Wednesday, December 26, 2018
Fulham vs Wolves 1:30pm
Liverpool vs Newcastle 4:00pm
Leicester vs Man City 4:00pm
Burnley vs Everton 4:00pm
Man United vs Huddersfield 4:00pm
Tottenham vs Bournemouth 4:00pm
C/Palace vs Cardiff City 4:00pm
Brighton vs Arsenal 6:15pm
Watford vs Chelsea 8:30pm
THURSDAY:
Southampton vs West Ham 8:45pm
Monday, 24 December 2018
Thursday, 6 December 2018
Referee Reiss defends Wilder/Fury knockdown drama
Referee Jack Reiss has lifted the lid on the stunning few moments after Tyson Fury was savagely knocked down in the early hours of Sunday, December 2 by Deontay Wilder - and explained why he allowed the Gypsy King to continue.
Fury and Wilder battled to a controversial draw in Los Angeles on Saturday night, with the challenger twice climbing off the canvas to hear the final bell.
Wilder looked set to continue his impressive knockout record when he floored Fury in the final round, leaving the heavyweight flat on his back and seemingly out for the count.
But Fury somehow rose to his feet and survived the rest of the fight. Reiss has been lauded for his decision not to wave the fight off and now the referee has explained the thinking behind his decision.
KNOCKDOWN RULES:
A knockout occurs when an boxer is floored by his opponent or otherwise is down and the referee reaches the count of 10 before the boxer is back on his/her feet.
Even if a fighter rises to his/her feet, referees will check they are fit to continue before the waving the fight on.
Fighters are often made to walk towards the referee to check they're on steady legs. On Saturday, Reiss asked Fury to walk towards the corner of the ring and asked him if he could carry on.
"I was evaluating these guys throughout the whole fight (and) in the 12th round, they'd boxed their hearts out, threw a lot of punches but there wasn't a lot of heavy damage taken by either guy," he told SiriusXM Boxing.
"They both moved into the 12th round tired but not extremely hurt. When (Fury) got hit and he went down hard, that was an unbelievable knockdown.
"Two things went through my mind - No 1 always count a champion out and No 2
give this guy the benefit of the doubt and let's see how he still is.
"So when I went down to count... not only did I get down, I scooted in so he could see my hand and hear my voice."
Fury was floored by a huge right hand-left hook combination that snapped his head back and sent him crashing into the canvas.
Though he lay motionless on his back for several seconds, Reiss always knew he was not knocked out.
"I said three, four... he was grimacing, his eyes and his cheeks, he was grimacing so I knew he was awake and then when I said five his eyes popped open like I startled him," the official added.
"He rolled over and got up and said "I'm OK! Jack I'm OK" or whatever he said.'
"I said, "Do you want to continue?", he said "Yes" and put his arms on my
shoulders. I pushed his arms off and said walk over there, come back to me and show me you're OK. He did and we let it go."
Reiss has come under fire from some observers, who claim he gave the Gypsy King more than his allocated time to recover.
But the referee hit back at his critics, insisting: 'The 10 count doesn't mean 10 seconds.
"It is the referee's opportunity to make sure the fighter who is hurt can intelligently defend himself because you're about let a guy come hurtling across the ring and finish this guy.
"People started making them walk in a straight line, any drunk can walk in straight line. Doctors taught us it is hard to hide things are off when they have to change direction. That's what I was doing."
........................
Caption Photo 1:
Referee Jack (right) attending to embattled Fury after beating the mandatory count following a knockdown he received at the hands of Wilder.
Photo 2: Fury (down) receiving the mandatory count from referee Jack.
Fury and Wilder battled to a controversial draw in Los Angeles on Saturday night, with the challenger twice climbing off the canvas to hear the final bell.
Wilder looked set to continue his impressive knockout record when he floored Fury in the final round, leaving the heavyweight flat on his back and seemingly out for the count.
But Fury somehow rose to his feet and survived the rest of the fight. Reiss has been lauded for his decision not to wave the fight off and now the referee has explained the thinking behind his decision.
KNOCKDOWN RULES:
A knockout occurs when an boxer is floored by his opponent or otherwise is down and the referee reaches the count of 10 before the boxer is back on his/her feet.
Even if a fighter rises to his/her feet, referees will check they are fit to continue before the waving the fight on.
Fighters are often made to walk towards the referee to check they're on steady legs. On Saturday, Reiss asked Fury to walk towards the corner of the ring and asked him if he could carry on.
"I was evaluating these guys throughout the whole fight (and) in the 12th round, they'd boxed their hearts out, threw a lot of punches but there wasn't a lot of heavy damage taken by either guy," he told SiriusXM Boxing.
"They both moved into the 12th round tired but not extremely hurt. When (Fury) got hit and he went down hard, that was an unbelievable knockdown.
"Two things went through my mind - No 1 always count a champion out and No 2
"So when I went down to count... not only did I get down, I scooted in so he could see my hand and hear my voice."
Fury was floored by a huge right hand-left hook combination that snapped his head back and sent him crashing into the canvas.
Though he lay motionless on his back for several seconds, Reiss always knew he was not knocked out.
"I said three, four... he was grimacing, his eyes and his cheeks, he was grimacing so I knew he was awake and then when I said five his eyes popped open like I startled him," the official added.
"He rolled over and got up and said "I'm OK! Jack I'm OK" or whatever he said.'
"I said, "Do you want to continue?", he said "Yes" and put his arms on my
shoulders. I pushed his arms off and said walk over there, come back to me and show me you're OK. He did and we let it go."
Reiss has come under fire from some observers, who claim he gave the Gypsy King more than his allocated time to recover.
But the referee hit back at his critics, insisting: 'The 10 count doesn't mean 10 seconds.
"It is the referee's opportunity to make sure the fighter who is hurt can intelligently defend himself because you're about let a guy come hurtling across the ring and finish this guy.
"People started making them walk in a straight line, any drunk can walk in straight line. Doctors taught us it is hard to hide things are off when they have to change direction. That's what I was doing."
........................
Caption Photo 1:
Referee Jack (right) attending to embattled Fury after beating the mandatory count following a knockdown he received at the hands of Wilder.
Photo 2: Fury (down) receiving the mandatory count from referee Jack.
Tuesday, 4 December 2018
Anthony Joshua is a 'chicken'--Tyson Fury
Fury was knocked down twice by Wilder but boxed brilliantly in an enthralling 12-round encounter in Los Angeles and can count himself desperately unlucky not to be returning to England with the American’s WBC belt.
The 30-year-old accepted the verdict of the judges – with Wilder given the nod 115-111 on one card, Fury 114-110 on another and the third scoring the fight 113-113 – and paid tribute to his opponent.
But he was scathing about Joshua, the WBA, IBF and WBO heavyweight champion, when he gave his post-fight interview in the ring.
Fury said: “There is another certain heavyweight out there… chicken, chicken! Where are you AJ? Where are you?”
Fury and Wilder both said they are keen on a rematch, and their draw is set to scupper Joshua’s plans for 2019.
Joshua has Wembley booked for April 13 and been hoping to face Wilder in a unification showdown.
But that now looks highly unlikely with Fury and Wilder’s thrilling clash likely to result in a rematch.
Fury said: “We’ll do the rematch but we’re going to go away, recalculate, see what’s going to happen. We are two great champions. Never mind anybody else, me and this man here are the two greatest heavyweights on the planet.”
Wilder insisted he should have got the decision, having twice knocked down Fury, but was also keen to pay his respect to his opponent.
He added: “When you’re at each other and you have a great fight, we give each other all we’ve got. At the end of the fight that’s what it’s all about.
“He was just telling me what a great fight, he loves me, and thank you for the opportunity. We’re the best in the world. The respect was mutual.
“I was rushing my punches. That’s something I usually don’t do. I couldn’t let it go tonight.
“I was forcing my punches too much instead of sitting back being patient and waiting it.
“I really wanted to get him out of there give the fans what they want to see.
“I didn’t feel no pressure at all. When I rush my punches like that I’m never accurate. The rematch I guarantee I’m going to get him.
“I would love for it to be my next fight (on the rematch). Why not? Let’s give the fans what they want to see. It was a great fight and let’s do it again. It doesn’t matter to me where we do it.
“We’re the two best in the world and we proved it tonight. When you get two warriors you get a great fight. That’s what we proved tonight and I’m ready to do it again.”
...................
Caption:
Fury (right) during his bout with Wilder in Los Angeles, USA, in the early hours of Sunday.
Tuesday, 27 November 2018
AWCON 2018: Falcons in last hurdle to 2019 World Cup
The game is scheduled to kick off at 4:30 pm Nigeria time at the Accra Sports Stadium and a win by either side also guarantees a ticket to the 2019 World Cup in France.
Nigeria boast a near a 95 per cent dominance over Cameroon in women's football but this will be put aside today in Ghana, when both sides clash again more importantly to secure the World Cup slot for next year.
The defending champions, Nigeria started their campaign with a loss to the Banyana Banyana of South Africa, and this has remained a warning signal to the Thomas Dennerby-side, who are going for the ninth African title.
Nigeria striker Desire Oparanozie describes today's match as a final of sorts.
“It will be the final before the final. We beat them in the final both in 2014 and also in 2016, they want their revenge. So, we know what to expect and we are ready,” France-based Oparanozie said.
Reigning women's African Footballer of the Year, Asisat Oshoala, who won the Woman Of The Match (WOTM) award after scoring a hat-trick against Equatorial Guinea last weekend is wary of the threat that the Lionesses could pose today.
''We all know Cameroon is going to be a very difficult game obviously, they are a very good side, difficult side to play,'' Oshoala said.
''We've met Cameroon three times, we've beaten them in the semi-final and finals, so it is going to be a difficult game for us on Tuesday, we all know about that.
''We want to thank the Federation, the President of Nigeria, we want to thank Nigerians and everyone who has been making sure the camp has been in order so far in terms of players' bonuses and everything.
''Everything is in order in the camp so I think come Tuesday everyone is ready to give 100 per cent.''
Meanwhile, South Africa face Mali also today at 7:30pm in the other semi-final pairing.
Caption: Nigeria's Asisat Oshoala ready for a showdown with Cameroon.
Tuesday, 13 November 2018
ATP Finals: Djokovic hammers Isner in group opener
World number one Novak Djokovic underlined why he is favourite to win the ATP Finals with a commanding win over John Isner in their group opener, reports www.bbc.com/sport/tennis.
The Serb, 31, was in devastating form as he easily dealt with the big serves of American Isner in a 6-4, 6-3 victory.
World number 10 Isner, making his debut at the season-ending tournament, was broken in the fifth game of the first set and seventh of the second.
Djokovic then sealed the win on Isner's serve with a cross-court backhand.
Earlier in the day, Alexander Zverev beat Marin Cilic in straight sets in the other match in the Gustavo Kuerten group.
With world number three Roger Federer having slumped to a surprise defeat by Kei Nishikori in his opening group match on Sunday, the path for Djokovic to a sixth title at the tournament seems ever clearer.
He was already helped by the withdrawal through injury of world numbers two and four Rafael Nadal and Juan Martin del Potro and after this performance he is an even hotter favourite.
An encounter between the leading server on the Tour in Isner and the best returner was an intriguing prospect, but it was soon clear who would have the upper hand.
Isner is a player synonymous with tie-breaks - so impenetrable is his serve - but Djokovic already had him under pressure in the opening game with a break point.
Although he netted his shot to squander the chance, and then missed another in the third, he made no mistake in the fifth game when he broke with a beautiful baseline return from yet another thundering first serve from the American.
Djokovic's own serving was impeccable, winning six of his service games to love, to give Isner no chance of a breakthrough.
He sealed his first break in the second set when Isner netted a forehand in the seventh game and then set up three match points on Isner's next service game - eventually wrapping up victory on the third one with a fantastic backhand crosscourt winner after one hour 13 minutes.
"I had three breaks of serve of John which is sometimes 'mission impossible' but I managed to be at right place at the right time," said Djokovic.
"I held serve well, I backed it up from the baseline, I played very solid and didn't give him many opportunities."
Isner, who at 33 is the oldest debutant at the season-ending finals since Andres Gimeno in 1972, had qualified for the tournament as a result of Nadal and Del Potro's withdrawals.
He has enjoyed his most successful year - reaching his maiden Grand Slam semi-final at Wimbledon, winning his first Masters 1000 title at Miami and finishing the season ranked inside the world's top 10 for the first time.
And he was not overawed by his first appearance on this stage - still managing to deliver 13 aces and serves of more than 140mph, including some second serves reaching more than 125mph.
But the most telling number was the 66 per cent of first-serve points won by a player whose average for the season is a huge 81 per cent.
That is testament to the returning of Djokovic, who kept reading the serves and getting his racquet to whatever was thrown at him time and again.
And the Serb's own percentage of first-serve points won was 86 per cent, which is more the kind of figure Isner is used to posting.
.........................
ECSTASY: Djokovic in joyous mood after his victory over Isner.
.....................
The Serb, 31, was in devastating form as he easily dealt with the big serves of American Isner in a 6-4, 6-3 victory.
World number 10 Isner, making his debut at the season-ending tournament, was broken in the fifth game of the first set and seventh of the second.
Djokovic then sealed the win on Isner's serve with a cross-court backhand.
Earlier in the day, Alexander Zverev beat Marin Cilic in straight sets in the other match in the Gustavo Kuerten group.
With world number three Roger Federer having slumped to a surprise defeat by Kei Nishikori in his opening group match on Sunday, the path for Djokovic to a sixth title at the tournament seems ever clearer.
He was already helped by the withdrawal through injury of world numbers two and four Rafael Nadal and Juan Martin del Potro and after this performance he is an even hotter favourite.
