First Timer, Israeli Khazaniuk, Wins Lagos Gov’s Cup Tennis 


Debutant, Deniz Khazaniuk from Israel, yesterday marked her first appearance on Nigerian soil in a remarkable way by winning the women’s singles trophy of Futures 4 of the 17th Governor’s Cup Lagos Tennis Championship at the Lagos Lawn Tennis Club, Onikan. 
The Israeli player who was cheered all the way by the Jewish community in Lagos who stormed the venue in their numbers in the final against Swiss Conny Perrin, was glad winning the first leg ended  4-6 6-1 6-3.
It was an upset as Khazaniuk was the tournament Number 4 seed who defeated the Number 1 seed. 
For  Khazaniuk, winning the first leg was a great boost for her ambition of playing in the Australian Open next January, as this would boost her ranking to secure qualification for the Grand Slam. She was so much grateful to the Jewish community in Lagos and Nigerians who supported her in the final. 
The Men’s Single was won by Serbian Pedja Krstin who defeated Stephan Fransen in straight set of 6-2,6-3.
In the Doubles Finals, Croatian brothers, Ivan and Matej Sabanov beat Tom Jomby and Johan Sebastien Tatlot, while the pair of Ayla Aksu from Turkey and Ana Veselinovic from Montenegro defeated the duo of Conny Perrin of Switzerland and Valeriya Strakhova  of Ukraine. 
Meanwhile, the second leg (Futures 5) has started with the qualifying matches decided at the weekend to pave way for real action in the Main Draws which serve off today. 
The grand finale will hold on Saturday where the Governor of Lagos State, Mr Akinwumi Ambode will be guest of honour. 
 
 
 

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