By Aderonke Ojo
Daniel Adeleye and Abubakar Yusuf has won the VEMP National Open Tennis Championship in Abuja by beating Canice Abua and Musa Mohammed 6-3,4-6,10-8 in the final of male doubles on Friday .
The tournament, taking place at the National Tennis Centre, Package B of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.
Adeleye and Yusuf was resilient, showing character and mental strength to upset their opponent, against all odds.
Adeleye and Yusuf was on the front foot in the first set of the match as they took a 6-3 lead against opponent.
They were overpowered by Abua and Mohammed in the second set for 4- 6.
In the third set, Adeleye and Yusuf had to fought harder to hit the perms 10-8 to win, as the game ended 6-3,4-6,10-8.
In the semi-finals, Adeleye and Yusuf had defeated Lucky Danjuma and Mubarak Ganiyu Ezekiel Azi, 6-1,7-6(5) to reach final with
They had earlier qualified for the quarter-final stage, where they defeated the pair of Yahaya Sani-inabo and Jeremiah Benjamin 6-3,3-1(Rtd)
In the round of 16, they piped Endurance Ehiegiamusoe and Saidu Sani-inabo 6-1,6-2.
While Abua and Mohammed on the other hand, had defeated , the duo Mathew Abamu and Emmanuel Micheal in the semi-finals with 7-5,2-6,10-5.
They qualified for the quarter-final by beating Gbolahon Olawale and Imole Adisa , 6-2,6-1.
In the round of 16, they defeated Terry Akuchu and Charles Uwandu 6-1,6-1.
Speaking after the final game, Adeleye from Ekiti state said that he was glad for this achievements in the tournaments.
”I congratulate myself and partner for putting up such a strong performance and thanks to my supporters and fans.
“ Our permutations was a good calculation today and lifting the trophy is a great achievement.
”I did not train when I came here because I was sick but right now I will be working on my practice for my single final on Saturday,I hope to lift the trophy,” he said.
In the singles women’s category, Khadijat Mohammed has been one of the standout players in the women’s category. She saw off Mary Udofa 6-0,6-3 in the semi finals to reach finals.
Later won against Success Ogunjobi 6-4, 6-3 in the quarterfinals, after earlier wins over Jesutoyosi Adeusi (6-2, 6-3) and Loveth Ogah (6-2, 6-2)
Mohammed has shown grit and determination, setting up a clash with Etoro Bassey on Saturday in what promises to be a closely contested match.
In the Men’s Singles, Daniel Adeleye beat Canice Abua 2-6,7-5,6-1.
Adeleye, equally dominant, eased past Mubarak Ganiyu 6-2, 6-1 in the quarterfinals. He earlier defeated Basit Ajao 6-1, 6-4 and Joseph Jimoh 6-3, 6-3 in the earlier rounds.
Abua continued his impressive form with a hard-fought 6-0, 3-6, 6-3 win over Yahaya Sani-Inabo in the quarterfinals.
His journey began with a 6-2, 6-4 win over Abubakar Yusuf, followed by a 6-1, 6-3 victory over Michael Chima in the round of 16.
While Lucky Danjuma beat Uche Oparaji 7-6(5),6-2 to reach finals.
Danjuma advanced to the semifinals after beating his opponent, Mevi Irimiya, 6-2,2-1(RTd)
His campaign began with a 6-3, 6-4 win over Oche Adehi and a dramatic 3-6, 7-5, 6-3 comeback against Paul Egena in the round of 16.
Oparaji has been in fine form as well, cruising past Ezekiel Azi 6-2, 6-0 and overcoming Michael Emmanuel 6-3, 6-2 to earn his semifinal spot.
The VEMP National Open Tennis Championship, is organised by the NTF and sponsored by the President of NTF, Ifedayo Akindoju.
The tournament, which commenced on July 4, will conclude on July 12, featuring men’s singles, men’s doubles, women’s singles, women’s doubles.
With 192 players participating, the competition is fierce, and the stakes are high.