Etoro Bassey, Aina Henry, Aina Goodnews, Chidubem Amassiani, Mufu Atilola, and David Edwards won their different categories at the yearly CBN Junior Championships, which ended at the weekend at the Lagos Lawn Tennis Club, Onikan.
In the Girls’ 16 and Under category, Etoro Bassey, who just started playing tennis two years ago courtesy of her father, rolled past a familiar foe, Eunice Orolumun, 9-5, to win her age category.
Bassey, who has featured in several local and regional tournaments already, was the winner of the MTN Junior and Azimuth Shipping Lines tennis tournament last year and a doubles winner at the AJC tournament held in Togo, earlier this year.
The budding star, who just finished secondary school and is currently being coached by her father, said her goal is to go professional fully next year.
The Boys 16 and Under was totally dominated by Aina Henry from Ondo State, who ruthlessly dispatched homeboy, Joseph Ogunyemi, 9-0 to claim the title.
The Girls 14 finals saw Ekiti-born Gloria Samuel fall to the superior power of Aina Goodnews, also from Ekiti State. Aina won 9-4 to take home the trophy.
Elsewhere, fast-rising star, Chidubem Amassiani from Abuja, completely dominated Akwa Ibom’s Wisdom Effion, winning 9-3 in quick time.
Amassiani, who has become a player to watch, did not disappoint, adding the most improved boys’ player award to his crown, while Bassey went home with the girls’ most improved player.
It was, however, a bad day in the office for the younger Ogunsakin brother, as Seyi Ogunsakin lost to David Edwards, 9-3 in the Boys 14 and under finals. Ogunsakin and Edwards were also competing for foes in the Boys 12 and under two years ago, but Seyi got the upper hand that day.
Edwards, younger brother to MaryLove, was dominant from the start of the match and after securing his first break, never looked back, completely subduing the younger Ogunsakin.
Also, the top seed in the Girls 12 and Under, Mufu Atilola from Lagos, defeated Roseline Nana, also from Lagos, 9-6 to win the title.
All the winners went home with trophies and racquets, while the runners-up also smiled home with trophies and customized backpacks.
ITA Director, Godwin Kienka, while presenting the trophies and gifts, appreciated the sponsors and players for putting in their best, promising that the competition will return bigger and better with the next edition.
