italy and Norwegian Durasovic Viktor in the final set, winning 6-4, (5)6-7, 7-10.
In all, it was a tale of excitement on the lips of every winner as they were presented with their trophies and their cash rewards.
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| The winner (right) and the runner up hold their trophies after the presentation on Saturday, May 6, 2017. Photo: Ewaoche Ameh. |
Up next is the Dayak Open which Naija Tennis Special gathered tennis players have started working really hard to qualify for, especially those without ranking points.
For the Wild Card slot, Nigerian players will have to slug it out with other players who want to get into the Main Draw for the four slots available.
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| Tournament sponsor, Edmond Ajoge and Tournament Director, Ikani Agabi, rubbing minds on the way forward after a successful tournament. Photo: Ewaoche Ameh. |
Naija Tennis Special will furnish you with the names of the players who eventually win their games to participate in the tournament proper.
Meanwhile, below are some pictures from the finals today as captured by ace photographer, Ewaoche Ameh:
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| Ewaoche Ameh poses with Brayden after receiving the winner’s trophy on Saturday, May 6. |
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| Tournament sponsors, Edmond Ejoge and Bayo Okusanya with their spouses at the finals of the Tombim Abuja Open. Photo: Ewaoche Ameh. |
