After retaining the title of the El-Marino “Alukimba” Table Tennis Tournament for four years, Uchechi Okere, aka Teacher, was beaten in the first round of the 2019 edition by Remi Koledoye, paving the way for Chris Anazia to emerge as the 2019 champion.
The tournament, which is now in its 8th edition, is being sponsored by Otunba Toyin Alukimba Odunowo, a Surveyor and a retired civil servant of the Lagos State Civil Service.
In the fiercely contested final match, Anazia defeated Adetokunbo Modupe 11-6, 11-8 to lift the trophy for the first time.
He had previously been a finalist in three editions.
In the third place match, Ambrose Aimiator defeated Moses Ideho 5-11, 11-7, 11-5.
Thirty-eight players participated in the tournament, which took place on Easter Monday at the Alfred Gardens Recreation Centre, Oregun, Ikeja, Lagos.
Speaking at the end of the hostilities, Anazia commended the organisers of the contest for a job well done and for the seamless flow of the tournament.
He also expressed thanks to the sponsor of the tournament for his undying commitment and determination to ensure that the competition is sustained.
On his part, the Team Manager of El-Marino Sports Club, Anthony Akamagwuna, expressed happiness over the successful completion of the 2019 edition.
Akamagwuna also expressed joy over the emergence of a new champion after many years of dominance by Okere, which, according to him, is an indication that other players are working harder.
El-Marino is a Lagos-based sports and social club that promotes physical development of members and healthy living through participation in sporting activities.
It is a non-religious, multicultural and non-governmental club that also develops and contributes to charitable causes in various parts of the country.
The economic empowerment of members is also key to the club.
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