An encounter between the leading server on the Tour in Isner and the best returner was an intriguing prospect, but it was soon clear who would have the upper hand.
Isner is a player synonymous with tie-breaks - so impenetrable is his serve - but Djokovic already had him under pressure in the opening game with a break point.
Although he netted his shot to squander the chance, and then missed another in the third, he made no mistake in the fifth game when he broke with a beautiful baseline return from yet another thundering first serve from the American.
Djokovic's own serving was impeccable, winning six of his service games to love, to give Isner no chance of a breakthrough.
He sealed his first break in the second set when Isner netted a forehand in the seventh game and then set up three match points on Isner's next service game - eventually wrapping up victory on the third one with a fantastic backhand crosscourt winner after one hour 13 minutes.
"I had three breaks of serve of John which is sometimes 'mission impossible' but I managed to be at right place at the right time," said Djokovic.
"I held serve well, I backed it up from the baseline, I played very solid and didn't give him many opportunities."
Isner, who at 33 is the oldest debutant at the season-ending finals since Andres Gimeno in 1972, had qualified for the tournament as a result of Nadal and Del Potro's withdrawals.
He has enjoyed his most successful year - reaching his maiden Grand Slam semi-final at Wimbledon, winning his first Masters 1000 title at Miami and finishing the season ranked inside the world's top 10 for the first time.
And he was not overawed by his first appearance on this stage - still managing to deliver 13 aces and serves of more than 140mph, including some second serves reaching more than 125mph.
But the most telling number was the 66 per cent of first-serve points won by a player whose average for the season is a huge 81 per cent.
That is testament to the returning of Djokovic, who kept reading the serves and getting his racquet to whatever was thrown at him time and again.
And the Serb's own percentage of first-serve points won was 86 per cent, which is more the kind of figure Isner is used to posting.
.........................
ECSTASY: Djokovic in joyous mood after his victory over Isner.
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Tuesday, 6 November 2018
Anthony Joshua is a coward----Wilder
Deontay Wilder has warned Tyson Fury he is a ‘killer’ and ready to put his life on the line when they finally meet in the ring as he described WBA, WBO and IBF world champion,
Anthony Joshua as a coward, reports talksport.com.
Wilder, will put his WBC heavyweight championship belt on the line against the undefeated Fury in Las Vegas on December 1.
The American refused to talk about the man he feels robbed him of a lucrative unification fight.
“I don’t have a message for Anthony Joshua,” the 33-year-old added. “It’s all about Tyson Fury.
“I don’t want anyone to ask me about Anthony Joshua. He was a coward and that’s that.”
Like his English counterpart, Wilder is undefeated from all his previous fights and is widely regarded as one of the best heavyweights in the world right now.
However, not since Joshua’s victory over Wladimir Klitschko in 2017 has there been such hype around a heavyweight title fight.
With many fans and pundits believing the hard-hitting American will be too strong for the 29-year-old after just two comeback fights, the champion himself has dome strong words for his challenger.
“I’m feeling wonderful. My mindset has changed, my body has changed, I feel like a killer. I’m transformed into a killer,” Wilder told reporters on Monday.
“When it’s time for fighting and I’m risking my life, I turn into the Bronze Bomber.
“When I’m in the ring it’s a different thing than when I’m just Deontay Wilder.”
A proposed undisputed world heavyweight title fight between Wilder and Joshua was proposed for September, but the Englishman was instead forced to face mandatory WBA challenger Alexander Povetkin at Wembley.
After securing a seventh-round stoppage, Joshua has talked up again the possibility of a fight with the Bronze Bomber, but also welcomed the possibility of fighting the winner of the Dillian Whyte v Dereck Chisora rematch.
Caption: Wilder.
Wilder, will put his WBC heavyweight championship belt on the line against the undefeated Fury in Las Vegas on December 1.
The American refused to talk about the man he feels robbed him of a lucrative unification fight.
“I don’t have a message for Anthony Joshua,” the 33-year-old added. “It’s all about Tyson Fury.
“I don’t want anyone to ask me about Anthony Joshua. He was a coward and that’s that.”
Like his English counterpart, Wilder is undefeated from all his previous fights and is widely regarded as one of the best heavyweights in the world right now.
However, not since Joshua’s victory over Wladimir Klitschko in 2017 has there been such hype around a heavyweight title fight.
With many fans and pundits believing the hard-hitting American will be too strong for the 29-year-old after just two comeback fights, the champion himself has dome strong words for his challenger.
“I’m feeling wonderful. My mindset has changed, my body has changed, I feel like a killer. I’m transformed into a killer,” Wilder told reporters on Monday.
“When it’s time for fighting and I’m risking my life, I turn into the Bronze Bomber.
“When I’m in the ring it’s a different thing than when I’m just Deontay Wilder.”
A proposed undisputed world heavyweight title fight between Wilder and Joshua was proposed for September, but the Englishman was instead forced to face mandatory WBA challenger Alexander Povetkin at Wembley.
After securing a seventh-round stoppage, Joshua has talked up again the possibility of a fight with the Bronze Bomber, but also welcomed the possibility of fighting the winner of the Dillian Whyte v Dereck Chisora rematch.
Caption: Wilder.
Nadal to undergo surgery on ankle injury, out of ATP Finals
Rafael Nadal will miss November's season-ending ATP Finals in London and have surgery on an ankle injury.
Nadal withdrew from last month's Paris Masters with an abdominal muscle injury, meaning Novak Djokovic replaced him as world number one.
The Spaniard, 32, said that since he was still suffering with that injury, he would "take advantage of the moment" and have an operation on his ankle.
American John Isner takes Nadal's place at the eight-player event in London.
In a post on social media, 17-time Grand Slam champion Nadal wrote: "It has been a complicated year, very good at the tennis level when I was able to play, and at the same time very bad as far as injuries are concerned.
"Unfortunately, I had the abdominal problem in Paris last week and, in addition, I have a free body in the ankle joint that has to be removed in the operating room today.
"It is true that we had detected it for a long time and from time to time it bothered me. However, since the problem in the abdominal muscle also prevents me from playing in London, we take advantage of the moment to remove the free body and avoid future problems.
"This way I hope to be in full condition for the next season."
Nadal has retired from two of the three hard-court events he has competed at this season - the Australian Open and the US Open - but won the other, the Rogers Cup.
The Spaniard's absence from London means 14-time Grand Slam champion Djokovic will end the year as the world number one for the fifth time in his career: level with Roger Federer and Jimmy Connors, and one behind Pete Sampras.
Caption: Nadal during this year's French Open.
Nadal withdrew from last month's Paris Masters with an abdominal muscle injury, meaning Novak Djokovic replaced him as world number one.
The Spaniard, 32, said that since he was still suffering with that injury, he would "take advantage of the moment" and have an operation on his ankle.
American John Isner takes Nadal's place at the eight-player event in London.
In a post on social media, 17-time Grand Slam champion Nadal wrote: "It has been a complicated year, very good at the tennis level when I was able to play, and at the same time very bad as far as injuries are concerned.
"Unfortunately, I had the abdominal problem in Paris last week and, in addition, I have a free body in the ankle joint that has to be removed in the operating room today.
"It is true that we had detected it for a long time and from time to time it bothered me. However, since the problem in the abdominal muscle also prevents me from playing in London, we take advantage of the moment to remove the free body and avoid future problems.
"This way I hope to be in full condition for the next season."
Nadal has retired from two of the three hard-court events he has competed at this season - the Australian Open and the US Open - but won the other, the Rogers Cup.
The Spaniard's absence from London means 14-time Grand Slam champion Djokovic will end the year as the world number one for the fifth time in his career: level with Roger Federer and Jimmy Connors, and one behind Pete Sampras.
Caption: Nadal during this year's French Open.
Kickboxing: Mayweather to make $88m from Nasukawa bout
Floyd Mayweather is expected to bring home around $88million for his fight with Tenshin Nasukawa on December 31, according to reports from Japan.
The American announced the shock bout on Monday at a Tokyo press conference after signing a contract with local promotional outfit RIZIN.
Japanese media outlet Tokyo-Sports claim that RIZIN will pay an estimated ¥7billion ($62million) to Mayweather for the bout and he anticipates earning the rest from various broadcast deals/pay-per-view sales.
While a total of $88million may seem like fairly good going for most, it is in fact significantly less than what the 50-0 former pound-for-pound king has become accustomed to making for his recent bouts.
Floyd Mayweather is now used to picking up $100million guarantees – after doing so against Manny Pacquiao and Conor McGregor – before going on to double or treble the figure due to US PPV revenue.
The fighters have declared that the rules and weight class for the contest have not yet been finalised, although it is being reported to be an exhibition boxing match.
In a surprise move, it is claimed that the fight could even end up being as short as three rounds, making it effectively a showcase for the American legend on Japanese soil.
It will undoubtedly draw a sell-out crowd at the 37,000 seat arena and has already made headlines across the globe.
Caption: Mayweather (left), during his last bout against McGregor.
...................
The American announced the shock bout on Monday at a Tokyo press conference after signing a contract with local promotional outfit RIZIN.
Japanese media outlet Tokyo-Sports claim that RIZIN will pay an estimated ¥7billion ($62million) to Mayweather for the bout and he anticipates earning the rest from various broadcast deals/pay-per-view sales.
While a total of $88million may seem like fairly good going for most, it is in fact significantly less than what the 50-0 former pound-for-pound king has become accustomed to making for his recent bouts.
Floyd Mayweather is now used to picking up $100million guarantees – after doing so against Manny Pacquiao and Conor McGregor – before going on to double or treble the figure due to US PPV revenue.
The fighters have declared that the rules and weight class for the contest have not yet been finalised, although it is being reported to be an exhibition boxing match.
In a surprise move, it is claimed that the fight could even end up being as short as three rounds, making it effectively a showcase for the American legend on Japanese soil.
It will undoubtedly draw a sell-out crowd at the 37,000 seat arena and has already made headlines across the globe.
Caption: Mayweather (left), during his last bout against McGregor.
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Friday, 2 November 2018
Vomoz Mobile to splash cash, awards on Gold Cup MVP, top scorer
Vomoz Mobile,
one of the largest Telecommunication retailing Service company in
America has joined other brands to partner with Gold Cup Pre-season tourney to support the organisers with cash and awards for outstanding
players.
The telecoms firm will take full responsibility for the Man of the
Match, Most Valuable Player and Highest Goal Scorer Awards with cash
incentives. This is a pipeline of investment that would redefine local
football development, fans' participation and sponsorship across the
country and African continent.
Olatoye Olawale, Vomoz Mobile representative said in an
interview after the partnership agreement in Lagos on Thursday; "We
thought it a way of giving back as one thing that unites Africa is sport
with the major one being football.
"So Vomoz Mobile
as an indigenous American company has found out that it can facilitate
bringing in foreign investment to sponsor football in Nigeria and Africa
at large," Olatoye said.
He added, "Also,
we want to invest in African sports because, 95% of our customers in
America are Africans and they're using our services.
"People don't
know they can actually sponsor event back home and they're not going to
do it until they see a formidable company like Vomoz Mobile do stuffs in
Nigeria, then they will become interested."
Generelal
Coordinator of the tourney, Tunde Shamsudeen, said; "This gesture from
Vomoz Mobile is commendable, it shows that Nigerians in the diaspora
still follow our domestic league.
"I hope to see more of their participation in subsequent editions."
Ekiti State will host this year's edition from Thursday November 15 through Saturday November 24, 2018.
Wednesday, 26 September 2018
First time I cried after winning------Federer
Roger Federer often gets emotional when he wins big titles. At both 2017 and 2018 Australian Open the Swiss legend cried after conquering the title, as well as at 2017 Wimbledon, just to make some recent examples, reports www.tennisworldusa.org.
Does Federer get surprised in seeing himself getting emotional? 'I am not surprised, because I've always been an emotional tennis player', the 37-year-old said. 'I used to be so emotional when I used to lose.
"Then eventually, I think it was the first time in Davis Cup against the Americans after winning singles, doubles, singles, I was so exhausted, the pressure left me, I think I had tears in my eyes after winning. It was the first time I had winning tears.
"Ever since, I've had many of them. I've been an emotional player when it was all said and done really. But I try to keep my emotions in check while the tournament is going on because I feel like I need to save it in case there is something more.
"Can't be an emotional rollercoaster throughout the whole career, season, or match. So I'm more surprised in all the things I have achieved. I'm shocked every time that I've reached so many finals or won against so many players or whatever record it is.
"It strikes me and makes me obviously very happy and very proud that I've been able to do it for so many years at the highest of levels."
Does Federer get surprised in seeing himself getting emotional? 'I am not surprised, because I've always been an emotional tennis player', the 37-year-old said. 'I used to be so emotional when I used to lose.
"Then eventually, I think it was the first time in Davis Cup against the Americans after winning singles, doubles, singles, I was so exhausted, the pressure left me, I think I had tears in my eyes after winning. It was the first time I had winning tears.
"Ever since, I've had many of them. I've been an emotional player when it was all said and done really. But I try to keep my emotions in check while the tournament is going on because I feel like I need to save it in case there is something more.
"Can't be an emotional rollercoaster throughout the whole career, season, or match. So I'm more surprised in all the things I have achieved. I'm shocked every time that I've reached so many finals or won against so many players or whatever record it is.
"It strikes me and makes me obviously very happy and very proud that I've been able to do it for so many years at the highest of levels."
Tuesday, 4 September 2018
US Open: Federer is my hero, says World's No 55, Millman, after upset victory
Australian John Millman has described Roger Federer as his "hero" despite his hard-fought victory over the latter in the ongoing US Open.
