Opotu Akabike over the weekend emerged winner in the men’s single final at the inaugural edition of the Southeast Open Table Tennis Championship tagged “the eastern challenge” by defeating Kosisochukwu Michael (Imo) in four straight sets inside the indoor sports hall of the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium.
Enroute to the final, the experience Opotu representing onitsha recreation club defeated Chinedu Adiele (ebonyi), Obyesa O. (enugu table teninis club), and Blessing Agu (abia) respectively to cart home the star prize of a whooping sum of #150,000, a giant trophy, medal and certificate.
Speaking to Sports Correspondent, Ugo Okeiyi after the tension soaked encounter, an excited Opotu expresses joy over his performance, adding that it was not an easy competition because of the calibre of players that participated.
On his assessment of how the championship fared in its maiden edition, secretary Nigeria Table Tennis Coaches Association (NTTCA) and a lecturer at the National Institute for Sports (NIS), Niyi Oladipupo was indeed impressed with the equipments, facility and the participation, commending the organisers for a job well-done.
Also speaking, Anambra State Table Tennis Coach, Boniface Akunna hinted that during his active days he won several tournaments both individual and at statel level, adding that the region can produce national team players and champions from such events.
Meanwhile, winner of the female category, Anuo Nmesoma (claik table tennis club, enugu) and an SS2 student smiled home with a cash prize of #50,000, medal and certificate stated that her victory was due to hard work, commitment and dedication, assuring that she would be partaken in subsequent games so as to upgrade herself.
Similarly, the ravel of the moment and the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the competition, 13-year old James Godwin (claik table tennis club, enugu) who defeated Eberechukwu Desbordes (ngwo park, enugu) also got #50,000, medal and certificate noted that despite his victory, he struggled to understand his opponent’s style of play.
However, recipients of the different awards iincludes, chinenye okafor (most emotional player, abia), ezeofor munachi (youngest player, enugu table tennis club), blessing agu (most valuable para player, abia).
Others are Nwankwo Christian (veteran winner, Imo), Boniface Akunna (super veteran, anambra) and certificate for participation were also issued to the various participating states and table tennis clubs.
