…10-time African champion defeats Akindiji in males’s singles remaining, additionally claims doubles title
Table tennis legend Atanda Musa emerged champion of the fourth version of the Alake of Egbaland Birthday Tournament after defeating Dapo Akindiji 4-1 within the males’s singles remaining.
The week-long competitors, organised in honour of the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, who celebrated his 83rd birthday, featured a number of classes and attracted gamers and dignitaries.
Musa, a 10-time African males’s singles champion, demonstrated his expertise and high quality within the remaining, profitable the primary two units 11-9, 11-7.
Akindiji responded by claiming the third set 12-10, however Musa regained management with an 11-9 victory within the fourth earlier than wrapping up the competition with an emphatic 11-3 win within the fifth set.
The former African champion accomplished a double triumph by partnering Mukaila Salami to win the boys’s doubles title.
The pair defeated Akindiji and Gbenga Fetuga 3-1 within the remaining, taking the primary two units 11-6, 11-2.
Although their opponents fought again to say the third set 15-13, Musa and Salami maintained their composure to safe an 11-9 victory within the fourth set and seal the title.
In the ladies’s singles remaining, Abiola Ihwiwhu defeated Yewande Banjoko 3-1 to emerge champion.
Ihwiwhu edged a intently contested opening set 12-10 earlier than Banjoko drew stage with an 11-9 win within the second.
However, Ihwiwhu raised her sport within the remaining units, recording equivalent 11-6 victories to clinch the championship.
Speaking after his victory, Musa attributed his composure within the remaining to his wealth of expertise, insisting that competing in main finals over a number of a long time had ready him for such events.
“I have been playing for a very long time. This is just like a normal tournament to me. I have been playing for at least three decades and I have been playing in major finals, so this is not something I need to worry myself about. I knew I was going to win,” he mentioned.
The former African champion additionally recognized temperament and endurance as key elements that gave him a bonus over Akindiji.
“He needs to work on his high temper. When you have a high temper, you cannot play table tennis. You need to have a lot of patience, and this is what I have over my opponent. That is an advantage for me,” Musa added.
The event additionally attracted commendation from dignitaries, together with Ogun State Deputy Governor, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, who praised the spirit of sportsmanship, unity and group engagement promoted by the competitors.
The Agba Akin of Egbaland, Chief Taiwo Adeoluwa, described the event as a becoming tribute to the monarch, highlighting his contributions to growth, youth empowerment and sports activities.
“Kabiyesi has played roles in the past to justify the honour that is being done to him. You have a monarch who is exceptional. He is truly pro-development, pro-progress and pro-youth,” Adeoluwa mentioned.
He defined that the event was one of many initiatives he and his spouse thought-about applicable for celebrating the monarch, significantly given his sporting background.
“This is one of the little ways that my wife and I consider appropriate to honour him, particularly as he was a sportsman in his heyday at Ikoyi Club,” he added.
Chairman of Ikoyi Club 1938, Mr Akinwumi Akintola, additionally described the Alake as a revered determine whose humility and dedication to individuals made him worthy of emulation.
“Kabiyesi is someone who is highly respected and epitomises humility. I have a lot of respect for him and it is a pleasure to be part of an event like this where we recognise him on his birthday,” Akintola mentioned.
He famous that the competitors had reached its fourth version, having began when the monarch turned 79.
“Kabiyesi is 83, so this started when he was 79. I wish him a long life into his 90s and 100s. He is someone people should want to emulate because of his humility and his love for everybody. The man just exudes love,” he mentioned.
The annual event has continued to supply a platform for desk tennis competitors whereas celebrating the Alake’s contributions to Egbaland and his longstanding affiliation with sports activities.
Musa’s double triumph was the spotlight of this yr’s version, because the veteran champion as soon as once more demonstrated the standard and aggressive spirit which have outlined his distinguished profession.
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