The world number 55, Millman, created a stunning upset at the Flushing Meadows, when he sent the 37-year-old Swiss - a five-time US Open champion packing at 3-6, 7-5, 7-6 (9-7) 7-6, (7-3).
Millman - the only unseeded player left in the last eight of the men's draw - will play two-time champion Novak Djokovic in his first Grand Slam quarter-final on Wednesday, September 5.
Brisbane-born admitted to feeling "a bit guilty" after beating Federer, who he described as his "hero".
"I always was of the opinion that I was in the fourth round for a reason. I've never played anyone's reputation," said Millman.
"I felt a little bit guilty today because he didn't have his best day, and that's for sure.
"I have so much respect for him, what he's done for the game."
Millman lost in straight sets to Djokovic at Queen's in June, but said he has "the belief" he can defeat the Serb in New York on Wednesday, September 5
.
"I'll have to improve a lot on the last time I played him. He's an incredible player. I think he's in some really good form right now, too," he said.
"But why not? I think it's a disservice to who I am if I go out there and don't have that belief."
.............................
Caption: Millman savours a point during the epic clash with Federer at Flushing Meadow.
The world number 55, Millman, created a stunning upset at the Flushing Meadows, when he sent the 37-year-old Swiss - a five-time US Open champion packing at 3-6, 7-5, 7-6 (9-7) 7-6, (7-3).
Millman - the only unseeded player left in the last eight of the men's draw - will play two-time champion Novak Djokovic in his first Grand Slam quarter-final on Wednesday, September 5.
Brisbane-born admitted to feeling "a bit guilty" after beating Federer, who he described as his "hero".
"I always was of the opinion that I was in the fourth round for a reason. I've never played anyone's reputation," said Millman.
"I felt a little bit guilty today because he didn't have his best day, and that's for sure.
"I have so much respect for him, what he's done for the game."
Millman lost in straight sets to Djokovic at Queen's in June, but said he has "the belief" he can defeat the Serb in New York on Wednesday, September 5
"I'll have to improve a lot on the last time I played him. He's an incredible player. I think he's in some really good form right now, too," he said.
"But why not? I think it's a disservice to who I am if I go out there and don't have that belief."
.............................
Caption: Millman savours a point during the epic clash with Federer at Flushing Meadow.
2018 Aiteo Cup preliminary round matches
Wednesday, September 5, 2018
DMD FC (Borno) vs Potiskum FC (Yobe) – Yola
Madagali FC (Adamawa) vs Ashana FC (Taraba) – Gombe
Bityong Cornerstone (Kaduna) vs Sokoto United (Sokoto) – Katsina
Dan Masara FC (Kebbi) vs IMG FC (Zamfara) – Sokoto
Kogi United Feeders (Kogi) vs Tornadoes Feeders (Niger) – Abuja
Akure City FC (Ondo) vs Wasiu Alabelewe (Osun) – Sagamu
Rickymarts Academy (Cross River) vs Confine FC (Akwa Ibom) – Yenagoa
Altar Knight (Ebonyi) vs IfeanyiUbah Feeders (Anambra) – Enugu
Topworld FC (Ekiti) vs All-Stars of MKO Stadium (Ogun) – Osogbo
Akajiobi FC (Imo) vs Crime Busters FC (Enugu) – Umuahia
Round of 64 – Sunday, 9th September
Round of 32 – Sunday, 16th September
Group Stage (16 qualified teams to play in 4 centres) 24th – 28th September
Quarter Finals – Wednesday, 3rd October
Semi Finals – Sunday, 7th October
Grand Finale – Sunday, 14th October
DMD FC (Borno) vs Potiskum FC (Yobe) – Yola
Madagali FC (Adamawa) vs Ashana FC (Taraba) – Gombe
Bityong Cornerstone (Kaduna) vs Sokoto United (Sokoto) – Katsina
Dan Masara FC (Kebbi) vs IMG FC (Zamfara) – Sokoto
Kogi United Feeders (Kogi) vs Tornadoes Feeders (Niger) – Abuja
Akure City FC (Ondo) vs Wasiu Alabelewe (Osun) – Sagamu
Rickymarts Academy (Cross River) vs Confine FC (Akwa Ibom) – Yenagoa
Altar Knight (Ebonyi) vs IfeanyiUbah Feeders (Anambra) – Enugu
Topworld FC (Ekiti) vs All-Stars of MKO Stadium (Ogun) – Osogbo
Akajiobi FC (Imo) vs Crime Busters FC (Enugu) – Umuahia
Round of 64 – Sunday, 9th September
Round of 32 – Sunday, 16th September
Group Stage (16 qualified teams to play in 4 centres) 24th – 28th September
Quarter Finals – Wednesday, 3rd October
Semi Finals – Sunday, 7th October
Grand Finale – Sunday, 14th October
Friday, 31 August 2018
Williams sisters' past career meetings : Serena leading Venus 17-12
The world is indeed set to witness the 30th edition of Venus Williams versus Serena Williams any moment from now.
Interestingly, it will be the sixth time the Williams sisters will face each other at Flushing Meadows, USOpen.org looks back on a rivalry like no other.
Here is the recap of the previous meetings between the two sisters with Serena leading her elder sister, Venus 17-12.
*Australian Open 1998 Rd of 64: Venus wins 7-6, 6-1.
A singular sibling rivalry is born in Melbourne, with a 17-year-old Venus claiming the somewhat awkward first-time all-in-the-family matchup between loving sisters. “If I had to lose in the second round, no better than to Venus,” says Serena, who was 16 at the time.
“I tried to keep thinking of her as someone else, but I guess Venus has a little more
experience than me.”
*Rome 1998 quarterfinals: Venus wins 6-4, 6-2.
Playing the very first clay-court tournament of her career, Serena struggles to find her footing in a straight-sets loss to Venus.
*Miami 1999 final: Venus wins 6-1, 4-6, 6-4.
Venus remains undefeated in her head-to-heads against little sis, claiming their first-ever meeting in a final in three hard-fought sets. “Serena wanted to win this title. She always wants to win,” said Venus. “That's her personality.”
*Grand Slam Cup 1999 final: Serena wins 6-1, 3-6, 6-3.
On the heels of becoming the first Williams to claim a Grand Slam trophy (1999 US Open),
Serena gets her first win over Venus, the event’s defending champion. “I've never actually beat Venus,” says a surprised Serena. “I didn't know how it feels. It's actually kind of tough to take this win. I actually have had a win over everyone in the Top 10. I never had a win over Venus.”
*Wimbledon 2000 semifinals: Venus wins 6-2, 7-6.
Venus upsets her favored sister en route to her first Grand Slam title. They would later team up for the doubles title and, later that summer, Olympic gold. “I know Serena lost,” Venus tells reporters. “She's a real competitor, probably even more than what I am as far as when it comes to losing. She hates to lose. That really hurts her deep.”
*US Open 2001 final: Venus wins 6-2, 6-4.
The highly-anticipated US Open final — the first major final contested between sisters in the Open Era and the first prime-time women’s final — is a somewhat anticlimactic one, as Venus cruises to an easy win. “This is our first Grand Slam final together, and really that's the way we'd like it to be,” said Venus. “Then both of us win in a way. I just hate to see Serena lose — even against me. I think that's the harder part. If anything, it would be easier for her to beat me. Then I'd maybe be happier.”
*Miami 2002 semifinals: Serena wins 6-2, 6-2.
Venus came into the semis riding a 22-match win streak, but it was Serena who would walk off with the trophy, her first win over the elder Williams since 1999. “This definitely is a very big milestone for me and all the younger sisters and brothers out there,” quips Serena. “This is just one of many. This just sets us as a great rivalry, for sure.”
*French Open 2002 final: Serena wins 7-5, 6-3.
Venus and Serena, clinching the Nos. 1-2 spots in the rankings, respectively, just as their father had predicted, face off in the Roland Garros final, with Serena claiming her first Slam crown in three years.
*Wimbledon 2002 final: Serena wins 7-6, 6-3.
In the second of three major finals contested between the Williamses in ’02, Serena raises her first ironically-titled Venus Rosewater Dish and leapfrogs her sore-shouldered sister to claim the world No. 1. “My dad always said that one day we'd be playing in the finals of Wimbledon, in the finals of the US Open, just the big ones,” Serena reflected. “And here we were 10, 15 years later. It's really amazing if you think about it because my dad and my mum, it's hard to get one champion, but now he has two.”
*US Open 2002 final: Serena wins 6-4, 6-3.
If their first US Open final came off as somewhat of a dud, this one saw a dazzling display of tennis, the Puma catsuit-sporting Serena pulling even in the family head-to-head at 5-all.
“If anything, I prefer to play Venus because that means that we have reached our maximum potential and that we'll both go home winners,” says Serena. “I always want to ee Venus do well. I never want to see Venus lose. For me, I'm happy to play her in the final.”
*Australian Open 2003 final: Serena wins 7-6, 3-6, 6-4.
Lil' sis puts the finishing touches on the “Serena Slam,” becoming the first player since Steffi Graf in 1995 to hold all four major titles at the same time. “I wouldn't say I'm more mentally tough than Venus,” she says. “Most of my ideas and everything I actually get from her. Most of my fight and courage I've gotten from Venus.”
*Wimbledon 2003 final: Serena wins 4-6, 6-4, 6-2.
With her sister nursing an abdominal injury, Serena pulls it out in three in this rematch of
the ’02 SW19 final. On the awkwardness of facing her sister, Serena said, “I was just telling
myself, "This is Wimbledon. God knows if I would get this opportunity again.' I just kept
telling myself that. I think if anything, I fought harder.”
*Miami 2005 quarterfinals: Venus wins 6-1, 7-6.
In their first meeting outside of a final in three years, Venus gets back on the winning side.
“We’ve played some huge matches,” says Venus. “This one definitely is a highlight.” After
falling behind 5-0 in the opening set, Serena smashes her racquet. “Her racquet is actually
fragile,” adds Venus. “It's powerful but fragile. Mine is not fragile, so I can tap mine a bit
harder. But hers goes no matter what. She is definitely a little bit more fiery than I am. I
kind of keep an even keel. It's just the way I am.
*US Open 2005 Rd of 16: Venus wins 7-6, 6-2.
Their earliest encounter at a Grand Slam since ’98 sees Venus pull out a tight first-set
tiebreak, then cruise to victory. “Probably she just needs to be a little more consistent,”
explains Venus. “She has every shot. When she comes to the net, her volleys are quite
good. Even in practice, she gets so many volleys. It's pretty deceptive. Like her coverage at
the net, you think she's not going to get it, but she does. She definitely is on the verge of
more great things.”
*Bangalore 2008 semifinals: Serena wins 6-3, 3-6, 7-6.
Facing each other for the first time in nearly three years, Serena ekes out a third-set
tiebreak.
*Wimbledon 2008 final: Venus wins 7-5, 6-4.
Venus claims her fifth title on the grass courts of the All England Club. It remains her last
Grand Slam title. “Five titles! Just five titles! It's the first thing that popped into my head,”
said Venus. “[But] at no point am I ever able to forget that it's Serena, because I have the
ultimate respect for her game and I have a lot of respect for her serve. If I was playing
anyone else, I wouldn't have to face what I had to face today, so it's impossible to forget.”
*US Open 2008 quarterfinal: Serena wins 7-6, 7-6.
It will be remembered as the most competitive matchup between the sisters in Flushing
Meadows, one that sees Serena pull through in a pair of tight tiebreaks. “I think Venus has
gotten a lot better with fooling me. She has an incredible second serve that I wasn't
expecting at all. It was just really throwing me off, so it took me a while to get used to it,”
observes Serena.
*WTA Championships 2008 round-robin: Venus wins 5-7, 6-1, 6-0.
Venus caps her round-robin victory at the year-end championships with a bagel, the first
shutout set in their historic head-to-head series. “It wasn't the happiest match,” laments
Venus. “There's nothing I can do. I think she just has to go through it, and figure out in her
head what went wrong in the match. I think she'll just take some time and come out even
stronger.”
*Dubai 2009 semifinals: Venus wins 6-1, 2-6, 7-6.
Venus jumps into 2009 with a thrilling three-setter in Dubaithe second straight time
they’ve gone the distance. The quality of the sister-sister rivalry has perhaps never been
higher.
*Miami 2009 semifinals: Serena wins 6-4, 3-6, 6-3.
Advancing to her seventh Miami final, Serena takes yet another three-set matchup
between the Williams sisters, although ankle and quad injuries would cost her in a one-
sided final against Victoria Azarenka. “I'm excited because I was thinking that I would love
to remain No. 1, so I was really excited about that,” says Serena. “I think I was more
happy about that than winning the match.”
*Wimbledon 2009 final: Serena wins 7-6, 6-2.
“I didn't think about Venus at all today,” insists Serena. “I just saw her as an opponent.
After the first set, I looked on the side of the court at the stats, and it was, like, ‘Williams,
Williams.’ I couldn't figure out which was which.” Claiming her first Wimbledon title in six
years, Serena claims the all-American, all-Williams final on the Fourth of July, the 11th
Grand Slam title of her career.
*WTA Championships 2009 round-robin: Serena wins 5-7, 6-4, 7-6.
Serena saves a match point in the first of two meetings at the ’09 WTA year-ender. “I just
kept saying, ‘I want to end this year No. 1, so I better lift up the level of my game,’” she
says.
*WTA Championships 2009 final: Serena wins 6-2, 7-6.
