The defending champion of the annual Asoju Oba now renamed Molade Okaya Thomas table tennis championship, Rilwan Akanbi, has said emerging junior table tennis players will be major threats at this year’s edition.
In the last edition, Akanbi defeated Azeez Solanke 4-3 to claim his first major singles title in the men’s category while seven times defending champion, Bose Odusanya, won in the ladies’ cadre by beating Fatimo Bello 4-2.
However, ahead of the competition which was shifted to this morning, Akanbi was pessimistic about his chances of successfully defending his title.
He said the championship will be competitive and junior players would cause major upsets.
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“I wish to defend my title. I have prepared and practised so much for this tournament. So, I just have to play and give it all my best. The junior players have improved.
“So, the challenge is between the senior and the junior team players because they have improved. Players like Muiz Adegoke and Abdulahi are threats. It is going to be competitive,” he said.
However, a semi-finalist in the female category in the last edition, Bose Akinsanya, said she would ensure she gets into the final in this edition.
“Yes, by the grace of grace, I am looking forward to getting into the finals. It is not going to be easy but I am going to give my all because the junior players have stepped up their game. So, I have to prepare,” she said.
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