By Giwa SHILE
The Lagos Tennis Open International Championships on Saturday rounded up proceedings with French player Tom Jomby (1) crushing his countryman Arthur Rinderknech (4) 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 to win the men’s singles finals.
Jomby playing in his first final in the Lagos Open said that he was delighted to win the match as his opponent had given him the toughest game so far in the tournament.
“I played against a good player and was very fortunate to get back into the game when it was obvious that the game was drifting off my hands.
“I did not think of about the scores but focused on my game and put more strength on getting the right results.
“I really say a big thank you to the organisers because it has been a great tournament and toward another invitation,’’ Jomby said.
Jomby, who is born to a Cameroonian father, said that playing in Nigeria was almost like playing at home as fans gave him that support to give his best.
Similarly his opponent Reinderknech said that he was devastated with the loss and was disappointed it did not come his way.
He, however, commended Jomby, saying that he deserved to win the match.
“I did not play well, especially in the third set when he came from 0-3 to win, I lost my focus and I was playing under uncomfortable situations as my feet was wet.
“I have to move on now, especially with another round of competition coming up on Monday, hopefully I can do better,’’ Reinderknech said.
In another development, Yadlapalli Pranjala of India beat three times champion Conny Perin of Switzerland, 2-6, 7-5, 6-0 to claim the women’s singles title.
Pranjala playing in her first ever Lagos Opens final described the victory as a well fought for and that gave her the believe to be better in future.
“This victory will really spur me to do better, I did not see it coming, I just kept working hard, I’m glad it came my way and thank everybody for cheering me,” Pranjala said.
Perin said that she was sad to lose, most especially when she easily took the first set, adding that she would go back and make corrections as she intend to reclaim her crown when the other round of competition picks up.
“I lost to a good player but could have done better, especially in the third quarter, I guess I got tired having fought hard in the second quarter.
“I just have to move on and take some positives out of the loss,” Perin said.
Perin was 2015, 2016 and 2017 singles champions and she was also the winner in the women’s doubles in the 2012 edition.
The competition continues with another one week round of actions in the men’s singles, women’s singles and in the doubles finals.
The first prize winners got U.S. 25,000 dollars each.