Her fourth straight win over Venus gives Serena the 2009 Sony Ericsson Championships
title and secures the year-end No. 1 ranking. She now leads the career head-to-head, 13-
10. “Venus, she was getting every ball back. I was running down a lot of balls, too. We were
just doing the best that we could do. It was high-quality tennis.”
*Charleston 2013 semifinal: Serena wins 6-1, 6-2.
Despite coming out on the losing end of their first on-court encounter in four years, Venus
says of her sister, “It’s great to see her at Number One and just fulfilling every dream.”
*Canadian Masters 2014 semifinal: Venus wins .6-7, 6-2, 6-3
Venus, 34, scores her first win over her sister in more than five years, returning to the Top
20 after three seasons of injury and illness. “What's so unique about the situation is that
we're both very good players. Typically, you may have some siblings, one is quite good, one
is not as good, so you kind of know what the result is, or the one that's better knows they're going to win. We both know when we walk out there, it's not like you're guaranteed a win.”
*Wimbledon 2015 Rd of 16: Serena wins 6-4, 6-3.
Following a straight-sets decision over Venus, world No. 1 Serena asserts, “It’s never easy
to play someone you love and care about. You just play for the competition and enjoy the
moment.”
*US Open 2015 quarterfinals: Serena wins 6-2, 1-6, 6-3.
Streaking toward the calendar-year Grand Slam, Serena prevails in three sets, only to fall to unheralded and unseeded Italian Robert Vinci in the semis. “I will always be the older sister. That's never going to change,” says Venus. “We have always taken care of each other, but that also goes for the rest of my family and other sisters. We have always taken care of each other no matter what.”
*Australian Open 2017 final: Serena wins 6-4, 6-4.
Serena surpasses Steffi Graf as the Open Era’s all-time Slam queen, and now holds 23
major titles. “It's such a great feeling to have 23,” says Serena, who also secures the No. 1
ranking. “I've been chasing it for a really long time. When it got on my radar, I knew I had
an opportunity to get there, and I'm here. It's a great feeling. My first Grand Slam started
here, and getting to 23 here, playing Venus, it's stuff that legends are made of. I couldn't
have written a better story.”
*Indian Wells 2018 Rd of 32: Venus wins 6-3, 6-4.
Playing her first tournament since giving birth to Alexis Olympia Ohanian, Serena falls in straight sets. It’s their earliest confrontation since meeting in the second round of the 1998
Australian Open. “She's going to be speeding back to the seedings and to winning
tournaments sooner than later,” says Venus.
*2018 US Open third round: Who wins, Serena or Venus?
...................................
Caption: The Williams sisters, Serena (left),
Interestingly, it will be the sixth time the Williams sisters will face each other at Flushing Meadows, USOpen.org looks back on a rivalry like no other.
Here is the recap of the previous meetings between the two sisters with Serena leading her elder sister, Venus 17-12.
*Australian Open 1998 Rd of 64: Venus wins 7-6, 6-1.
A singular sibling rivalry is born in Melbourne, with a 17-year-old Venus claiming the somewhat awkward first-time all-in-the-family matchup between loving sisters. “If I had to lose in the second round, no better than to Venus,” says Serena, who was 16 at the time.
“I tried to keep thinking of her as someone else, but I guess Venus has a little more
experience than me.”
*Rome 1998 quarterfinals: Venus wins 6-4, 6-2.
Playing the very first clay-court tournament of her career, Serena struggles to find her footing in a straight-sets loss to Venus.
*Miami 1999 final: Venus wins 6-1, 4-6, 6-4.
Venus remains undefeated in her head-to-heads against little sis, claiming their first-ever meeting in a final in three hard-fought sets. “Serena wanted to win this title. She always wants to win,” said Venus. “That's her personality.”
*Grand Slam Cup 1999 final: Serena wins 6-1, 3-6, 6-3.
On the heels of becoming the first Williams to claim a Grand Slam trophy (1999 US Open),
Serena gets her first win over Venus, the event’s defending champion. “I've never actually beat Venus,” says a surprised Serena. “I didn't know how it feels. It's actually kind of tough to take this win. I actually have had a win over everyone in the Top 10. I never had a win over Venus.”
*Wimbledon 2000 semifinals: Venus wins 6-2, 7-6.
Venus upsets her favored sister en route to her first Grand Slam title. They would later team up for the doubles title and, later that summer, Olympic gold. “I know Serena lost,” Venus tells reporters. “She's a real competitor, probably even more than what I am as far as when it comes to losing. She hates to lose. That really hurts her deep.”
*US Open 2001 final: Venus wins 6-2, 6-4.
The highly-anticipated US Open final — the first major final contested between sisters in the Open Era and the first prime-time women’s final — is a somewhat anticlimactic one, as Venus cruises to an easy win. “This is our first Grand Slam final together, and really that's the way we'd like it to be,” said Venus. “Then both of us win in a way. I just hate to see Serena lose — even against me. I think that's the harder part. If anything, it would be easier for her to beat me. Then I'd maybe be happier.”
*Miami 2002 semifinals: Serena wins 6-2, 6-2.
Venus came into the semis riding a 22-match win streak, but it was Serena who would walk off with the trophy, her first win over the elder Williams since 1999. “This definitely is a very big milestone for me and all the younger sisters and brothers out there,” quips Serena. “This is just one of many. This just sets us as a great rivalry, for sure.”
*French Open 2002 final: Serena wins 7-5, 6-3.
Venus and Serena, clinching the Nos. 1-2 spots in the rankings, respectively, just as their father had predicted, face off in the Roland Garros final, with Serena claiming her first Slam crown in three years.
*Wimbledon 2002 final: Serena wins 7-6, 6-3.
In the second of three major finals contested between the Williamses in ’02, Serena raises her first ironically-titled Venus Rosewater Dish and leapfrogs her sore-shouldered sister to claim the world No. 1. “My dad always said that one day we'd be playing in the finals of Wimbledon, in the finals of the US Open, just the big ones,” Serena reflected. “And here we were 10, 15 years later. It's really amazing if you think about it because my dad and my mum, it's hard to get one champion, but now he has two.”
*US Open 2002 final: Serena wins 6-4, 6-3.
If their first US Open final came off as somewhat of a dud, this one saw a dazzling display of tennis, the Puma catsuit-sporting Serena pulling even in the family head-to-head at 5-all.
“If anything, I prefer to play Venus because that means that we have reached our maximum potential and that we'll both go home winners,” says Serena. “I always want to ee Venus do well. I never want to see Venus lose. For me, I'm happy to play her in the final.”
*Australian Open 2003 final: Serena wins 7-6, 3-6, 6-4.
Lil' sis puts the finishing touches on the “Serena Slam,” becoming the first player since Steffi Graf in 1995 to hold all four major titles at the same time. “I wouldn't say I'm more mentally tough than Venus,” she says. “Most of my ideas and everything I actually get from her. Most of my fight and courage I've gotten from Venus.”
*Wimbledon 2003 final: Serena wins 4-6, 6-4, 6-2.
With her sister nursing an abdominal injury, Serena pulls it out in three in this rematch of
the ’02 SW19 final. On the awkwardness of facing her sister, Serena said, “I was just telling
myself, "This is Wimbledon. God knows if I would get this opportunity again.' I just kept
telling myself that. I think if anything, I fought harder.”
*Miami 2005 quarterfinals: Venus wins 6-1, 7-6.
In their first meeting outside of a final in three years, Venus gets back on the winning side.
“We’ve played some huge matches,” says Venus. “This one definitely is a highlight.” After
falling behind 5-0 in the opening set, Serena smashes her racquet. “Her racquet is actually
fragile,” adds Venus. “It's powerful but fragile. Mine is not fragile, so I can tap mine a bit
harder. But hers goes no matter what. She is definitely a little bit more fiery than I am. I
kind of keep an even keel. It's just the way I am.
*US Open 2005 Rd of 16: Venus wins 7-6, 6-2.
Their earliest encounter at a Grand Slam since ’98 sees Venus pull out a tight first-set
tiebreak, then cruise to victory. “Probably she just needs to be a little more consistent,”
explains Venus. “She has every shot. When she comes to the net, her volleys are quite
good. Even in practice, she gets so many volleys. It's pretty deceptive. Like her coverage at
the net, you think she's not going to get it, but she does. She definitely is on the verge of
more great things.”
*Bangalore 2008 semifinals: Serena wins 6-3, 3-6, 7-6.
Facing each other for the first time in nearly three years, Serena ekes out a third-set
tiebreak.
*Wimbledon 2008 final: Venus wins 7-5, 6-4.
Venus claims her fifth title on the grass courts of the All England Club. It remains her last
Grand Slam title. “Five titles! Just five titles! It's the first thing that popped into my head,”
said Venus. “[But] at no point am I ever able to forget that it's Serena, because I have the
ultimate respect for her game and I have a lot of respect for her serve. If I was playing
anyone else, I wouldn't have to face what I had to face today, so it's impossible to forget.”
*US Open 2008 quarterfinal: Serena wins 7-6, 7-6.
It will be remembered as the most competitive matchup between the sisters in Flushing
Meadows, one that sees Serena pull through in a pair of tight tiebreaks. “I think Venus has
gotten a lot better with fooling me. She has an incredible second serve that I wasn't
expecting at all. It was just really throwing me off, so it took me a while to get used to it,”
observes Serena.
*WTA Championships 2008 round-robin: Venus wins 5-7, 6-1, 6-0.
Venus caps her round-robin victory at the year-end championships with a bagel, the first
shutout set in their historic head-to-head series. “It wasn't the happiest match,” laments
Venus. “There's nothing I can do. I think she just has to go through it, and figure out in her
head what went wrong in the match. I think she'll just take some time and come out even
stronger.”
*Dubai 2009 semifinals: Venus wins 6-1, 2-6, 7-6.
Venus jumps into 2009 with a thrilling three-setter in Dubaithe second straight time
they’ve gone the distance. The quality of the sister-sister rivalry has perhaps never been
higher.
*Miami 2009 semifinals: Serena wins 6-4, 3-6, 6-3.
Advancing to her seventh Miami final, Serena takes yet another three-set matchup
between the Williams sisters, although ankle and quad injuries would cost her in a one-
sided final against Victoria Azarenka. “I'm excited because I was thinking that I would love
to remain No. 1, so I was really excited about that,” says Serena. “I think I was more
happy about that than winning the match.”
*Wimbledon 2009 final: Serena wins 7-6, 6-2.
“I didn't think about Venus at all today,” insists Serena. “I just saw her as an opponent.
After the first set, I looked on the side of the court at the stats, and it was, like, ‘Williams,
Williams.’ I couldn't figure out which was which.” Claiming her first Wimbledon title in six
years, Serena claims the all-American, all-Williams final on the Fourth of July, the 11th
Grand Slam title of her career.
*WTA Championships 2009 round-robin: Serena wins 5-7, 6-4, 7-6.
Serena saves a match point in the first of two meetings at the ’09 WTA year-ender. “I just
kept saying, ‘I want to end this year No. 1, so I better lift up the level of my game,’” she
says.
*WTA Championships 2009 final: Serena wins 6-2, 7-6.
Her fourth straight win over Venus gives Serena the 2009 Sony Ericsson Championships
title and secures the year-end No. 1 ranking. She now leads the career head-to-head, 13-
10. “Venus, she was getting every ball back. I was running down a lot of balls, too. We were
just doing the best that we could do. It was high-quality tennis.”
*Charleston 2013 semifinal: Serena wins 6-1, 6-2.
Despite coming out on the losing end of their first on-court encounter in four years, Venus
says of her sister, “It’s great to see her at Number One and just fulfilling every dream.”
*Canadian Masters 2014 semifinal: Venus wins .6-7, 6-2, 6-3
Venus, 34, scores her first win over her sister in more than five years, returning to the Top
20 after three seasons of injury and illness. “What's so unique about the situation is that
we're both very good players. Typically, you may have some siblings, one is quite good, one
is not as good, so you kind of know what the result is, or the one that's better knows they're going to win. We both know when we walk out there, it's not like you're guaranteed a win.”
*Wimbledon 2015 Rd of 16: Serena wins 6-4, 6-3.
Following a straight-sets decision over Venus, world No. 1 Serena asserts, “It’s never easy
to play someone you love and care about. You just play for the competition and enjoy the
moment.”
*US Open 2015 quarterfinals: Serena wins 6-2, 1-6, 6-3.
Streaking toward the calendar-year Grand Slam, Serena prevails in three sets, only to fall to unheralded and unseeded Italian Robert Vinci in the semis. “I will always be the older sister. That's never going to change,” says Venus. “We have always taken care of each other, but that also goes for the rest of my family and other sisters. We have always taken care of each other no matter what.”
*Australian Open 2017 final: Serena wins 6-4, 6-4.
Serena surpasses Steffi Graf as the Open Era’s all-time Slam queen, and now holds 23
major titles. “It's such a great feeling to have 23,” says Serena, who also secures the No. 1
ranking. “I've been chasing it for a really long time. When it got on my radar, I knew I had
an opportunity to get there, and I'm here. It's a great feeling. My first Grand Slam started
here, and getting to 23 here, playing Venus, it's stuff that legends are made of. I couldn't
have written a better story.”
*Indian Wells 2018 Rd of 32: Venus wins 6-3, 6-4.
Playing her first tournament since giving birth to Alexis Olympia Ohanian, Serena falls in straight sets. It’s their earliest confrontation since meeting in the second round of the 1998
Australian Open. “She's going to be speeding back to the seedings and to winning
*2018 US Open third round: Who wins, Serena or Venus?
...................................
Caption: The Williams sisters, Serena (left),
Monday, 13 August 2018
Monday, 23 July 2018
Maiden Azimuth Shipping Lines tennis tournament ends in Lagos
Junior Tennis Championship in the U14 boys category.
