By John Egbokhan
Reigning men’s and ladies singles champions of the Central Bank of Nigeria Tennis Open, Henry Atseye and Ronke Akingbade have set their sights on more title victories at the tournament.

Atsaye and Akingbade, who weekend emerged champions of the 35th CBN Open  in Lagos, told Sports Vanguard that their triumphs have reinforced their determination to go for more victories in subsequent editions of the annual tournament.

“This victory means a lot to me because many people did not give me the chance of reaching the final. But with hard work and belief, I conquered all my opponents. I am so delighted and hope to win the next two or three editions of the competition”, said Atseye, who is now a two-time CBN singles champion. He first won the prized title in 2011.

To win his second title, Atseye defeated Clifford Enosoregbe in a thrilling final match which was  however short-lived, following Enooregbe’s retirement at the start of the second set,

Atseye had won the first set 7-6 but with Enosoregbe sustaining an ankle injury, the road to the tiitle was made easier for Atseye

In the ladies singles final match, Akingbade, who had hitherto not won a CBN singles  title before, came from a set down to outlast hard-hitting Christy Agbugbon in three thrilling sets of 4-6, 7-6, 6-3.

After losing the first set with just a break of serve in the ninth game, Akingbade knew that her quest to land her first major trophy was about to evaporate into thin air as another set victory for her foe was going to end her title bid.

And not wanting to be denied again, Akingbade battled hard in the second she won 7-6 on tie-break. It was a see-saw affair but her determination made the difference as she wrestled the initiative from Agbugbon, who let loose a loud shriek to vent her frustration on missing the chance to land the crown.

In the decider, Akingbade broke her foe’s serve twice, the first in the second game and the second in the  ninth game to seal her place as a champion at the CBN Open.

Speaking later to Sports Vanguard, Akingbade said that her triumph has raised her hopes of further wins in the competition.

“I am going to use this victory to go for more victories in future tournaments that I will play, especially the CBN Open. It has really boosted my desire to stay at the top for a long time”, said Akingbade.