By John Egbokhan
The main draw of the 12th Governor’s Cup Futures I, sponsored by Etisalat and FCMB, serves off October 15 at the Lagos Lawn Tennis Club, Onikan, with  women’s singles world number 92  Nina Bratchikova of Russia being the star attraction of the $80, 000 prize money tournament.

According to Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Pius Akinyelure, the Russian, who was born on June 28, 1985 and coached by Pedra Pereira, had entered for the competition, which she won in 2009. Her entry for the singles, has raised the stake of this year’s edition. Bratchikova started playing tennis when her parents took her to a tennis school.

The LOC boss said that all the players in the main draw would share $80, 000, with the men’s and ladies singles winners getting the most cash. They would also rake in ATP and WTA ranking points, which are precious to their tennis career.