The national junior player, Inyang on the day he clocked 13 defeated Qoyum Atanda from
Oyo State 6-2 in the final decided at VGC Club, Lekki, Lagos to claim the star prize.
Inyang who won back-to-back international tournaments in New York in 2016 and 2017 was at his best in the final against Atanda.
In the U14 girls category, Mary Udofia from Kogi State spanked her opponent Salamatu
Haruna from the FCT, Abuja 6-0 in a final which turned out to be a one-sided game.
Mohammed Idris of FCT Abuja triumphed over Seun Ogunsakin from Ekiti State 6-3 to clinch the boys U12 title, just as Esther Oni, reigning Snepco champion from Ekiti State conquered home girl, Nene Yakubu to claim the girls title.
In the boys U16 category, Sodiq Kushimo from Ogun State outplayed Daniel Joshua from Taraba State to win the star prize, while Esther Olamide from Ondo State ruled the girls category as she hammered home girl Serena Teluwo 6-2 in the final.
Meanwhile, finalists in all the categories were rewarded with trophies and prizes in addition to N20,000 and N40, 000 educational grants for runners up and winners respectively.
Also, all the players who made it to the quarter-finals were rewarded with prizes.
The semi-finalists from Team Oyo at the Azimuth tournament were reigning national CBN U12 boys champion, Mubarak Ganiyu who lost 6-4 to the eventual winner Mohammed Idris; Emeka Ogunjiefor (U14 boys) who lost 6-4 to Qoyum Atanda in an all-Oyo State affair, as Sikiru Atanda also in the U14 boys cadre lost to Gabriel Inyang, while Adekunle Abiodun also lost in the semi-final of the U16 boys category.
The quarter-finalists from Team Oyo were Fatimah Ganiyu (U16 girls) and Bamidele Awe (U14 girls).
Sponsor of the tournament, Captain Stephen Martins in his remarks expressed delight at the standard of play exhibited by all the participants, as he pledged a better tournament next year.
Stephen stressed the need for corporate bodies to complement government's effort and support tennis by way of sponsoring tournaments especially for junior players.
Caption: Winner of the U14 boys title, Gabriel Inyang.
Friday, 13 July 2018
Wimbledon 2018: Anderson for final, beats Isner in record 6 hrs, 35 mins
South African Kevin Anderson won the second-longest match in Wimbledon history by outlasting American John Isner to reach the men's final.
They slugged it out on Centre Court for six hours and 35 minutes before the eighth seed came through 7-6 (8-6) 6-7 (5-7) 6-7 (9-11) 6-4 26-24.
The final set alone lasted for two hours and 50 minutes.
Anderson, 32, will face either Rafael Nadal or Novak Djokovic in the final on Sunday, July 15.
The match duration beats the 2012 third-round epic at Wimbledon between Marin Cilic and Sam Querrey - which lasted five hours and 31 minutes - and also smashed the previous record for the longest semi-final at SW19, when Djokovic needed four hours and 44 minutes to beat Juan Martin del Potro in 2013.
It is the third-longest match in tennis history, falling short of the 11 hours and five minutes that it took for Isner to beat France's Nicolas Mahut 70-68 in the fifth set in their first-round match at Wimbledon in 2010.
The match was also just shorter than a Davis Cup first-round match between Argentina's Leonardo Mayer and Brazil's Joao Souza, which went on for six hours and 43 minutes in 2015.
Anderson, who was runner-up to Nadal in last year's US Open final, becomes the first South African man to reach the Wimbledon decider since Brian Norton in 1921.
He finally broke the 33-year-old American in the 49th game of the decider after coming close in a couple of earlier games and looked impassive as he held his nerve to secure victory.
Anderson and Isner are old friends and there was little celebration from the South African as he went over to the other side of the net to embrace his beaten rival.
He came into the match having beaten Roger Federer in four hours and 14 minutes on Wednesday - and had been on court for three hours and 29 minutes in his fourth-round win over France's Gael Monfils.
In contrast, Isner's longest match was three hours and 46 minutes against Belgium's Ruben Bemelmans in round two, where he had to save two match points.
"I don't know what to say right now. just playing like that in those conditions was tough on both of us," he told BBC Sport.
"You feel like it is a draw, but someone has to win. John is a great guy and I feel for him. If I was on the opposite side, I don't know how you take it - getting through something like that is quite different.
"I have known John for such a long time, he is a great guy. To be honest he has pushed me through my career and had a great one himself.
"I have pushed myself harder because of the success he has had. I have to say congratulations to John on a great tournament and hopefully he can come back stronger."
Is it fair on the players not to have a final set tie-break?
Three-time Wimbledon champion John McEnroe: "I hope this magnificent effort by these two experienced and very fit professionals allows the powers-that-be to make a change. For them and for those players coming up.
"I believe that strongly, for our sport to continue to have as many people as possible watching. You can't say playing a tie-break would not have been a magnificent end to this game. The fifth set doesn't have to end six-all, it could be 10-all.
"This will have an effect on Anderson's performance on Sunday. Rules should be made to benefit the players."
Former Wimbledon semi-finalist Tim Henman: "When we had the first Isner match, we didn't think we would see that again. But in the context of this game, it's going to be incredibly challenging for Kevin Anderson in the final and I think it will be on the agenda for Wimbledon to discuss after the Championships."
The pair came into the match with a total of 248 aces between them and it was no surprise that serving was to the fore once again.
With break-point chances few and far between, the opening two sets went to tie-breaks. Leading 4-3 in the third set, Anderson eventually broke to end Isner's run of 110 consecutive service holds.
It left him serving for the set - but he missed his chance and it went to another tie-break, which Isner won.
Anderson broke early in the fourth set for a 3-2 lead, only for Isner to break straight back.
The South African broke again to make it 5-4 - and this time he held serve to send the match to a decider.
As fatigue started to creep into both players' games, it took until the 15th game before Anderson earned the first break-point chance, which Isner saved with ace number 42.
Anderson had another chance in the 21st game - and again in game 34 - but the American held firm.
However, he started to look wearier on his serve and - eventually - Anderson seized his opportunity.
Caption:
Anderson (left), and Isner, in a show of sportsmanship after the epic semi-final clash at the Centre Court.
They slugged it out on Centre Court for six hours and 35 minutes before the eighth seed came through 7-6 (8-6) 6-7 (5-7) 6-7 (9-11) 6-4 26-24.
The final set alone lasted for two hours and 50 minutes.
Anderson, 32, will face either Rafael Nadal or Novak Djokovic in the final on Sunday, July 15.
The match duration beats the 2012 third-round epic at Wimbledon between Marin Cilic and Sam Querrey - which lasted five hours and 31 minutes - and also smashed the previous record for the longest semi-final at SW19, when Djokovic needed four hours and 44 minutes to beat Juan Martin del Potro in 2013.
It is the third-longest match in tennis history, falling short of the 11 hours and five minutes that it took for Isner to beat France's Nicolas Mahut 70-68 in the fifth set in their first-round match at Wimbledon in 2010.
The match was also just shorter than a Davis Cup first-round match between Argentina's Leonardo Mayer and Brazil's Joao Souza, which went on for six hours and 43 minutes in 2015.
Anderson, who was runner-up to Nadal in last year's US Open final, becomes the first South African man to reach the Wimbledon decider since Brian Norton in 1921.
He finally broke the 33-year-old American in the 49th game of the decider after coming close in a couple of earlier games and looked impassive as he held his nerve to secure victory.
Anderson and Isner are old friends and there was little celebration from the South African as he went over to the other side of the net to embrace his beaten rival.
He came into the match having beaten Roger Federer in four hours and 14 minutes on Wednesday - and had been on court for three hours and 29 minutes in his fourth-round win over France's Gael Monfils.
In contrast, Isner's longest match was three hours and 46 minutes against Belgium's Ruben Bemelmans in round two, where he had to save two match points.
"I don't know what to say right now. just playing like that in those conditions was tough on both of us," he told BBC Sport.
"You feel like it is a draw, but someone has to win. John is a great guy and I feel for him. If I was on the opposite side, I don't know how you take it - getting through something like that is quite different.
"I have known John for such a long time, he is a great guy. To be honest he has pushed me through my career and had a great one himself.
"I have pushed myself harder because of the success he has had. I have to say congratulations to John on a great tournament and hopefully he can come back stronger."
Is it fair on the players not to have a final set tie-break?
Three-time Wimbledon champion John McEnroe: "I hope this magnificent effort by these two experienced and very fit professionals allows the powers-that-be to make a change. For them and for those players coming up.
"I believe that strongly, for our sport to continue to have as many people as possible watching. You can't say playing a tie-break would not have been a magnificent end to this game. The fifth set doesn't have to end six-all, it could be 10-all.
"This will have an effect on Anderson's performance on Sunday. Rules should be made to benefit the players."
Former Wimbledon semi-finalist Tim Henman: "When we had the first Isner match, we didn't think we would see that again. But in the context of this game, it's going to be incredibly challenging for Kevin Anderson in the final and I think it will be on the agenda for Wimbledon to discuss after the Championships."
The pair came into the match with a total of 248 aces between them and it was no surprise that serving was to the fore once again.
With break-point chances few and far between, the opening two sets went to tie-breaks. Leading 4-3 in the third set, Anderson eventually broke to end Isner's run of 110 consecutive service holds.
It left him serving for the set - but he missed his chance and it went to another tie-break, which Isner won.
Anderson broke early in the fourth set for a 3-2 lead, only for Isner to break straight back.
The South African broke again to make it 5-4 - and this time he held serve to send the match to a decider.
As fatigue started to creep into both players' games, it took until the 15th game before Anderson earned the first break-point chance, which Isner saved with ace number 42.
Anderson had another chance in the 21st game - and again in game 34 - but the American held firm.
However, he started to look wearier on his serve and - eventually - Anderson seized his opportunity.
Caption:
Anderson (left), and Isner, in a show of sportsmanship after the epic semi-final clash at the Centre Court.
Thursday, 12 July 2018
Lennox Lewis-Klitschko WBC exhibition bout not certain--Lewis camp
The supposed "rematch" between Hall of Fame former heavyweight world champions Lennox Lewis and Vitali Klitschko is not set despite the announcement by the World Boxing Council (WBC) on Tuesday.
The sanctioning organisation said on Tuesday that Lewis and Klitschko, both former WBC champions, would meet in an exhibition match during the organisation's annual convention, which will take place September 30-October 5 in Kiev, Ukraine, where Klitschko -- who was instrumental
in bringing the convention to the city -- serves as mayor.
But on Wednesday, the WBC said that Lewis' team told the organisation it has not been contacted to arrange any exhibition. Recently, Klitschko, who turns 47 next week, said he wanted to face Lewis, 52, in an exhibition for charity, but it has not actually been arranged.
In an epic slugfest on June 21, 2003, at Staples Center in Los Angeles, Lewis, trailing 58-56 on all three scorecards, stopped Klitschko at the end of the sixth round when the referee waved off the fight in Klitschko's corner due to a horrific cut he suffered over his left eye that Lewis had opened with a punch.
Lewis (41-2-1, 32 KOs), of England, elected to retire rather than face Klitschko in a rematch. Two fights later, Klitschko returned to Staples Center and knocked out the late Corrie Sanders in the eighth round to win the WBC title Lewis vacated upon his retirement.
In 2012, Klitschko (45-2, 41 KOs), who was in his second WBC title reign, vacated the belt and retired to pursue a career in Ukraine politics.
Lewis and Klitschko were both elected to the International Boxing Hall of Fame in their first year of eligibility. Lewis was inducted into the Canastota, New York, shrine in 2009 and Klitschko joined him in June.
Caption:
Lennox Lewis (right) landing a blow on the jaw of Vitali Klitschko, during their last bout in Los Angeles in 2003. Lewis won by TKO in Round six.
The sanctioning organisation said on Tuesday that Lewis and Klitschko, both former WBC champions, would meet in an exhibition match during the organisation's annual convention, which will take place September 30-October 5 in Kiev, Ukraine, where Klitschko -- who was instrumental
in bringing the convention to the city -- serves as mayor.
But on Wednesday, the WBC said that Lewis' team told the organisation it has not been contacted to arrange any exhibition. Recently, Klitschko, who turns 47 next week, said he wanted to face Lewis, 52, in an exhibition for charity, but it has not actually been arranged.
In an epic slugfest on June 21, 2003, at Staples Center in Los Angeles, Lewis, trailing 58-56 on all three scorecards, stopped Klitschko at the end of the sixth round when the referee waved off the fight in Klitschko's corner due to a horrific cut he suffered over his left eye that Lewis had opened with a punch.
Lewis (41-2-1, 32 KOs), of England, elected to retire rather than face Klitschko in a rematch. Two fights later, Klitschko returned to Staples Center and knocked out the late Corrie Sanders in the eighth round to win the WBC title Lewis vacated upon his retirement.
In 2012, Klitschko (45-2, 41 KOs), who was in his second WBC title reign, vacated the belt and retired to pursue a career in Ukraine politics.
Lewis and Klitschko were both elected to the International Boxing Hall of Fame in their first year of eligibility. Lewis was inducted into the Canastota, New York, shrine in 2009 and Klitschko joined him in June.
Caption:
Lennox Lewis (right) landing a blow on the jaw of Vitali Klitschko, during their last bout in Los Angeles in 2003. Lewis won by TKO in Round six.
Thursday, 5 July 2018
Meet John Wright, who plays tennis at 93
Having travelled the world with the Merchant Navy from a young age, he didn't have the opportunity to take up the game until he was 49.
By then he found there was little encouragement or opportunities for "sub-standard" players like himself.
