Dala Hard Court Tennis: Samuel, Otu are champions

Thomas Otu, floors enterprising Joseph Imeh in the men's final.

BLESSING Samuel on Friday at the Kano Club won the women’s singles title of the 31st edition of Dala Hard Court tennis tournament sanctioned by the Nigerian Tennis Federation (NTF).
Samuel, a Business Administration student of the University of Abuja, dismissed arch rival, Sarah Adegoke 6-2, 6-1 to win her fourth Dala Hard court title.
The Benue State-born Samuel, had in the semi-final sent the title holder, Christie Agugbom, packing when she came from one set set down {3-6} to win 6-3, 6-1, before she added Adegoke, current CBN Senior Open champion and 2015 Dala Hard Court finalist to the list of her ‘victims’ in the tournament.
The Team Kalotari player, Samuel, was excited by her victory against one of the best four women players in the country.
“Well, I can’t really pick the right words to express how I feel after the final match, but I know that it is been God all the way. For me to prepare within a short time for this tournament after school programme and win here is miraculous. It is a miracle to me and I feel so overwhelmed by the victory.
“Yes, I always perform better in Kano and it’s the lord’s doing. The support from home fans also motivated me a lot and I really appreciate them for the support,” Samuel, who has equally lost four Dala Hard Court finals told Tribunesport.
The West African Universities Games (WAUG) gold medallist believes she would win the CBN title someday.
“I once lost in the final of the CBN Senior Open against Biola Akewula and I believe with a lot of hard work, I would break the jinx one day,” she added.
In the men’s singles, maverick Thomas Otu against all odds ended the dream of fellow youngster Joseph Imeh in the final.
Former national champion, Otu, dismissed in form Imeh, 2017 CBN Senior Open finalist in two straight sets 7-5, 6-4 in an exhilarating final decided on Saturday at the Kano Club.
Imeh, had conquered three former national champions – Henry Atseye, Clifford Enosorogbe and Shehu Lawal as well as Uche Okparaoji before his eventual fall on Saturday at the hands of Otu.
Meanwhile, reigning CBN Senior Open champion, Abdulmumuni Babalola and former national champion, Shehu Lawal won the men’s doubles title as they beat the duo of Thomas Otu and Joseph Iyorovbe 6-3, 6-2 in the final.