Ikenna Okonkwo has won the ITF World Tennis Tour Junior J30 Abuja by beating Daniel Adeleye 6-2,6-2 in the final of male singles on Sunday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the tour, which started on June 5, ended on Sunday at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.
Okonkwo was resilient, showing character and mental strength to upset his opponent, against all odds.
Okonkwo was on the front foot throughout the match as he took a 6-2 lead against his opponent.
He overpowered Adeleye in the second set for a 6-2 to win, as the game ended 6-2,6-2.
In the semi-finals, Adeleye had defeated Ezekiel Azi to reach final.
He had earlier qualified for the quarter-final stage, where he defeated Aina Henry 6-2,6-0.
Okonkwo on the other hand, had defeated , Ganiyu Mubarak in the semi-finals. He qualified for the quarter-final by beating Benjamin Jerrimah 1-6,6-0,7-5.
Speaking after the final game, Adeleye said that he was glad for his achievements in the tournaments, despite losing in the final.
He said he didn’t create enough chances that could have made him win and that was why Okonkwo won.
”I congratulate him for putting up such a strong performance. My permutations was not a good calculation today and I hope to lift the trophy next time around.
”Right now I will be working on my practice for my next competition , J60 tournament, I hope to lift the trophy,” he said.
In the females category, Ohunene Yakubu beat Alisha Ndukwu 6-4, 6-4 to clinch the title.
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NAN reports that six countries – Nigeria (host), Ghana, Great Britain, Australia, China and Benin Republic – participated in the championship.
Trophies and medals were awarded to the winners, including the runner-up and third place positions.
NAN reports that the Junior ITF event is a flagship tournament to help junior players gain global rankings.(NAN)
