Israeli Wins Lagos Gov’s CupTennis Police Golfer Emerges Ikeja Champion
Debutant, Deniz Khazaniuk from Israel, yesterday marked her first appearance on Nigerian soil in a remarkable way by winning the women’s singles trophy of Futures 4 of the 17th Governor’s Cup Lagos Tennis Championship at the Lagos Lawn Tennis Club, Onikan.
The Israeli player who was cheered all the way by the Jewish community in Lagos who stormed the venue in their numbers in the final against Swiss Conny Perrin, was glad winning the first leg ended 4-6 6-1 6-3.
It was an upset as Khazaniuk was the tournament Number 4 seed who defeated the Number 1 seed.
For Khazaniuk, winning the first leg was a great boost for her ambition of playing in the Australian Open next January, as this would boost her ranking to secure qualification for the Grand Slam. She was so much grateful to the Jewish community in Lagos and Nigerians who supported her in the final.
The Men’s Single was won by Serbian Pedja Krstin who defeated Stephan Fransen in straight set of 6-2,6-3.
In the Doubles Finals, Croatian brothers, Ivan and Matej Sabanov beat Tom Jomby and Johan Sebastien Tatlot, while the pair of Ayla Aksu from Turkey and Ana Veselinovic from Montenegro defeated the duo of Conny Perrin of Switzerland and Valeriya Strakhova of Ukraine.
Meanwhile, the second leg (Futures 5) has started with the qualifying matches decided at the weekend to pave way for real action in the Main Draws which serve off today. Nine handicapper, Alaba Adetunji, a police officer has won the 2017 Ikeja Ladies Club Championship. The event was concluded at the Ikeja Golf Club in Lagos recently.
Adetunji outsmart over 80 other competitors for the title where she returned 164 gross score over 36 holes pipping nearest contender, Chinyere Alamu, with nine shots.
“I am overwhelmed by the support accorded me by all here; the caddies, my fellow players, and most especially my office, The Nigerian Police Force, who encouraged me with more practise time,” she said after lifting the winner’s price.
The win is her first after winning the event in 2013 and 2014. Alamu was gracious in defeat, she said Adetunji “deserved the honour”. Pamela Wu placed third at the event.
Chairperson of the Ladies Section of the club, Mrs Oby Jolayemi, said the event was a reward for the outstanding effort that lady golfers have put into their effort this golfing season.
“We have a very impressive lady’s section and a lot of players are all showing huge interest in the game. This event is traditional Major here and we are pleased with turn out of players from here and other golf clubs.
“Of note is our men’s section who have been very supportive of our activities led by Captain Niyi Latinwo and our various ceremonial players who supported our Championship: Princess Yew Anderson Onileere; Johnson Ndukwu and Muyiwa Kupoluyi”