Jamiu Azeez and Bose Odusanya on Friday emerged winners of the men’s and women’s singles events of the 49th Asoju Oba Table Tennis Championships in Lagos.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Azeez defeated David Fayemi with ease in four straight sets of 11-4, 11-6, 11-9, 11-8.
Also, Odusanya overwhelmed Alimot Ayinla in four straight sets of 11-6, 11-8, 13-10, 11-9 to lift the women’s singles trophy for the third time in a row.
NAN reports that Odusanya had won the title in 2015 and 2016 respectively.
Azeez, while speaking with NAN after his victory, said it was a well-deserved victory for him, owing to his preparation before the championships.
“I am happy I won this title. My opponent tried his best, but it was not enough and eventually I emerged winner.
“I want to thank the family of the late Molade Okoya-Thomas for ensuring the continuation of the championships after the demise of their father,” he said.
Also, Odusanya said retaining the title for the third consecutive time was a great joy to her, adding that her goal was to set a record in the championships.
“It’s a great victory for me. Winning this competition back to back gives me joy and my desire is to set a record in the women’s singles category of this championships,” she said.
NAN reports that Dele Olasumbo, a former Head Coach of the Lagos State Table Tennis Association, is the only individual who won the competition six times.
Meanwhile, Adejuwon Ogunsakin, a six-year-old player who dazzled fans during the championships, was recognised for his courageous display in the event.
The winners of the men’s and women’s singles event were presented with a motorcycle and a refrigerator respectively by the organisers.
Winners in the other categories of competition at the championships were given cash and gift items.
NAN reports that the championships was initiated by late Okoya-Thomas who sponsored the championships uninterrupted for 46 years before his death in 2015.
His family has however since then continued with the sponsorship of the championships.(NAN)
