Victor Akinkuolie, Ado-Ekiti
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A member of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria(SWAN), Ekiti state chapter, Ayodeji Okunuga Wednesday won the 2018 Prince Adeyemi Alabi SWAN lawn tennis Cup.

The competition was held at Fountain Hotel Tennis Court in Ado-Ekiti and seven members of the association participated in the competition.

Okunuga defeated Bayo Babalola at the final stage of the competition to emerge as the overall winner.

Babalola emerged as the second while Bisi Ogunleye and Sam Nwaoko emerged as joint third.

At the first stage of the competition, seven members of the association competed with each other.

In the first round, Bisi Ogunleye defeated Samuel Johnson of NTA, 7-5, 4-7, 7-5 to qualify for the semi final while Sam Nwaoko of Tribune defeated Ayodeji Ogunsakin  7-1, 10-8, to qualify for the semi final.

In another encounter, Ayodeji Okunuga of Voice FM, defeated Abiola Alo of Leadership, 7-5,9-7 to qualify for the semi final stages.

At the semi final stage, Bayo Babalola defeated Bisi Ogunleye,7-2,7-1 to qualify for the final while Ayodeji Okunuga defeated Sam Nwaoko, 11-9, 7-5 to qualify for the final stage of the competition.

During the final stage of the SWAN Cup, Ayodeji Okunuga defeated Bayo Babalola,7-5,7-3 to emerge as winner of the competition.

Reacting, the Sponsor of the competition, Mr Steve Alabi expressed delighted with the commitment of the chairman of the association, Ayodeji Ogunsakin,for making the programme a huge success.

Alabi said the  objective of the programme was to encourage the SWAN members who often write about various sports to participate in sports on daily basis.

” I am delighted that this year’s edition of SWAN Cup was a huge success and I am happy to see all members participating in the competition.

“Last year, the competition was named Steve Alabi SWAN Cup, but I have decided to name” this year’s edition after my late father, Prince Adeyemi. Imperial Alabi SWAN Cup.

” My late father was my mentor and motivator and that is why I have decided to honour his memories through this competition.

By the special grace of God, I will sponsor 2019 competition,” he said.

In the same vein, the State Chairman of the association, Ayodeji  Ogunsakin, appreciate the financial and moral support of the sponsor.

He assured him that members of the association would continue to support his visions.

Also the former General Manager of Ekiti Sports Council, Mr Olukayode Adewumi, ‎appreciate SWAN members for organising the competition.

He equally appreciate the sponsors for encouraging the sports writers to participate in sports.

Adewumi prayed that God will continually strength him physically and financially.

The 1st, 2nd and joint 3rd winners of the competition were given cash prizes while the 1st winner was given a trophy.