20th April, 2015
Damilare Okunola
P.M.NEWS Tennis Special can reliably inform that no fewer than three top tennis players in Nigeria have confirmed their participation in the maiden edition of the Tombim Abuja Open.
The tournament, billed to hold from Monday, 27 April- 10 May, 2015 at the ‘Package B’ of the National Stadium, Abuja, has also drawn top stars from around the world.
The $15, 000 (with hospitality) event which will hold over two legs had been hailed by the players when it was disclosed that it was going to kick off this year and they have now confirmed their participation in the event.
Top ranked player, Clifford Enosoregbe, in a chat with our correspondent stated in clear terms that the tournament will present him with an opportunity of playing to garner ATP points against the Governor’s Cup Tennis Championship which holds towards the end of the year.
Enosoregbe, who ended last year as Nigeria’s number one male tennis player for the second consecutive year, noted that, “I am prepared for the tournament and I will give it my best shot.
“I hope to get ATP points from the event so that I can get top ratings ahead of other Futures events.”
US-based youngster, Sylvester Emmanuel, also confirmed his participation, explaining to P.M.NEWS Tennis Special from his base that, “I shall be in the country any moment from now to consolidate on my training which has been in top gearsince I left for the States.”
In the same vein, Moses Michael, winner of last year’s Abridged Governor’s Cup, said that his participation is non-negotiable, especially with the event holding in his Abuja base.
Michael, who recently returned to the country from a two-month tour of Egypt, said: “since I came back from Egypt, I have been training ahead of the competition. I believe that the wealth of experienced that I have garnered while playing in Egypt will help me perform well.”