Lagos Gov’s Tennis Cup: First timer, Khazaniuk wins women’s title

Israel’s Deniz Khazaniuk who came to Nigeria for the first time, was a proud winner of the women’s singles trophy of Futures 4 of the 17th Governor’s Cup Lagos Tennis Championship at the Lagos Lawn Tennis Club, Onikan.

The Israeli player, who was cheered all the way by the Jewish community, who stormed the venue in large  numbers,  in the final against Swiss Conny Perrin last weekend was glad winning the grudged encounter that ended  4-6, 6-1, 6-3.

It was an upset as Khazaniuk was the tournament number four seed defeating number one seed.

To Khazaniuk, winning the first leg was a great boost for her ambition of playing in the Australian Open next January, as this would boost her ranking to secure qualification for the Grand Slam. She was so much grateful to the Jewish community in Lagos and Nigerians who supported her in the final.

The men’s singles was won by Serbian Pedja Krstin who defeated Stephan Fransen in straight set of 6-2, 6-3.

In the doubles finals, the Croatian brothers, Ivan and Matej Sabanov beat Tom Jomby and Johan Sebastien Tatlot, while the pair of Ayla Aksu from Turkey and Ana Veselinovic from Montenegro defeated the duo of Conny Perrin of Switzerland and Valeriya Strakhova  of Ukraine.

Meanwhile, the second leg (Futures 5) has begun with the qualifying matches decided at the weekend, paving way for real action in the main draws which serve off on Monday (today). The grand finale will hold on Saturday where the Governor of Lagos State, Mr Akinwumi Ambode will be guest of honour.