Marylove, Nwadike crown J5 ITF tour champions

By Sunny Canto

Glitz and glamor was the order of the day as Nigerians felt excited about tennis prodigies that make history at the just concluded J5 International Tennis Federation (2nd leg) championship.

Topmost seed players in the junior category, has written their name in gold as renown Edwards Marylove and Chitanna Nwadike finished best position in the mouthwatering event held at MKO Abiola Stadium, Abuja.

Despite currently seeded (384 in ITF list), and number One in Nigeria, ever ready Marylove Edwards outplayed Egypt's number eight and (ITF 994) seeded Joody Elkady in a 6-1, 6-4 to emerge Girl's singles champion.

While her Nigeria counterpart: Chitanna Nwadike (ITF 1716) seeded, beat Great Britain Murktar Audu now (seeded 1955 on ITF list) 6-3, 6-3 to claim the Boy's singles title.

Earlier, Marylove won the (first leg) Girl's category, while Emmanuel Michael snatched the Boy's trophy. 

In the Boy's double's event, the pair of Ekpenyong David and Chitanna Nwadike thrashed Gradin Harrison and Jimoh Ibrahim in a 6-4, 6-1 victory.

Interestingly, the Girls double's finals went in favor of Rotimi Cohen and Marylove Edwards that combine force to defeat Josephine Yakubu and Joody Elkady in yesterdays finals.

In summary, if Tennis has to grow in Nigeria and Africa, more financial, moral, psychological, medical and publicity support must be given to foster young talented players so as to achieve their dreams; but kudos to NTF board with the busy Calender!

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#CatchingThemYoung
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