"Nobody wanted to see me, they used to hide when I came down to the club," he joked.
"I realised the situation is the same everywhere, it doesn't matter which club you go to.
"I thought these poor people, they come down to play tennis but nobody wants them because they don't play to their standard or give a good game."
In 1987 John decided to set up a Friday night group at Haverfordwest Tennis Club in Pembrokeshire, which welcomes players of all capabilities with open arms.
It has been going strong ever since and John has earned himself something of a legendary status in west Wales' tennis circles.
"If it wasn't for John I wouldn't be playing," said Liz Green, who has been in John's group for 26 years.
"When I came back after having my two children I lost my confidence and didn't feel good enough to play on club nights.
"Everybody here will have their own story, but they will all have come initially because they had lost their confidence or didn't feel good enough to play."
Other members described him as inspirational, kind and welcoming.
As well as increasing participation, when John was chairman at Llangollen Tennis Club in 1975 he oversaw a decision to scrap the "all white clothing rule" in a bid to make the sport more informal.
John leads and plays in two tennis groups in Haverfordwest on Mondays and Fridays.
He says he "knows the mechanics of the game" but is unable to demonstrate the shots like he used to.
But his members insist he's still more than capable of hitting winners and loves to challenge a line call.
Not even the recent heat wave has stopped him from playing.
John has played competitively in leagues over the years and picked up his first piece of silverware in a mixed doubles tournament aged 88, but he admits to preferring the fun and social side of the game.
"I don't think you make too many friends playing competitive tennis.
There's an old saying, 'I've got lots of friends I don't like,'" he said.
"We (the Friday group) have a good laugh. Serious play is not of any interest to me."
And John has no plans of hanging up his racket anytime soon, saying "age doesn't matter at all".
John said his all time favourite tennis player is the controversial Romanian Ilie Nastase.
"He didn't play to the textbook like he should have done," he said.
"I don't think he ever had any coaching, but there wasn't a shot that he couldn't make at any time.
"He had so much fun out of the game, almost to the point where it would cost him the game sometimes.
"But he was always trying to have a laugh and a joke and he was such a fluent player."
John favourite current player is Roger Federer, but he refused to be drawn in on who will take the Wimbledon title this year.
And John's love of sport does not stop at tennis, the 93-year-old also has a love of racing fast cars.
When he turned 90, John drove an Aston Martin around Silverstone at 124mph, and harbours dreams of driving a McLaren Formula 1 race car.
Source: www.bbc.com/sport/tennis
Tuesday, 26 June 2018
Wimbledon 2018: I'm not a contender－Djokovic
Djokovic was within touching distance of his first title for 12 months after earning a match point in the second set of Sunday's gripping showdown.
But the 31-year-old lost his cool, squandering that opportunity and then nervously wasting another big chance after taking a 4-1 lead in the second set tie-break.
"I wouldn't say I'm a contender, you know, for a (Wimbledon) trophy or anything like that," said Djokovic, who paid a heavy toll for allowing Cilic to scramble out of trouble as the former world No 1 slumped in the deciding set.
With Wimbledon starting on July 2, the Serb has just a week to pick up the pieces if he wants to compete for the trophy currently held by Roger Federer.
Still, Djokovic－who hasn't won a title since Eastbourne last July－should take heart from winning four matches on the lawns of Barons Court, west London.
The 12-time Grand Slam champion is accustomed to fighting for the biggest prizes in the sport and, in a frank admission, he insisted he's still some way from the form required to triumph at Wimbledon.
"At this point I have to keep my expectations very low, considering my results in the last 12 months," he said.
"I think everyone will agree that Roger is the top favorite. But Cilic is right up there next to him."
Djokovic is a lowly 22nd in the ATP rankings after a French Open quarter-final loss to Italian journeyman Marco Cecchinato earlier this month.
The three-time Wimbledon winner hasn't earned a major title since completing his career Grand Slam by winning the 2016 French Open.
Davis Cup: Nigeria miss promotion ticket to Group II
Nigeria penultimate Saturday failed to gain promotion to the Davis Cup Europe/Africa Zone Group II.
The Nigerian team lost 1-2 to their counterparts from Namibia in the Group III tournament held in Nairobi, Kenya which attracted 13 countries.
Hosts Kenya joined Namibia in the 2019 Davis Cup Europe/Africa Zone Group II as they also defeated Benin Republic 2-1.
Sylvester Emmanuel a.k.a. Major had given Nigeria hope with a brilliant performance as he hammered 27-year-old Jean Erasmus 6-1, 6-2 in the first rubber.
However, the Nigerian team failed to build on Emmanuel's victory as Christian Paul retired in the second rubber against Tukhula Jacobs.
Christian who played for Team Kalotari last season sustained an injury and had no option but to retire with scores at 2-3 in the second set. He had earlier lost the first set 1-6 to Tukhula.
Nigeria bungled the ticket as Joseph Imeh and Sylvester Emmanuel lost 7-6(1), 6-4 to the duo of Jean Erasmus and Tukhula Jacobs in the final rubber.
Meanwhile, Kenya which last hosted the Davis Cup in 2002 recorded victory in the first rubber when Sheil Kotecha pipped Delmas N'tcha 6-4, 6-4.
Alexis Klegou restored hope for the Beninoise when he defeated Kenya's top seed Ismael Changawa 7-6, 6-4 in the second rubber.
The Kenyans in the doubles eventually triumphed as the duo of Changawa and Ibrahim Kibet beat Felix Hounkpevi and Klegou 6-3, 3-6, 6-4 to grab the ticket to feature at the 2019 Davis Cup Europe/Africa Zone Group II.
............
Caption:
Christian Paul, sustained an injury during his game against Namibia's Tukhula Jacobs.
The Nigerian team lost 1-2 to their counterparts from Namibia in the Group III tournament held in Nairobi, Kenya which attracted 13 countries.
Hosts Kenya joined Namibia in the 2019 Davis Cup Europe/Africa Zone Group II as they also defeated Benin Republic 2-1.
Sylvester Emmanuel a.k.a. Major had given Nigeria hope with a brilliant performance as he hammered 27-year-old Jean Erasmus 6-1, 6-2 in the first rubber.
However, the Nigerian team failed to build on Emmanuel's victory as Christian Paul retired in the second rubber against Tukhula Jacobs.
Christian who played for Team Kalotari last season sustained an injury and had no option but to retire with scores at 2-3 in the second set. He had earlier lost the first set 1-6 to Tukhula.
Nigeria bungled the ticket as Joseph Imeh and Sylvester Emmanuel lost 7-6(1), 6-4 to the duo of Jean Erasmus and Tukhula Jacobs in the final rubber.
Meanwhile, Kenya which last hosted the Davis Cup in 2002 recorded victory in the first rubber when Sheil Kotecha pipped Delmas N'tcha 6-4, 6-4.
Alexis Klegou restored hope for the Beninoise when he defeated Kenya's top seed Ismael Changawa 7-6, 6-4 in the second rubber.
The Kenyans in the doubles eventually triumphed as the duo of Changawa and Ibrahim Kibet beat Felix Hounkpevi and Klegou 6-3, 3-6, 6-4 to grab the ticket to feature at the 2019 Davis Cup Europe/Africa Zone Group II.
............
Caption:
Christian Paul, sustained an injury during his game against Namibia's Tukhula Jacobs.
Monday, 25 June 2018
40th CBN Senior Tennis Open: Babalola, Adegoke begin title defence
Defending champion and second seed Abdulmumin Babalola will begin his title defence against Henry John as last year's finalist, Joseph Imeh takes veteran Taiwo Owolabi in the first round.
In the same half, Rainoil-sponored Sylvester Emmanuel will confront Isaac Attah as former national champion, Henry Atseye faces Benjamin Chiwendu, while veteran, Shehu Lawal squares off against Christopher Itodo.
Christian Paul, who only just returned from representing Nigeria at the Davis Cup in Kenya, will fancy his chances against Amos Michael and could potentially face Mexico-based Christopher Bulus in the third round. Bulus, however, would have to get past qualifier, Ibadan-based Adewale Samson first.
Dala Hard Court champion, Thomas Otu, who’s seeded third, will play Peter Lawal, while Clifford Enosoregbe will hope to use his experience to his advantage when he takes on qualifier, Matthew Akor.
In the women’s draw, defending champion, Sarah Adegoke begins her title defence against Afolarin Akosile, while four-time Dala Hard Court winner, Blessing Samuel confronts Omotayo Osewa.
Veteran, Christie Agugbom keeps a date with Favour Moses among other pairings in the main draw.
The final of the annual championship is scheduled to hold on Saturday, June 30 at the same venue.
Caption: Babalola, set to defend the CBN Senior Open title in Abuja?
Friday, 15 June 2018
2018 NPFL Match Day 23 results, scorers
*Kwara United 1 FC IfeanyiUbah 0
Chinedu Sunday -14th minute
*Niger Tornadoes 1 Wikki Tourists 0
Mubarak Ejiogu -28th minute
*Yobe Stars 0 Akwa United 1
Micheal Ibe -14th minute
*Go Round 1 Lobi Stars 0
Shedrack Oghali (69th minute)
*Enugu Rangers 1 Heartland 0
Ifeanyi George -24th minute
*Enyimba 2 Katsina United 0
Uche John
Joseph Osadiaye
*Sunshine Stars 2-0 Nasarawa United 0
Jide Fatokun
Sikiru Alimi
*Kano Pillars 1 Rivers United 1
Chikere Osita -Rivers United (12th minute)
Junior Lokosa -Pillars (47th minute)
*Plateau United 2 Abia Warriors 2
Saidu Salisu -Plateau (50th minute)
Sunday Adetunji -Abia (68th minute)
Samson Obi -Abia (70th minute)
Saidu Salisu -Plateau (90th minute)
*MFM Lagos 1 El-Kanemi Warriors 0
Chijoke Akuneto -14th minute
Chinedu Sunday -14th minute
*Niger Tornadoes 1 Wikki Tourists 0
Mubarak Ejiogu -28th minute
*Yobe Stars 0 Akwa United 1
Micheal Ibe -14th minute
*Go Round 1 Lobi Stars 0
Shedrack Oghali (69th minute)
*Enugu Rangers 1 Heartland 0
Ifeanyi George -24th minute
*Enyimba 2 Katsina United 0
Uche John
Joseph Osadiaye
*Sunshine Stars 2-0 Nasarawa United 0
Jide Fatokun
Sikiru Alimi
*Kano Pillars 1 Rivers United 1
Chikere Osita -Rivers United (12th minute)
Junior Lokosa -Pillars (47th minute)
*Plateau United 2 Abia Warriors 2
Saidu Salisu -Plateau (50th minute)
Sunday Adetunji -Abia (68th minute)
Samson Obi -Abia (70th minute)
Saidu Salisu -Plateau (90th minute)
*MFM Lagos 1 El-Kanemi Warriors 0
Chijoke Akuneto -14th minute
Saturday, 9 June 2018
Halep wins French Open
The world number one finally got her hands on the coveted Coupe Suzanne-Lenglen four years after her first appearance in the final at Roland Garros.
Halep became first Romanian to win major in 40 years as she sealed the title with an unreturnable serve before covering her face with her hands in disbelief following a 3-6, 6-4, 6-1 victory.
She did it the hard way, though, falling a set and a break behind to Stephens, who was hunting a second major title to add to her triumph at last year's US Open.
But the hard-hitting Romanian managed to turn the match around to finally break her grand slam final duck at the fourth attempt.
Halep climbed into the stands, Pat Cash style, to celebrate with her team before a courtside interview.
She said: "In last game I couldn't breathe anymore. I did everything I could. It's amazing what is happening now."
Amid some spellbinding rallies, Stephens clinched a solitary break to take the first set.
Halep was widely regarded as having played too defensively in her final defeat by Jelena Ostapenko 12 months ago, so she was the aggressor in the early stages.
But she could not breach the defence of the composed Stephens, who was barely deviating from her stock position two yards behind the baseline, and it was the American who secured the break for 3-1.
Halep ensured Stephens would have to serve the set out, and forced a break point of her own, but the 25-year-old front-runner held her nerve to take it in 42 minutes.
Stephens looked to have taken control of the match with another break at the start of the second set.
But Halep, stung into action, levelled up in the fourth game, breaking Stephens to love as the first chinks in the American's armour appeared.
A hold to love meant Halep had taken eight unanswered points, and another break followed as Stephens' levels dipped for the first time in the match.
But just as the set was slipping away from Stephens, a series of unforced errors by Halep gifted the break back for 4-4.
Halep survived a pressurised service game and then turned the screw, eking out a break point from which Stephens planted wide to take the contest to a deciding set.
A hold and a break later and Halep was ahead for the first time in the match, with Stephens' error count rising and rising.
A second break followed, the result of a stunning rally with both players slugging it out at the baseline before charging into the net, Stephens blinking first.
Halep was closing in on the title she craved so much, while Stephens was wilting fast, and a comfortable hold made it 5-0.
Stephens forced Halep to serve it out but, as yet another chorus of 'Simona' rang around Court Philippe Chatrier from the vast Romanian contingent, she did just that.
Meanwhile, Halep speaking after the match expressed surprise at her triumph.
“Honestly, I can’t believe it. In last game I didn’t breathe anymore. I did everything I could. It’s amazing what is happening now.”
“I see Darren [Cahill] there with the Romanian flag,” Halep says. She adds that she’s really like to play another final at Roland Garros “because this is my favorite court, it’s a really beautiful one”.
