ITF Scouts In Lagos For Governor's Cup

To further show the recognition of Governor's Cup Lagos Tennis Championship as one of the important pro circuits in its calendar, International Tennis Federation, ITF, has approved the presence of Scouts to monitor matches in the 12th edition of the championship from Monday, 22 October.

 The second leg of FCMB and Etisalat Nigeria sponsored competition, which Main Draws serve off Monday at the Lagos Lawn Tennis Club, Onikan, will end on Saturday, 27 October

ITF, through its Administrator, Professional Tournaments, Alistair Williams, wrote to the Nigeria Tennis Federation, NTF and the Tournament Director of the Governor's Cup, Prince Wale Oladunjoye, to inform them of the approval given to the scouts who are called Sportradar (SR) – also known as Sportsdata, to be physically present at the venue of the tournament with their gadgets to monitor and record matches.

"I write to inform you that Sportradar (“SR”) – also known as Sportsdata – has been given permission by the ITF and the relevant National Associations to have data collection personnel (also known as “scouts”) attend and work on-site at specific ITF Pro Circuit tournaments," the ITF letter reads.

According to the ITF, "a SR scout will perform the following tasks when they are at work: Sit with a good view of the court and near the chair umpire. Record all match events, e.g. point win, by typing on a mobile phone handset and wear an earpiece/headset, which is used to confirm correct submission of a match event."

Commenting on the new development, Prince Oladunjoye said that the Local Organising Committee, LOC welcome the decision of the ITF to deploy the scouts to the Governor's Cup, adding that it shows the recognition and popularity of the championship in the world of tennis.

"We appreciate what the ITF was doing. This is a further development for our tennis and ITF's more recognition of the Governor's Cup Lagos Tennis," said Prince Oladunjoye, who is also the Senior Special Assistant on Grassroots Sports Development to Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola.