Onitsha Country Club Makes History, Wins Maiden Anambra Governor’s Cup Lawn Tennis Tournament

By Mokwugwo Solomon

Onitsha Country Club has emerged champion of the maiden Governor’s Cup Lawn Tennis Tournament in Anambra State, defeating Anambra Sports Club, Awka, in a thrilling final to claim the prestigious trophy.

Represented by Emeka Emewulu, Onitsha Country Club defeated its Awka-based opponent, represented by Rev. Fr. Peter Ibeazor, in straight sets, winning 6-1, 6-3 in the final played at the Anambra Country Club lawn tennis court, Awka, on Saturday, October 31.

The victory capped an impressive and dominant campaign by the Onitsha team, which maintained an unbeaten run throughout the competition.

On its way to the final, Onitsha Country Club defeated Anambra Country Club 6-0, 6-2, in the opening leg. It subsequently overwhelmed Rojenny Sports Club, Oba, 6-1, 6-0, in the quarter-finals before dispatching Elite Club 6-0, 6-2, in the semi-finals.

Anambra Sports Club, Awka, also recorded an impressive run to the final. The club defeated Nnewi Sports Club 6-3, 6-2, in the opening leg, overcame People’s Club 6-2, 6-2, in the quarter-finals and secured a 6-2, 6-2 victory over Awka City Club in the semi-finals.

Following their triumph, Onitsha Country Club received a cash prize of ₦1 million from the tournament sponsor, Audi Company Ltd, alongside an additional ₦2 million support from Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo.

The first runners-up, Anambra Sports Club, Awka, received ₦500,000 from Audi Company Ltd and an additional ₦1.5 million from Governor Soludo.

The other 14 participating clubs were also rewarded with consolation prizes of ₦100,000 each from the sponsor, in addition to ₦400,000 each provided by the Anambra State Government.

Speaking at the trophy presentation ceremony, Governor Soludo commended the management of Anambra Country Club, Awka, led by its President, Ozo Ejiamatu Damian Enekwechi, for successfully hosting the maiden tournament.

He also praised Audi Company Ltd for supporting the competition, while appreciating all participating clubs for demonstrating discipline, commitment and sportsmanship throughout the tournament.

The governor further emphasised the importance of regular physical exercise and sporting activities in promoting healthy living, fitness and community engagement.

In his remarks, President of Anambra Country Club, Awka, Ozo Ejiamatu Damian Enekwechi, expressed appreciation to Governor Soludo for developing the club’s facilities to an appreciable standard, noting that the improved infrastructure made it possible for the club to successfully host the tournament.

Enekwechi assured that the club would continue to host sporting competitions and other recreational activities, stressing that its facilities were equipped to accommodate various sporting events, including swimming, lawn tennis and table tennis.

The maiden Governor’s Cup Lawn Tennis Tournament is expected to further encourage sporting excellence, strengthen relationships among private clubs and promote tennis development across Anambra State.
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