Nigerians Shine At 14th Governor's Cup Lagos Tennis.

Two Nigerian players were cynosure of all eyes during the final ceremony of the 14th Governor's Cup Lagos Tennis Championship as they were celebrated during prize presentations.

Moses Michael of Nigeria became a hero of the Governor's Cup sponsored by Etisalat Nigeria and a host of other companies when he defeated Duncan Mugabe of Uganda in a gruelling Men's Singles final that ended 4-6, 6-1,6-2 at Lagos Lawn Tennis Club, Onikan.

Michael's exemplary performance in the final match was applauded by dignitaries who included Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola of Lagos State, Director, PMO & Operational Strategy, Etisalat Nigeria, Ms. Ndidi Okpaluba, Vice President, Nigeria Tennis Federation, NTF, Mr. Yemi Owoseni, Chairman of the Main Organising Committee, MOC, Chief Pius Akinyelure, Asoju Oba of Lagos, Chief Molade Okoya-Thomas and others.

The Women's Singles match was won by Madagascar's Zarah Razafinmahatratra, who beat Nigerian lady, Sarah Adegoke in straight set of 6-0,6-1. Though Sarah lost the match, she was still celebrated by dignitaries and fans for being the only female players who could fight her ways to the final of the keenly contested tournament, which has Nigerians and some African top stars in attendance this year.


Michael described his victory at the Governor's Cup final as one of the moments of his tennis career, adding that he was glad with the support of Governor Fashola and other fans. He dedicated the victory to his coach, who he simply called Abbey, for his motivation and encouragement given to him before and during the tournament.

On her own part, the women champion, Razafinmahatratra, 20, said she was marvelled by the support she received since the tournament started, adding that it has always be her wish to win the Governor's Cup, a dream which comes true this year. The 620 ranked player in the world said she would like to come for the 15th edition of the championship next year.

In his closing remarks, Governor Fashola, who was awarded by the Local Organising Committee, LOC, of the tourney, said he was happy that the Governor's Cup, the last during his administration, was won by a Nigerian, adding that Michael did show the spirit of determination of real Nigerian champion in him in the course of the final match.

He commended the organisers, the referees, officials and all personnels involved in the organisation of the competition for putting up a good show in a short notice. He promised that even when he would no longer be Governor of Lagos State from next edition, he would always love to be supporting the Governor's Cup.