Emmanuel Jebutu has emerged back-to-back Champion of the International Tennis Academy, ITA, Cadet Circuit after defeating Matthew Abamu to win the NNPC SNEPCO Junior championships in Lagos.
It was a revenge opportunity for Matthew Abamu, who had lost to Emmanuel Jebutu in the final of the first International Tennis Academy, ITA, Cadet Circuit, the CBN Junior championship two weeks ago.
But it was not to be despite his best efforts.
Jebutu and Abamu began the tough match in a back and forth contest, leveling the game and moving ahead alternatingly until it became 7-7.
From here it took on a different dimension with some exciting rallying shots and unrelenting contest for the two Under-16 players.
But Abamu caved in, allowing Jebutu to take the lead 8-7.
As the final game wore on Abamu needed medical attention and after, it seemed he had little to give back as Jebutu took the match 9-7.
Twice defeated by the same opponent he will take consolation it was a good contest for him ahead of the African Junior Championship, AJC, in South Africa later this month.
Coaches, organisers and the Sports Ministry see the tournament as a good preparation for the AJC.
In the other age categories, after eliminating number one seed, Marylove Edward, toyin Asogba was no match for Angel Mcleod. Asogba lost 8-2 to Mcleod.
There were also wins for Serena Teluwo and Precious Ikeobu in the girls and boys Under-10.
Mary Udofa and Daniel Adeleye took the Under-12 titles, while Timipre Maxwell and Suleiman Ibrahim won the under-14 trophies just as Michael Osewa defeated Stephen Augustine in the Under-18 final.
Nigerians can hope that the four weeks of tennis action in the ITA Circuit would help an impressive performance by the countries representatives in South Africa later this month.
