SNECPO Future Tennis Championship: U-10 players who played against U-12 share experiences, some say it's difficult

By 'Dotun Omisakin

As the SNECPO Future Tennis Championship served off on Tuesday, 27 May, 2019, it has witnessed exciting matches between participants from different levels U12, U14 and U16 for both males and females categories.

But for some 10 under players who were invited to feature in this tournament, it has been an herculean task to secure victories against their opponents who were 12 under after two matches played in the round robin format.

For the U12 players, it has been a stroll in the park during their matches with the U10 except one U-10 in the female category Lorelax Holzendorf who won Justina Emmanuel 6-8,10-8 and10-7 in a tie break.

Sharing some of their experiences,  8-years old Seyi Ogunsakin who has lost two matches 10-12, 10-12 and 8-10, 12-14 said the tournament will help him improve his game, however added that it has not been easy playing against U12.

"I want to improve my game because playing under 12 I will not gain anything. Playing under 12 is hard for me." He said.

To 9-years old Arwal Jaji who lost his first game 6-10, 1-10 to Mohammed Idris and won 3-10, 10-7, 10-7 against Orisabiyi Adedayo in tie break attributed that his encounters against U12s has been a bit difficult.

"Playing against under 12 is a little bit difficult and a lit bit easy. I have a little bit strength playing against under 12." He said.

But Ndidi Osaji who has lost two of matches 0-10, 3-10 against Benjamin Mary and 3-10,6-10 against Seun Ogunjobi said it has been a challenge that will propel her to become better.

"It is good because I am top 4 in Nigeria and I am happy about it and as I am playing I am working harder for my game.

"It is a challenge, when I move to under 12, I will be stronger and better." She said.

Lenting his voice, an Ekiti based coach Mr. Ogunsakin Akinwummi said despite the age differences, that it will help to increase the confidence level of the children.

"The issue for me the way I see it, it is a way of improving them due to the fact that we know that the people they are with are under 12 and those they are playing are under 10, that age difference is there and the standard is there but it is going to help them in the nearest future to match up with them or even surpass some of them that are beating now.

"Because it is going to give them this kind of loin heart to face any  challenge in the nearest future." He said.

Moreover, one of the particpant's father Mr. Jude Osaji said what matter was the experience his child will gather during the tournament.

"She is only 9 and she playing with 12 years and unders, and she is among the top 4, I know it is an experience for her. She will improve as times goes on." He said.

The matches continue today at the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.