She adds: “Last year it was tough to talk because I lost that match. I was dreaming about this moment since I was 14. Thank you for supporting me. I wanted this trophy to be here in France. Of course many congrats to Sloane. Last year you won US Open and you done a great job after those injuries. I know you will play many finals in the future. Good luck and take care of your body.”
...............
ECSTASY: Halep admires the French Open trophy after her victory over Stephens.
Friday, 8 June 2018
2018 NPFL Match Day 24 results, scorers
*Lobi Stars 3 Yobe Stars 0
David Tyavkase
Augustine Ogunye
Cletus Itodo
*Akwa United 2 Niger Tornadoes 0
Paul Obata
Gabriel Wassa
*Abia Warriors 0 Kano Pillars 0
*El-Kanemi Warriors 1 Plateau United 0
Sunday Anthony -61st minute
*Katsina United 1 Enugu Rangers 0
Destiny Ashadi -30th minute
*Nasarawa United 4 Enyimba 3
Emmanuel Makama -Nasarawa (2 goals)
Nojeem Olukokun -Nasarawa
Micheal Okoyoh -Nasarawa
Abdulrahman Bashir -Enyimba
Chinedu Udeagha -Enyimba
Freedom Omofoman -Enyimba
*FC IfeanyiUbah 0 MFM Lagos 1
Balogun Alade -59th minute
*Rivers United 0 Sunshine Stars 0
*Heartland 1 Go Round 0
Zeidine Ahimeye
*Wikki Tourists 1 Kwara United 0
Ocheme Edoh -11th minute
David Tyavkase
Augustine Ogunye
Cletus Itodo
*Akwa United 2 Niger Tornadoes 0
Paul Obata
Gabriel Wassa
*Abia Warriors 0 Kano Pillars 0
*El-Kanemi Warriors 1 Plateau United 0
Sunday Anthony -61st minute
*Katsina United 1 Enugu Rangers 0
Destiny Ashadi -30th minute
*Nasarawa United 4 Enyimba 3
Emmanuel Makama -Nasarawa (2 goals)
Nojeem Olukokun -Nasarawa
Micheal Okoyoh -Nasarawa
Abdulrahman Bashir -Enyimba
Chinedu Udeagha -Enyimba
Freedom Omofoman -Enyimba
*FC IfeanyiUbah 0 MFM Lagos 1
Balogun Alade -59th minute
*Rivers United 0 Sunshine Stars 0
*Heartland 1 Go Round 0
Zeidine Ahimeye
*Wikki Tourists 1 Kwara United 0
Ocheme Edoh -11th minute
Saturday, 26 May 2018
2018 NPFL Match Day 23 fixtures
Sunday, June 10
Kwara United vs FC IfeanyiUbah
Niger Tornadoes vs Wikki Tourists
Yobe Stars vs Akwa United
Go Round vs Lobi Stars
Enugu Rangers vs Heartland
Enyimba vs Katsina United
Sunshine Stars vs Nasarawa United
Kano Pillars vs Rivers United
Plateau United vs Abia Warriors
MFM FC, Lagos vs El-Kanemi Warriors
Kwara United vs FC IfeanyiUbah
Niger Tornadoes vs Wikki Tourists
Yobe Stars vs Akwa United
Go Round vs Lobi Stars
Enugu Rangers vs Heartland
Enyimba vs Katsina United
Sunshine Stars vs Nasarawa United
Kano Pillars vs Rivers United
Plateau United vs Abia Warriors
MFM FC, Lagos vs El-Kanemi Warriors
2018 NPFL Match Day 22 results, scorers
*Lobi Stars 1 Enugu Rangers 0
Anthony Okpotu (64th minute)
*Rivers United 1 Plateau United 0
Osita Chikere (16th minute)
*Kwara United 3 MFM Lagos 1
Segun Alebiosu -Kwara (16th minute)
Sikiru Olatunbosun -MFM (26th minute)
Stephen Alfred -Kwara (48th minute)
Sunday Odudu -Kwara (75th minute)
*FC IfeanyiUbah 1 Niger Tornadoes 2
Mubarak Ejiogu -Tornadoes (72nd minute)
Godwin Obaje -If/Ubah (90th minute)
Bashir Usman -Tornadoes (90+4 minute)
*Katsina United 1 Sunshine Stars 0
Tasiu Lawal (61st minute)
*Wikki Tourists 3 Yobe Stars 1
Nasiru Jibrin -Wikki
Ocheme Edoh -Wikki
Elijah Ani -Wikki
Samuel Agba -Yobe Stars
*Abia Warriors 1 El-Kanemi Warriors 0
Samson Obi (50th minute)
*Akwa United 1 Round FC 0
Paul Obata (29th minute)
*Nasarawa United 0 Kano Pillars 0
*Heartland 0 Enyimba 0
Anthony Okpotu (64th minute)
*Rivers United 1 Plateau United 0
Osita Chikere (16th minute)
*Kwara United 3 MFM Lagos 1
Segun Alebiosu -Kwara (16th minute)
Sikiru Olatunbosun -MFM (26th minute)
Stephen Alfred -Kwara (48th minute)
Sunday Odudu -Kwara (75th minute)
*FC IfeanyiUbah 1 Niger Tornadoes 2
Mubarak Ejiogu -Tornadoes (72nd minute)
Godwin Obaje -If/Ubah (90th minute)
Bashir Usman -Tornadoes (90+4 minute)
*Katsina United 1 Sunshine Stars 0
Tasiu Lawal (61st minute)
*Wikki Tourists 3 Yobe Stars 1
Nasiru Jibrin -Wikki
Ocheme Edoh -Wikki
Elijah Ani -Wikki
Samuel Agba -Yobe Stars
*Abia Warriors 1 El-Kanemi Warriors 0
Samson Obi (50th minute)
*Akwa United 1 Round FC 0
Paul Obata (29th minute)
*Nasarawa United 0 Kano Pillars 0
*Heartland 0 Enyimba 0
Friday, 25 May 2018
Oloyede wins 5th Funsho Abiri tennis tournament
It was Oloyede's second victory in the Ibadan Tennis Club-organised Abiri clay court tournament having won the maiden edition in 2014.
Oloyede, current Chairman, Oyo State Tennis Association defeated the defending champion, Mr Akin Orebiyi, 6-3, 6-0 in what served as a sweet revenge having lost to the latter last year.
With tension palpable in the air, Oloyede sent a warning signal as he won the first game without dropping a point, while Orebiyi made it 1-1.
Oloyede restored lead in the third game while Orebiyi also won the fourth game through his serves to tie at 2-2.
The turning point came in the sixth game as Oloyede who was leading 3-2 broke Orebiyi's serve to extend his lead to 4-2.
Undaunted, Orebiyi restored hope when he too broke the serve of Oloyede to make it 4-3.
Oloyede again broke Orebiyi's serve to extend his lead to 5-3. Interestingly, Oloyede who took over the serve came back from 15-40 to claim the first set at 6-3 within 30 minutes.
The second set practically turned out to be a one-sided game as Oloyede deployed his wealth of experience to control the game and conjured a 6-0 victory to the surprise of many spectators at the arena.
Oloyede, following this victory became the second player to have won the Funsho Abiri tournament twice, after Demola Olaniyan who won in 2015 and 2016.
It will be recalled that Oloyede defeated Yemi Asaleye 6-2, 6-4 while Orebiyi outplayed Adepeju Faboyinde 6-2, 7-5 also in the semi-final.
Speaking before the presentation, Coordinator of the tournament, Engineer Femi Adewumi commended the sponsor, Chief Abiri as he expressed appreciation at the turn out of participants.
"We have 43 participants which is the highest figure since we started this competition in 2014," he said.
Engineer Femi then reliquished his position as coordinator of CFATC adding that, "I have tried and I want somebody else to take over. This is my valedictory tournament as coordinator."
In his remarks, ITC President, Chief Ajibade Adelana said the introduction of Chief Funsho Abiri tournament has added values to tennis at Ibadan Tennis Club which has also boosted his tenure.
Meanwhile, Chief Abiri in his remarks promised to continue to sponsor
the tournament.
"I'm not doing this for political reasons but I believe we are doing the right thing and I will continue to sponsor this competition," he said.
Caption: ECSTASY: Rasheed Oloyede (left), receiving the winner's trophy from the sponsor, Chief Funsho Abiri.
Friday, 18 May 2018
2018 NPFL Match Day 22 fixtures
Sunday, May 20
FC IfeanyiUbah vs Niger Tornadoes
Wikki Tourists vs Yobe Stars
Akwa United vs Go Round FC
Lobi Stars vs Enugu Rangers
Heartland vs Enyimba
Katsina United vs Sunshine Stars
Nasarawa United vs Kano Pillars
Rivers United vs Plateau United
Abia Warriors vs El-Kanemi Warriors
Kwara United vs MFM FC, Lagos
FC IfeanyiUbah vs Niger Tornadoes
Wikki Tourists vs Yobe Stars
Akwa United vs Go Round FC
Lobi Stars vs Enugu Rangers
Heartland vs Enyimba
Katsina United vs Sunshine Stars
Nasarawa United vs Kano Pillars
Rivers United vs Plateau United
Abia Warriors vs El-Kanemi Warriors
Kwara United vs MFM FC, Lagos
2018 NPFL Match Day 21 results, scorers
*Kano Pillars 3 Katsina United 1
Junior Lokosa -Pillars (8th minute)
Nyima Nwagua -Pillars (37th minute)
Junior Lokosa -Pillars (48th minute)
Destiny Ashade -Katsina (57th minute)
*Plateau United 2 Nasarawa United 1
Bature Yaro -Plateau (11th minute)
Nojeem Olukokun -Nasarawa (50th minute)
Reuben Bala -Plateau (71st minute)
*Sunshine Stars 2 Heartland 1
Sikiru Alimi -Sunshine (12th minute)
Franlyn Sasere -Sunshine (22nd minute)
Fortune Omoniwari -Heartland (48th minute)
*MFM FC, Lagos 0 Abia Warriors.
Ndifreke Effiong (52nd minute)
*Niger Tornadoes 1 Kwara United 1
Segun Alebiosu -Kwara (25th minute)
Eric Frimpong -Tornadoes (63rd minute)
*El-Kanemi Warriors 1 Rivers United 1
Aghahowa Otakho-El-Kanemi (Own goal, 45th minute)
Micheal Ohanu -El-Kanemi (90th minute)
*Yobe Stars 1 FC IfeanyiUbah 1
Seka Pascal -IfeanyiUbah (45th minute)
Philip Auta -Yobe Stars (87th minute)
*Go Round 1 Wikki Tourists 0
Shedrack Oghali -54th minute
*Enugu Rangers 0 Akwa United 0
*Enyimba 1 Lobi Stars 0
Abdulrahman Bashir -51st minute
Junior Lokosa -Pillars (8th minute)
Nyima Nwagua -Pillars (37th minute)
Junior Lokosa -Pillars (48th minute)
Destiny Ashade -Katsina (57th minute)
*Plateau United 2 Nasarawa United 1
Bature Yaro -Plateau (11th minute)
Nojeem Olukokun -Nasarawa (50th minute)
Reuben Bala -Plateau (71st minute)
*Sunshine Stars 2 Heartland 1
Sikiru Alimi -Sunshine (12th minute)
Franlyn Sasere -Sunshine (22nd minute)
Fortune Omoniwari -Heartland (48th minute)
*MFM FC, Lagos 0 Abia Warriors.
Ndifreke Effiong (52nd minute)
*Niger Tornadoes 1 Kwara United 1
Segun Alebiosu -Kwara (25th minute)
Eric Frimpong -Tornadoes (63rd minute)
*El-Kanemi Warriors 1 Rivers United 1
Aghahowa Otakho-El-Kanemi (Own goal, 45th minute)
Micheal Ohanu -El-Kanemi (90th minute)
*Yobe Stars 1 FC IfeanyiUbah 1
Seka Pascal -IfeanyiUbah (45th minute)
Philip Auta -Yobe Stars (87th minute)
*Go Round 1 Wikki Tourists 0
Shedrack Oghali -54th minute
*Enugu Rangers 0 Akwa United 0
*Enyimba 1 Lobi Stars 0
Abdulrahman Bashir -51st minute
Saturday, 12 May 2018
Trump offered me $1m to play Serena or Venus--John McEnroe
McEnroe speaking on “In Depth with Graham Bensinger,” revealed that 20 years ago, the not-yet-president then offered him a decent chunk of change to play either Serena Williams or Venus Williams.
According to McEnroe, he got an envelope while he was calling a match in 1998. It was from Donald Trump, who McEnroe was definitely aware of at the time — he called Trump a “promoter galore.” McEnroe remembers the general gist of the letter.
“‘Dear John, I want to offer you $1 million to play either Serena or Venus.'”
In 1998, the sisters were in their late teens. Serena was still establishing herself as a professional, while Venus was experiencing some early success. But being young didn’t stop them from being confident about their talent. At the Australian Open that year, the
sisters both said that they could beat any male tennis player ranked outside of the top 200.
It’s likely that Trump was responding to that very bold claim by the Williams sisters. Both Venus and Serena did participate in a Battle of the Sexes match at the Australian Open that year, facing German tennis player Karsten Braasch. Even though Braasch was famous for barely training (and doing more smoking and drinking instead), they both lost.
A match between 1998 John McEnroe and the teenage Williams sisters would have probably been a bloodbath.
McEnroe wasn’t sure why Trump picked him as the guy who could beat one of the Williams sisters, but he turned it down. He said that he never had a desire to play a woman and recreate a Battle of the Sexes match.
He was confident he could have done it at the time, but his kids have a slightly different opinion.
“Over the course of time, literally my kids, my daughters will say: ‘Dad I don’t know if you can beat Serena.’ I’m like, ‘God I can’t even get my kids on my side.'”
