Players Ready For CBN Tennis Open

Some Lagos-based players have stated their preparedness to excel at the 34th Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) senior open tennis tournament.

The tournament is scheduled to hold between yesterday and May 12 at the Tennis Court of the National Stadium, Lagos.

The players told newsmen in Lagos that the tournament will afford them the opportunity to showcase their potential after training hard.

A former champion, Fatima Abinu, who was the second runner-up at the 2011 edition, said that she was determined to regain the title she lost in 2010.

“I am ready for the competition as I have been training hard. I have learnt from my mistakes in the last edition and I am working on it.

“I am ready for the title as I am fit and strong for the competition and by God’s grace I hope to win,’’ Abinu said.

Another player, Collins Abamu, said that he had intensified training and would use the championships to test his new technique.

“I didn’t perform well in the last edition but I have improved on my game and I am sure that I’ll go a long way,’’ Abamu said.

Similarly, his younger brother George Abamu, said that this year’s tournament will provide him an opportunity to establish himself in the game.

“I was eliminated in the first round last year and I was not happy. I really hope that my presence will be felt in this year’s edition as I intend to prove my worth,’’ he said.

Jinadu Owolabi, who was defeated by the defending champion, Onyeka Mbanu at the quarter final stage of the tournament last year, said he was ready and hoped to return the favour.

“I lost the game to a younger and more determined player last year but I am now fit and ready this year.

“I hope to return the favour to the current champion if we meet in the early stage of the tournament,’’ Owolabi said.