ABUJA – Moses Michael, on Saturday in Abuja, defeated Thomas Otu in the final of the AVM Saliu Atawodi Invitational Championship to win the cup title.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the championship, which is in its first edition, was sponsored by Air Vice Marshal Salihu Atawodi.
The final match, played at the IBB Golf and Country Club, Abuja, saw Michael making tremendous effort to come from a set down to beat Otu 2-1 at the end of a pulsating encounter.
It will be recalled that Michael had, on Friday, defeated John Otu in two straight sets, while his younger brother, Thomas Otu edged out number one seed, Henry Atseye 2-1 in the semi-finals.
Otu was in total control of the first game as he dominated and outplayed Michael, beating him 6-2 to set the target early.
However, Michael made a comeback to take the second set 6-4.
The third set was a ding-dong affair as both players tried to out-do the other, but it was Michael who, against all odds, sustained the momentum to win the decisive set 6-4.
Michael told newsmen after the match that he was happy to emerge champion of the tourney, adding that it was not an easy feat.
“I want to thank God for making it possible for me to win this trophy.
“It was indeed a tight game but I was determined to win this, so, I had to go the extra mile to ensure my victory.
“This victory means a lot to me because victory over any of these guys is like beating one of the best male tennis players on the continent,’’ he said.
Akani Agabi, the Vice Captain of the IBB Tennis Club, told NAN after the tournament that the championship aims to provide regular competition for tennis players in the country.
He said “this tournament is to encourage the game of tennis and basically to bring the best players in the country to the IBB Golf and Country Club.
“Also, it is one way of providing regular competition for tennis players in the country.’’
NAN reports that the winner took home the championship cup, as well as N1million prize money.
The five-day tournament, which featured the top 16 tennis professionals in the country, served off on Nov. 4 and came to an end on Saturday. (NAN)