By Aderonke Ojo
Abubakar Yusuf defeated Canice Abua 7-5, 6-1 to win the men’s singles title at the sixth DavNotch National Open Tennis Championship in Abuja.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the final was played at the Ifedayo Akindoju Centre Court, Moshood Abiola National Stadium, on Saturday.
Yusuf produced a dominant performance to overcome Nigeria’s number one-ranked player and claim his maiden DavNotch championship title.
The victory ended years of disappointment for Yusuf, who had repeatedly lost to Abua in previous encounters.
An excited Yusuf described the triumph as a dream come true after defeating a player he greatly admired.
Yusuf said: “He is my idol. We have been playing for six years and he has been beating me.
“Today, I told myself it was a do-or-die affair. I capitalised on my opportunities and was able to beat him.”
Yusuf attributed his success to mental strength, confidence and focus throughout the contest.
“I was 100 per cent confident because if my confidence dropped even one per cent, he would take advantage.
“I stayed focused because I know what he can do,” he said.
The new champion said his next ambition was earning a place in Nigeria’s Davis Cup team.
He added that the DavNotch Championship had given him a platform to display his potential.
In the women’s singles final, Success Ogunjobi retained her title after defeating Etoro Bassey 3-6, 7-5, 6-1.
Ogunjobi recovered from losing the opening set to secure another memorable championship victory.
She said the win was special after losing to Bassey in the CBN Open National Tennis Championship final.
“I feel excited because I lost to the same player in the recently concluded 47th CBN Open final.
“For me to meet her again and come back to win today makes this title very special,” he said.
Earlier in the doubles events, Canice Abua and Musa Mohammed won the men’s title after beating Matthew Abamu and Michael Emmanuel.
The pair triumphed 7-6(5), 3-6, 10-8 in a closely contested final played on Friday.
Goodnews Aina and Success Ogunjobi lifted the women’s doubles crown after defeating Blessing Omotayo and Nenrots Suwa.
The champions secured a 6-4, 7-6(1) victory to complete their successful doubles campaign.
Andrea Usoh won the women’s wheelchair singles title after defeating Vivian Ozurunmba 6-3, 6-1.
Alex Adewale claimed the men’s wheelchair singles crown after beating Wasiu Yusuf 6-0, 6-1.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, DavNotch Managing Director Emmanuel Ochei announced an increase in prize money.
Ochei said the men’s singles winner’s prize had risen from N500,000 to N1 million, adding that the women’s singles champion would now receive N800,000.
The managing director said the decision showed DavNotch’s commitment to developing tennis in Nigeria.
“For us at DavNotch, it gives us joy because we are committed to inclusivity and tennis growth.
“We have witnessed tremendous improvement, and I thank everyone who contributed to another successful championship,” he said.
Ochei described the prize increase as the beginning of the company’s long-term plans.
“This is just the beginning. DavNotch is committed to this tournament as a long-term project,” he said.
He expressed hope that more partners would support the development of tennis across Nigeria.
According to Ochei, the company aims to produce players capable of competing among the world’s best.
He also pledged continued support for grassroots and wheelchair tennis development.
Ochei praised former Nigeria Tennis Federation President, Dayo Akindoju, for helping establish the championship.
NAN reports that the tournament featured men’s and women’s singles, doubles and wheelchair events.
The sixth edition began on June 22 and ended on Saturday in Abuja.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo