Okere wins Alukimba table tennis tournament

UCHECHI Okere has emerged champion at the yearly Alukimba Table Tennis Tournament organised by Lagos- based sports club, El Marino Sports Club, clinching his sixth title. Okere defeated Moses Ideho 4- 1 ( 11- 8, 11- 8, 11- 9, 11- 13, 11- 5) in a best of 7- set final witnessed by members of the club. Despite a head start, Ideho was quickly over- powered by Okere with his calmness and good combination of scintillating forehand and backhand. Ideho, who was playing in his first final, however, tried to salvage some honour in the fourth game with his intermittent backhand shots.

The third place match was contested by Tokunbo Modupe and Hilton Enahoro with Modupe winning 3- 2 to take the bronze. Anthony Akamagwuna and Uchechi Okere were both adjudged the most improved and most valuable players of the tournament respectively.

Now in its 10th edition, this year’s tournament, held at Magodo Hall in Lagos, was staged in honour of its late sponsor, Toyin Alukimba Odunowo, who passed on last year. The one- day championship had 16 top players compete for the top prize in the men’s singles event.

Chairman, Board of Trustee ( BOT) of El Marino Sports Club, Stephen Ighomuaye said this year’s event was the first time the tournament would be held without the presence of the sponsor who died in 2020.