Maiden Davnotch Tennis Championship attracts 300 players

No fewer than 300 players are expected to participate in the maiden Davnotch National Open Tennis Championship coming up between May 14 and 22 at tennis courts of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium Abuja.

Ifedayo Akindoju, Chairman Caretaker Committee of the Nigeria Tennis Federation (NTF) said this in Abuja on Monday while briefing newsmen on preparations for the championship.

He said about N3.5million would be raked at the end of championship as price money by the winners of the various categories.

Akindoju also said that the championship would serve as the federation’s hunting ground for talents for the national team ahead of several international competitions lined-up for the federation this year.

“I can tell you the winner of the men singles and the ladies singles will go home with N500,000 and for the Wheelchair event (male and female), it is N150, 000 each.

“Wheelchair event is not actually an open event, and as such it is for the top 16 athletes in the ladder.

“Recently in Lagos, we had a ladder tournament on wheelchair alone, so we have the latest rankings of all wheelchair players in Nigeria, and because it is closed, we have top 16 in men and top 16 in women to compete in this event.

“We equally have the doubles event for the men; the winner will take home N100,000 and this will be the same for the ladies,” Akindoju said.

According to him, the championship is open for athletes who are 14 years and above.