Shortly after winning the 13th edition of the NNPC/Chevron Junior Masters tennis championship in Lagos, junior tennis sensation, Umaru Balami has again won the Alex Ekwueme junior tennis tournament. The championship which was staged at the Enugu Sports Club was put together by friends and associates of the former vice president and one time NTF Board Member, Sir (Dr) Alex Ekwueme. The tournament which ended at the weekend held between 8 and 12 of this month to mark the 80th birthday of the elder statesman and tennis enthusiast as well as to help promote and develop the game in the grassroots. “It was a championship in commemoration of the 80th birthday of one of our pillars in tennis, a one-time tennis board member, vice president and elder statesman to further promote and encourage grassroots tennis in Nigeria” disclosed Nigeria Tennis Federation assistant secretary, Etim Ita.
Thirty two players, with sixteen from the eastern part of Nigeria and sixteen from the national list participated.
Umaru Balami, No. 1 seed in the junior category defeated Emmanuel Idoko (No. 2 seed) by 6’4/6’4 to lift the trophy. To further help in developing the game as well as encourage participation, tennis equipment were given to all participants by the organisers. The Local Organising Committee chairman Ben Ezeibe on behalf of the organizers promised that the event will wear a national outlook in its next edition.
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