The inaugural edition of the Southeast Open Table Tennis Championship served off today at the indoor sports hall of the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium today as participants has begun to show their tennis skills, and the Enugu Table Tennis Club (ETTC) is thrilled about the level of the competition, highlighting on the growth and development of the game in the region.
Sports correspondent, Ugo Okeiyi who witnessed the opening ceremony noted that the 3-day event which is hosted by the tennis club in collaboration with the Enugu State Table Tennis Association (ETTA), Enugu State Ministry of Youth and Sports had states like Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu Imo and some tennis clubs within the region in attendance and also competing for the grand prize in the veteran, single and cadet categories.
In his welcome address, Chairman of the Enugu Table Tennis Club, Builder Dr. Orji Solomon Emeka stated that it is a dream come true for him and that the competition has really expanded beyond his imaginations, expressing gratitude to their several partners for their immense support and backings.
Reflecting on the maiden edition of the competition in the zone, representative of the Nigeria Table Table Federation (NTTF), Coach Niyi Olatilo hinted that despite the hitches and delays during the screening exercise, he is optimistic that the championship will improve in subsequent editions, while also applauding the Local Organising Committe (LOC) for throwing their weight behind the event.
However at the end of today’s proceeding in the men’s single results Obinna Henry (anambra) defeated Muobulus 3-0 sets, Obyesa Onyinye (enugu tennis club) came from a set down to defeat Chinonso Ndubisi (Imo) by 3-1, Ekwe Jude (entc) emerged victorious against Emma Uzor in fiercely contested game that lasted for 45 mins.
it was an easy traffic for Samson duru (abia) as he breezed pass uzo onuwara (ouit tc) to get to the next round, ejike kelvin (abia) established his dominance from the beginning to the end as he recorded victory over ugwuoke okeke (entc) in 3-1 sets, while blessing agu (abia), ibeh clement and okezie okafor (enugu) are on a bye.
Meanwhile, tomorrow’s event will definitely live up to its expectations as the cadets and junior categories take center stage from the 9a.m.
