Ofoegbu Wins Ladder Tourney's Singles, Doubles Trophies

The final of the 2010 Ladder Tournament at the FHA Tennis Club, FESTAC, Lagos was a day of glory for Edu Ofoegbu, who won the two trophies at stake.

With a superb performance that thrilled members and guests, Ofoegbu dethroned the defending champion and  club’s number one, Lucky Edovie, in straight sets of 7-6, 6-4 to lift the Men’s Singles trophy, while he paired with Didimakon Charles to beat the duo of Edovie and Okey Ugboaja 6-7, 6-1, 6-1 to win the doubles’ trophy of the Ladder Championship sponsored by Rockview Hotels.

Ofoegbu told Tennis Special at the end of the pulsating encounter that beating Edovie in the 2010 edition of Ladder Tournament was a sweet revenge for him. “I beat Edovie in the final of the 2006 edition and he defeated me to lift the trophy in 2007. I’m happy that I proved bookmakers wrong this year.

“Edovie was a tough and experienced player. I was able to dethrone him because I capitalized on his weaker points in the course of the game and I thank my coach, Emeka, for this,” he said.

Ofoegbu further stated that the standard of the competition was very high compared to  previous editions, adding that playing from the first round to the final was not an easy task. He advised other members of the club to take their tennis seriously.

“Since 10 years ago when I have been playing tennis, I never felt sick because it has been keeping me fit,” he said.

The runner up, Edovie, who also received a trophy, said Ofoegbu deserved the victory. “I must confess that I played badly in the final and I paid dearly for it. I’m happy that a winner finally emerged,” he said.

He also noted that the standard of the competition was high. “I think we, the two finalists deserved our places in the hall of fame in this year’s tournament. We fought our way from the first round and got to a point where our efforts were rewarded,” said Edovie, who said that he would go back to the drawing board to prepare for the next edition.

Hon. Czar Ozubo beat Hon. Lucky Okoro to win the Veteran’s event. Dignitaries that witnessed the final ceremony included AIG Zone 2, Azubiko Udah, who represented the Inspector General of Police, Ogbonnaya Onovo and the Grand Patron of the club, Chief Vincent Obianodo (Ezeani Ozuligbo) MON, who is the Chairman of the sponsoring company, Rockview Hotels.