Sodiq Taiwo and Yemisi Olatunji on Sunday emerged champions of the the 2017 Safeguard Zimbabwe Squash Open in the men and women categories respectively.
Nigeria number two player, Sodiq beat fellow country man, Olanrewaju Abdulraman (number 3) in a high pulsating match that was decided in the last 5th game recording 15-13, 9-11, 11-8, 6-11, 11-7 with a record time of 87 minutes more than the doubles match.
In the ladies final, Nigeria number one, Yemisi Olatunji beat Zimbabwe’s Yvonne Mubure in three straight sets 12-10, 11-5, 11-4 in 44 minutes.
Zimbabwe placed first and second position as in the doubles finals as Neil Nesbitt and Mike Burns beat Matthew Mullaji and Janeel Giga 12-10, 7-11, 11-3, 11-7 within 74 minutes.
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Zimbabwe prodigy, Ryan Gwidzima who is the national U-13 champion defeated Brighton Nyakabawo of Zimbabwe by 11-7, 11-5, 11-4 in the plate final.
Jeff Fenwick of Zimbabwe beat Freddy Chishimba of Zambia 3-2 in an exciting match that could have gone either way recording 4-11, 5-11, 11-6, 11-6, 13-11 in 38 mins.
In a chat with ACLSports.com, Taiwo and Olatunji dedicated the feat to God and members of the Squash family who made the trip possible adding that they will not let the country down in subsequent competitions.
“We want to appreciate God for making this trip come to reality and also those that invested so much in us as a player. The ball is now in our court not to let the squash family down”.
“This is just the beginning of the race for the country and also a stepping stone to greatness. We are optimistic if given more opportunities to partake in open Championships like this, the players will be more fit to bring back home Africa Championship”, they said.
The contingents led by the President, Squash Federation of Nigeria Referees, Bola Mogaji emerged overall winner of the championship.
