No fewer than 154 students across schools within and outside Lagos State on Thursday served off the Lagos Schools’ Tennis Championship holding inside the Lagos Lawn Tennis Club, Onikan, Lagos.
The day one of the 4-days championship began with registration and screening of players who were cleared eligible to participate in the different categories spanning from U-10, 14 and 18 boys and girls.
After the screening, the eligible players began the sporting hostilities at the preminilary stage among themselves on the lawn where some players zoomed to the quarter-finals.
Speaking about the championship, the tournament Coordinator, Sunday Igbinovia, said that a total of 152 players across U-10, 14 and 18 boys and girls were officially registered to Championship sponsored by the Allison and Oluremi Ayida Foundation.
The former national tennis player noted that he was not surprised by the turn out of the players, seeing that there are not so many tournaments for them to play despite their consistent training routines.
“Day One is always a bit tough and filled with pressure from parents and coaches who attend the competition because it’s the first day of the competition.
“However, we always have to stand our ground and strictly follow the ITF rules which are consistent across the globe. Tomorrow will be all about matches and we plan to end up the preliminary stages by then.” He said.
On the level of competition, he alluded to the fact that many top national junior players also registered to play, an indication that the tournament is not one without quality oppositions.
“So far, we’ve had a number of top players from different states across Nigeria from 10-18. It’s an open event and as I said, the prizes are very attractive, so, it is not unusual to have this level of competition in the tournament,” he said.
Speaking also on behalf of the sponsors, Laolu Akerele, expressed his delight at the number of participants, and believes this is the beginning of something great for the foundation.
“I am delighted that the tournament by the Allison and Oluremi Foundation is underway. It has been a great start knowing that nearly 200 players registered and I cannot wait to see how the weekend pans out.
“This is the beginning of something special, and I am excited to see the final on Sunday, and I know that the talent of these children and young adults will be shown from the get go,” he said.
The competition which kicked off on Thursday, 19 October, will reach its climax on Sunday, 22 October, with the unveiling of the Allison Ayida Pavilion inside the Lagos Lawn Tennis Club.
Reported by: Dotun Omisakin
