ITTF West African champions eye WTT contender Lagos glory
The champions of the just concluded ITTF Africa West Regional Championships, Matthew Kuti, and Ajoke Ojomu in the singles event have expressed readiness to extend their dominance at the upcoming WTT Contender Lagos. The highly-anticipated championships is scheduled to commence Tuesday, July 22, at the Molade Okoya-Thomas Hall, Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos. Kuti and Ojomu […]
Matthew Kuti (L) and Ajok -Ojomu, winners of singles titles at the just concluded ITTF West Africa Championships
The champions of the just concluded ITTF Africa West Regional Championships, Matthew Kuti, and Ajoke Ojomu in the singles event have expressed readiness to extend their dominance at the upcoming WTT Contender Lagos.
The highly-anticipated championships is scheduled to commence Tuesday, July 22, at the Molade Okoya-Thomas Hall, Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos.
Kuti and Ojomu dominated the regional championship, retaining the country’s status as the shining light in the ping ping game.
Kuti won the title after he overcame compatriot Abdulbasit Abdulfatai 4-1 (7-11, 11-6, 11-9, 11-7, 11-7) in the men’s single while Ajoke Ojomu edged out Sukurat Aiyelabegan in four straight sets (11-7, 11-8, 11-5, 14-12) to emerge victorious in the ladies singles.
Ajoke Ojomu, who clinched her first regional title after two previous final appearances, expressed her preparedness heading into the WTT Contender Lagos.
She described the title she won as a major boost, saying it has renewed her confidence.
“I almost missed out on another title this year, but I am glad I pulled through despite dealing with an injury during the match.
“I believe we have what it takes to perform well this year,” she said.
Men’s singles semifinalist Taiwo Mati highlighted the importance of the regional tournament in preparing them for the international stage.
“I’m really pleased with our performance at the regional championships. The level of play definitely helped us get into top form for the WTT Contender Lagos.
“There’s no doubt the WTT will be more challenging, given the caliber of international players coming to Lagos. But the regional event showed that many of us have made significant improvements.
“Personally, it helped me identify areas I need to work on before the tournament kicks off,” he said.
Mati, who received a wildcard entry into the main draw of the men’s singles, expressed optimism about the prospects of African players.
He however noted that the performance gap between them and the rest of the world is narrowing steadily.