At the conclusion of the three-day hostilities at the Ibadan Recreation Club, Sabo — Mubarak Ganiyu, Imole Afolabi, Sarah Adegoke, Adeshina Ismail, and Akin Orebiyi/Tajudeen Kasali arose as champions in the five categories.
For the Junior Boys 16 and Under category, 13-year-old Oyo State prodigy Mubarak Ganiyu encountered a more professional Akinmusire Michael who had won all his games at the competition in straight sets. Mubarak however won the difficult match 5-7, 6-1, 6-1 to come out top of the Junior boys category.
While speaking with BCOS Sports Editor Boluwaji Ogunmola after his hard-earned victory, the youngster revealed he was happy to defeat his more experienced opposition.
“The game was a tough one because my opponent is a more experienced player, so I decided to play my game and avoid getting distracted by his experience,” Mubarak said.
In the Junior girls 16 and Under, Imole Afolabi sent Ajulo down the losing aisle 6-1, 2-6, 11-9 to claim the title.
Afolabi, who was drawn by in the quarter-final conquered her opponent in the final on Thursday without much complication.
Ajulo had no answer to her brilliant display despite coming out top of the second set.
Also, top seed Sarah Adegoke tailed her victory in Togo earlier this year by clinching the Ladies Singles title.
Adegoke, pitched against Abiodun Oyegoke in the final won 6-0, 6-0. After her victory, the Champions of Ladies Single said winning the championship in Ibadan makes her achievement outstanding.
In the Men’s final, Adeshina Ismail dealt with Adewale Samson 5-7, 6-1, 10-8 to arise as the Champion of the category.
Ismail, who had defeated Oyelami and Ajibade in the previous rounds came from a set down to emerge champion of the first edition of the GSM Tennis Championship.
Also, in the veteran doubles category, Akin Orebiyi and Tajudeen Kasali won against Bolarinwa/Oloyede 6-3, 6-3, to claim the title meant to motivate veterans of the game.
Orebiyi/Kasali had earlier defeated Babayomi/Akinlotan in the semi-final.
The purpose of this three-day Championship, an initiative of Hon. Tobi Oyewumi, the Special Assistant to the Governor of Oyo State on Sports Development, was to honour the Sport loving Governor of the state, Engineer Seyi Makinde and also to excavate new Tennis talents in the Pacesetters state.