Mohammed, Jimoh win Fusion Tennis Clinic/Tournament crowns

Khadijat Mohammed and Joseph Jimoh, at the weekend, became champions of the girls and boys’ open categories, respectively, of the fourth Fusion Sports Foundation Tennis Clinic and Tournament held at the Lagos Lawn Tennis Club, Onikan.

To emerge champion in the girls’ category of the weeklong tournament,

Mohammed defeated Sofia Agbabiaka in straight sets of 6-0, 6-1, while the keenly contested boys’ final went into the decider after Jimoh came back from a set down to beat Daniel Adeleye 0-6, 6-3, 10-8.

Over 200 kids participated in the grassroots talent hunt initiative, which featured participants from ages four to 16, serving as a platform for talented but less privileged kids to showcase their skills and exposure.

Speaking at the end of the event, former national junior champion and Chief Executive Officer, Fusion Sports Foundation, Fuad Quadre, expressed satisfaction with the level of participation and performance of the players.

He said: “I’m very happy with the turn out and we saw some interesting matches and we were able to select some players that we will sponsor through the year. I want to commend the Lagos Lawn Tennis Club for supporting by letting us use the facility and thanks to the kids for showing up in numbers.” 

Quadre explained that the next edition of the tournament would be UTR-rated for the players to get ranking points, adding that he is still seeking stakeholders’ support to enhance the event.

“We are open to partnership, sponsorship and assistance from corporate organisations and well meaning individuals because we can not do it all alone. We required all the support we can get because we must continue to provide the platform for the players to compete and playing regular tournaments will help to develop and I believe we can provide more scholarships for them to the United State.”

Vice President, Lagos Lawn Tennis Club, Ladi Olatunde, lauded the impact of Fusion Tennis Clinic and Tournament, while pledging further support from the club to the initiative. He called other international players to emulate Quadre by giving back to the sport.

“This is an encouragement for young players, they are also excited and we hope they can keep the spirit up and the game of tennis can get to a very high level. This is a tournament hosted by Fuad Quadre, who grew up in this club and we’ve provided the environment, which has enabled everybody to come under this umbrella and showcase what they have, the talent and that’s exactly what they brought to fore. I just want to urge other international players who have gone through this club to come together to encourage the younger ones and partake in such.”

The participants were presented with medals, trophies and gift items at the end of the tournament, while winners in various categories received cash prizes.