Abayomi, Daniel wins maiden Champions Bowl National Qualifier Series in Lagos

The maiden edition of the Champions Bowl National Qualifier Series, a tennis competition for children, ended on exciting note in Lagos on Tuesday with Philip Abayomi emerging victorious in the Boys 16U, while Adeleye Daniel won the Boys 14U category.

Abayomi defeated Emmanuel Jebutu 9-1 in the 16U final, while Daniel was superior in the 14U final against Gabriel Richards, winning 9-7 at a colourful ceremony held at Luik Tennis & Recreation Club (LTR), in Lekki.

The final matches were decided on pro-set following rainfall in some parts of the city.

It was a battle of two Indians in the 10U category, with Satyam Maurya defeating Daiwik Keshrisingh Pundir 6-4 to win the trophy. The duo of Maurya and Pundir, as well as Jade Nzewi will jet out to Umag, Croatia, in September with the Nigerian National 10U team for the Champions Bowl competition.

Speaking at the occasion, the Tournament Director, Temituoyo Nzewi, said the competition was a collaborative effort between Kone’s Tennis Cafe (KTC) and the Nigerian Tennis Federation (NTF) with the sole aim of developing young tennis players in Nigeria by creating opportunities through such programs.

She commended the sponsors, Zenith Platinum and Wilson Tennis Equipment for their assistance.

The competition was formally known as VGC Children’s Day Tennis Tournament before it changed to Champions Bowl National Qualifier Series.

At the inaugural edition in 2010, Crystal Nzewi won the girl’s final, while Martins Abamu clinched the boy’s trophy.

While Crystal Nzewi is now a regular tennis player for Longwood University in Virginia, USA, Abamu, a student of the university of Lagos, plays in the prestigious NCC League representing Team VGC.

The Founder/CEO of Luik Tennis & Recreation Club (LTR), Uzo Izugbokwe, said the facilities allow children to build character through sports and also create lasting relationships between ethnic tribes, religions and nations.