Standard Tennis Development Club of Owerri (STDC) has won the ENIC Tennis League a record seven times in the last 25 years, Silvernews.com.ng reports.
The president of the club Chief Churchill Iheabunike said this after Standard yesterday defeated Onitsha Country Club to lift the 25th edition of the oldest regional Tennis Championship in the country.
In what promised to be a day of apprehension, the Onitsha players came out smoking in the games at the early stages but it did not take too long before the resistance from the Onitsha Country Club who were playing at this finals stage for the first in more than 5 years, were subdued.
After the first singles, the undefeated pair of Okey and Atepa took their first doubles by dispatching their opponents in 2 straight games. The experienced campaigner in the competition Perez Ateh, who till the early morning of that day was not sure of playing on heath grounds, kept the spectators on their toes, enjoying their game while it lasted.
When Perez’s winning became clear, it was deemed that the tournament had been won by STDC, and lost by the Country Club who were the spectators’ favourites for the trophy. Sibigam and Richard took the second doubles while the legend of the competition Charles Duruaku and Umuokoro Samuel Forder brought an entertaining end to the games with the veterans match, to mark the end of the 2023/24 Enic Tennis year.
The three days championship had medical care jubilee lecture and dinner while the various contributors to the development of the game in the last 25 years were honoured. The distinguished list which included the founding father’s of the league Mr Austin Babatunde Agbaje, Mr Chukwuemeka Azie, Dr Gilbert Agulu Uzodike, also had the man behind idea of the super four extravaganza, Dr Kachi Nwoga, as well as Cultix Plc and Tetralog Nigeria Limited. Others were the president of the Nnewi Sports Club Dr. Ugo Uzodike along with the conferment of patrons to Dr Lawrence Azike of Enugu sports club, and Mr Isinwa Bright all members of the ENIC family.
Speaking with the media at the final, the CEO of Cultix Plc, Mrs Ijeoma Oduonye said the company is excited with the progress made by the league in the last 25 years as it has been able to narrow the gap between the South-East and South-South part of the country ..
The extravaganza had demonstration sports like Draught Games with 12 participants from various clubs, who played at the preliminary stage.
Three players distinguished themselves and got everyone beaten. They stood out in skills and understanding of the game in the best of three games. To get the best, they were allowed to play each other.
Christopher Nwabueze Okeke Alias Eze All Stuff of Nnewi Country Club took the first position while Barr. NBE Nwigwe of STDC Owerri came second and the captain of Recreation Club Orlu, Mr. Don Lewis Captain came third.
According to the Cordinator and Captain of Owerri Sports Club, Mr Ben Goodman other games that took place includes; table tennis, scrabble and badminton.
The event came to an end with a grand reception by the LOC and Cultix Plc.
