Taiwo Adelu
Zimbabwe’s Takanyi Garanganga is the only African player remaining in action in the second leg (Futures 4) of the 15th Governor’s Cup Lagos Tennis Championship and he is playing in the final of Men’s Singles on Saturday at the Lagos Lawn Tennis Club, Onikan.
Garanganga survived a tough encounter with tournament’s number one seed, Aldin Setkic in a semi final match that lasted more than two hours on Friday. The Zimbabwean, who crashed out in the semi final of Futures 3, won the match in 6-7(2), 6-2, 6-3 to qualify.
The US-based Garanganga is in Lagos for the first time and he described his experience in the International Tennis Federation, ITF, approved pro circuit as exciting, adding that he would look forward to winning the second leg as a pride of Africa.
The Zimbabwe player will now meet Antal Van Der Duim of The Netherlands in the final which will be watched by Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, the Sports Minister, Solomon Dalung and other guests. Der Duim beat South African Llyod Harris in straight set of 6-2,6-4.
In the women’s singles, Futures 3 runner up, Tadeja Majeric from Slovakia beat number one seed, Valeriya Strakhova in straight set of 6-4,6-4. Majeric,who won a Futures in the 2013 edition will play against Conny Perrin of Switzerland who beat Julia Terziyska from Bulgaria in 4-6,6-2,6-1 game.
The women’s doubles was won by the duo of Julia Terziyska and Prarthana Thombare of India. They defeated Tadeja Majeric and Conny Perrin.
The Indian lady, Thombare could not wait for the final ceremony because she has an afternoon flight to her country Saturday.
She was however presented with her doubles trophy by the Tournament Director, Prince Wale Oladunjoye in the company of her dad and an Indian official.
“It’s a pleasure coming here for the second time and won a trophy. I was here two years ago but did not make any impact, but with hardwork and playing circuits around especially in India. With my experience this year, I hope to be back next year,” said Thombare.