Twenty years ago, they were most likely wrong. But if they said that about their 59-year-old father last week? Well, they’re probably more right than wrong.
Source: YS H/N: USA Today.
.............
Caption:
Serena Williams early this at the 2018 Indian Wells tournament.
............
Friday, 11 May 2018
2018 Bet9ja/NNL Week Three fixtures
Friday, May 11
Real Stars vs EFCC FC
Saturday, May 12:
Gombe Utd vs Bimo SP
Sokoto Utd vs Giodano FC
Adamawa vs Malumfashi
FC Zamfara vs Jigawa Stars
ABS FC vs FC Taraba
NAF FC vs Kada City
Kogi Utd vs R/Safety
Aklosendi vs M/Jets
J'Atete vs Gateway Utd
Akwa Starlets vs Abia Comets
Nnewi Utd vs Stationery Stores
Rovers FC vs Delta Stars
Osun Utd vs Dynamite
Sunday, May 13:
Warri Wolves vs 3SC
Bayelsa Utd vs Spartans
Crown FC vs Ikorodu Utd
Remo Stars vs Delta Force
Real Stars vs EFCC FC
Saturday, May 12:
Gombe Utd vs Bimo SP
Sokoto Utd vs Giodano FC
Adamawa vs Malumfashi
FC Zamfara vs Jigawa Stars
ABS FC vs FC Taraba
NAF FC vs Kada City
Kogi Utd vs R/Safety
Aklosendi vs M/Jets
J'Atete vs Gateway Utd
Akwa Starlets vs Abia Comets
Nnewi Utd vs Stationery Stores
Rovers FC vs Delta Stars
Osun Utd vs Dynamite
Sunday, May 13:
Warri Wolves vs 3SC
Bayelsa Utd vs Spartans
Crown FC vs Ikorodu Utd
Remo Stars vs Delta Force
Nigeria Pitch Awards' progress excites Philips
He made the remarks during the unveiling of nominees for the 2017/18 Awards held during the week in Lagos.
“The Nigeria Pitch Awards is a platform for recognising, rewarding and celebrating talented and industrious footballers and other stakeholders in Nigerian football.
“Since the introduction of the awards five years ago, it has continued to grow to become a significant and essential part of our football society," Philips said.
He acknowledged support from partners which he said has helped in realising the objectives of the annual event.
“We thank the Federal Ministry of Sports and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), for their immense support.
“We thank SIAO Partners, Nigeria’s foremost accounting firm for being our independent vote collation body for displaying professionalism in the collation of results and the entire voting process.
“We are also buoyed by the responses we have received from sports journalists, Nigerian footballers and administrators," he said.
Meanwhile, the highlight of the unveiling of nominees was the nomination of Nigerian international, Victor Moses in three categories.
Also nominated for various awards are the Super Eagles captain now with Tianjin Teda of China, John Mikel Obi; Leicester City's Wilfred Ndidi; Changchun Yatai's goal merchant, Odion Ighalo; Lobi Stars' Anthony Okpotu; Shehu Abdullahi; Leon Balogun; William Troost-Ekong; recuperating goalkeeper Carl Ikeme; Ikechukwu Ezenwa and Dele Ajiboye
of Plateau United, among others.
The fifth Nigeria Pitch Awards is scheduled to hold later this month in Lagos.
..................
Caption:
One of the nominees for the 2017/18 Nigeria Pitch Awards, Anthony Okpotu. He is gunning for the Striker of the Year and the NPFL's Most Valuable Player (Men) Awards.
Thursday, 10 May 2018
Obafemi Awolowo Tennis Club inducts Segun Balogun as honorary member
FORMER Nigerian tennis star, Mr Segun Balogun, was on Monday inducted as an honorary member of Obafemi Awolowo Tennis Club (OATC).
Speaking during the brief but colourful event held at the tennis arena of the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium, Ibadan, Captain of OATC, Kunle Yusuf, said the former international player remains a source of inspiration to the current and coming generations of tennis players in the country.
"We are happy to have you in our Club. Today, we are here to celebrate you by making you an honorary member of Obafemi Awolowo Tennis Club.
This is in recognition of your past contributions to the growth of tennis in Nigeria as a player and now as an administrator.
"On behalf of OATC, I want to thank you for donating tennis balls to our Academy. Your presence alone at the training session will continue to inspire these youngsters to aspire to excellence in tennis," Yusuf said.
The former Davis Cup player, Balogun in his remarks said he was glad to be associated with OATC as he expressed appreciation for the honour accorded him.
He commended the Club for establishing the Academy section where kids will be tutored on how to become professional tennis players, just as he urged OATC to keep the flag flying.
"First I want to thank members of OATC for this honour which came as a surprise to me. This Club has indeed become another home for me. Incidentally, this is where I started my career as a tennis player.
"I must also commend this initiative of running a tennis academy, it will help talented kids a lot to make a career out of tennis. What OATC is doing in developing talents is unique," the United States-based tennis guru said.
Also speaking on the occasion, a member of OATC, Col. Adetokunbo Olufemi Ojomo (retd) lauded the kind-heartedness of Balogun.
"I commend you for having the giving spirit because even before you are named as an honorary member, you have through your act of benevolence donated tennis balls to the Academy section of this Club," he said.
Ojomo added that having the ex-tennis star at OATC would help improve the standard of play of members of the Club.
"When one trains with him, one is bound to gain from his wealth of experience. I have played against him [Balogun] and it has improved the standard of my game," Ojomo stated.
Meanwhile, a plaque was later presented to Balogun as an honorary member of OATC by IICC Shooting Stars legend and member of the victorious 1976 African Cup Winners Cup squad, Coach Idowu Otubusen.
Captions:
Photo 1: IICC Shooting Stars legend, Coach Idowu Otubusen (right), presenting the OATC honorary membership plaque to Mr Segun Balogun during the event.
Photo 2: Mr Segun Balogun (first left) while presenting a carton of balls to the Academy Section of OATC last weekend. Second left is OATC member, Folasade Famuyide; technical director, OATC Academy Coach Adepeju Faboyinde and the Captain of OATC, Mr Kunle Yusuf.
Speaking during the brief but colourful event held at the tennis arena of the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium, Ibadan, Captain of OATC, Kunle Yusuf, said the former international player remains a source of inspiration to the current and coming generations of tennis players in the country.
"We are happy to have you in our Club. Today, we are here to celebrate you by making you an honorary member of Obafemi Awolowo Tennis Club.
This is in recognition of your past contributions to the growth of tennis in Nigeria as a player and now as an administrator.
"On behalf of OATC, I want to thank you for donating tennis balls to our Academy. Your presence alone at the training session will continue to inspire these youngsters to aspire to excellence in tennis," Yusuf said.
The former Davis Cup player, Balogun in his remarks said he was glad to be associated with OATC as he expressed appreciation for the honour accorded him.
He commended the Club for establishing the Academy section where kids will be tutored on how to become professional tennis players, just as he urged OATC to keep the flag flying.
"First I want to thank members of OATC for this honour which came as a surprise to me. This Club has indeed become another home for me. Incidentally, this is where I started my career as a tennis player.
"I must also commend this initiative of running a tennis academy, it will help talented kids a lot to make a career out of tennis. What OATC is doing in developing talents is unique," the United States-based tennis guru said.
Also speaking on the occasion, a member of OATC, Col. Adetokunbo Olufemi Ojomo (retd) lauded the kind-heartedness of Balogun.
"I commend you for having the giving spirit because even before you are named as an honorary member, you have through your act of benevolence donated tennis balls to the Academy section of this Club," he said.
Ojomo added that having the ex-tennis star at OATC would help improve the standard of play of members of the Club.
"When one trains with him, one is bound to gain from his wealth of experience. I have played against him [Balogun] and it has improved the standard of my game," Ojomo stated.
Meanwhile, a plaque was later presented to Balogun as an honorary member of OATC by IICC Shooting Stars legend and member of the victorious 1976 African Cup Winners Cup squad, Coach Idowu Otubusen.
Captions:
Photo 1: IICC Shooting Stars legend, Coach Idowu Otubusen (right), presenting the OATC honorary membership plaque to Mr Segun Balogun during the event.
Photo 2: Mr Segun Balogun (first left) while presenting a carton of balls to the Academy Section of OATC last weekend. Second left is OATC member, Folasade Famuyide; technical director, OATC Academy Coach Adepeju Faboyinde and the Captain of OATC, Mr Kunle Yusuf.
Tuesday, 8 May 2018
2018 NPFL Match Day 21 fixtures
Sunday, May 13
Niger Tornadoes vs Kwara United
Sunshine Stars vs Heartland
Go Round vs Wikki Tourists
Yobe Stars vs FC IfeanyiUbah
Kano Pillars vs Katsina United
Plateau United vs Nasarawa United
Enugu Rangers vs Akwa United
El-Kanemi Warriors vs Rivers United
MFM, FC vs Abia Warriors
Enyimba vs Lobi Stars
Niger Tornadoes vs Kwara United
Sunshine Stars vs Heartland
Go Round vs Wikki Tourists
Yobe Stars vs FC IfeanyiUbah
Kano Pillars vs Katsina United
Plateau United vs Nasarawa United
Enugu Rangers vs Akwa United
El-Kanemi Warriors vs Rivers United
MFM, FC vs Abia Warriors
Enyimba vs Lobi Stars
Monday, 7 May 2018
2018 NPFL Match Day 20 results, scorers
*Lobi Stars 1 Sunshine Stars 0
Kehinde Adeyemi (73rd minute)
*Heartland 1 Kano Pillars 1
Ekechukwu Nwadike -Heartland (27th minute)
Nyima Nwagua -Pillars (61st minute)
*MFM FC, Lagos 3 Niger Tornadoes 0
Sikiru Olatunbosun (brace)
Chijoke Akuneto
*Katsina United 1 Plateau United 0
Destiny Ashadi
*Wikki Tourists 1 Enugu Rangers 1
Usman Many -Wikki (14th minute)
Tope Olusesi -Rangers (34th minute)
*FC IfeanyiUbah 2 Go Round 1
Ekene Awazie
Chidi Nwachukwu (Go Round)
*Kwara United 2 Yobe Stars 1
Segun Alebiosu -Kwara Utd (25th minute)
Chinedu Ohanachom -Yobe Stars (30th minute)
Sunday Chinedu -Kwara Utd (66th minute)
*Rivers United 0 Abia Warriors 0
*Nasarawa United 2 El-Kanemi Warriors 0
Ikechukwu Nwani (brace)
Kehinde Adeyemi (73rd minute)
*Heartland 1 Kano Pillars 1
Ekechukwu Nwadike -Heartland (27th minute)
Nyima Nwagua -Pillars (61st minute)
*MFM FC, Lagos 3 Niger Tornadoes 0
Sikiru Olatunbosun (brace)
Chijoke Akuneto
*Katsina United 1 Plateau United 0
Destiny Ashadi
*Wikki Tourists 1 Enugu Rangers 1
Usman Many -Wikki (14th minute)
Tope Olusesi -Rangers (34th minute)
*FC IfeanyiUbah 2 Go Round 1
Ekene Awazie
Chidi Nwachukwu (Go Round)
*Kwara United 2 Yobe Stars 1
Segun Alebiosu -Kwara Utd (25th minute)
Chinedu Ohanachom -Yobe Stars (30th minute)
Sunday Chinedu -Kwara Utd (66th minute)
*Rivers United 0 Abia Warriors 0
*Nasarawa United 2 El-Kanemi Warriors 0
Ikechukwu Nwani (brace)
Friday, 4 May 2018
2018 Bet9ja NNL Week Two fixtures
A1
EFCC FC vs Adamawa Utd (May 4)
Saturday, May 5, 2018
Giodano FC vs Gombe Utd
Malunfashi vs Sokoto Utd
Jigawa Stars vs Real Stars
Bimo SP vs FC Zamfara
A2:
Kada City vs ABS, Ilorin (May 4)
Saturday, May 5, 2018
Mighty Jets vs Kogi Utd
Road Safety vs NAF FC
FC Taraba vs Kaduna Utd
Aklosendi bye
B1:
Saturday, May 5, 2018
Gateway Utd vs Bayelsa Utd
Spartans FC vs Warri Wolves
Abia Comets vs J'Atete
SUNDAY: May 6
Shooting Stars vs Bendel Insurance
Akwa Starlets bye
B2:
Saturday, May 5, 2018
S/Stores vs Remo Stars
Dynamite vs Rovers FC
Delta Stars vs Crown FC
SUNDAY: May 6
Ikorodu Utd vs Nnewi Utd
Delta Force vs Osun United
EFCC FC vs Adamawa Utd (May 4)
Saturday, May 5, 2018
Giodano FC vs Gombe Utd
Malunfashi vs Sokoto Utd
Jigawa Stars vs Real Stars
Bimo SP vs FC Zamfara
A2:
Kada City vs ABS, Ilorin (May 4)
Saturday, May 5, 2018
Mighty Jets vs Kogi Utd
Road Safety vs NAF FC
FC Taraba vs Kaduna Utd
Aklosendi bye
B1:
Saturday, May 5, 2018
Gateway Utd vs Bayelsa Utd
Spartans FC vs Warri Wolves
Abia Comets vs J'Atete
SUNDAY: May 6
Shooting Stars vs Bendel Insurance
Akwa Starlets bye
B2:
Saturday, May 5, 2018
S/Stores vs Remo Stars
Dynamite vs Rovers FC
Delta Stars vs Crown FC
SUNDAY: May 6
Ikorodu Utd vs Nnewi Utd
Delta Force vs Osun United
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