Wimbledon is the only major tennis event that is still played on grass, so, in 1977 the word 'Lawn' was dropped from the name of the organization that represents the sport of tennis.

2014 Male Table Tennis Star Quadri ARUNA (NGR) put the crowd into further shock as he played the match of his life to knock out world number seven CHUANG Chih-Yuan (TPE) out of the Men’s Singles event, dominating 4-0 (11-6, 12-10, 11-6, 11-7)

“Last time I played Chuang Chih-Yuan was earlier this year on the ITTF World Tour in Germany, where I lost in four straight games, my goal today was to improve on that performance and fight to win one game!” stated a pleased ARUNA. “After I won the first game I became more confident. This is the best moment of my life and my career.”

2014 Male Table Tennis Star Quadri ARUNA (NGR) put the crowd into further shock as he played the match of his life to knock out world number seven CHUANG Chih-Yuan (TPE) out of the Men’s Singles event, dominating 4-0 (11-6, 12-10, 11-6, 11-7)

“Last time I played Chuang Chih-Yuan was earlier this year on the ITTF World Tour in Germany, where I lost in four straight games, my goal today was to improve on that performance and fight to win one game!” stated a pleased ARUNA. “After I won the first game I became more confident. This is the best moment of my life and my career."

This story has disturbed my day.....I am related to those children. Chei.....God oooo!!!

Everybody just dey shout our leaders, our leaders. Who elected these leaders you people are shouting about? Lol

7 injured, 8 vehicles burnt, 15 vandalised as Igbo, Yoruba traders clash at Ladipo Market •Only 4 wounded — Police

So...I am still trying to figure out what happened. They said 7 injured and they also said only 4 wounded. What is the difference between being injured and being wounded?

This is a sad story, but, not a surprise, considering we are talking about Nigerians.

So, what makes the killing of gays any different from the killings committed by Boko Haram? Is it not simply because one does not agree with the lifestyle of another?

Ignorance dey worry our people, may God find a way to save us from ourselves.

This thread is too funny. Let us try and upgrade Nigeria's infrastructure before trying to compare ANYTHING to America. Let us get to the point where electricity is constant and water is running and roads are repaired and paved properly. Let us start there first, abeg.

Winner of the ITTF-Africa Cup in late June in Lagos, Quadri Aruna was the player to cause the first upset of note at the Liebherr 2014 Men’s World Cup in Düsseldorf, as matters commenced in the initial group stage of proceedings on the morning of Friday 24th October.

The 26 year old Nigerian, the no.17 seed, overpowered Japan’s Kenta Matsudaira, the no.12 seed, to set the tournament alight.

Long expansive strokes, very much reminiscent of his predecessor Atanda Musa who competed in six World Cup events between 1984 and 1989; Quadri Aruna recorded an impressive five games success (11-3, 7-11, 11-6, 5-11, 11-2, 13-11).

Nothing to Lose
“I had lost against three Japanese players in the past, although they were defenders but when I knew I was going to face Matsudaira, I knew had nothing to lose being a player ranked lower than him”, said Quadri Aruna. “When I started it was a bit difficult but I had to control the game and ensured that I played my best; for me this win is very important as it boosts my morale ahead of the second match against the Russian.”

In his second contest Quadri Aruna meets Alexander Shibaev. However, prior to that contest taking place; Alexander Shibaev must confront Kenta Matsudaira. The future of the 23 year old from Japan is now on the proverbial razor edge.

Players finishing each of the four groups in first and second places advance to the main draw.

Aiming for Revenge
“I am sure the Russian will be aiming for revenge, follow the result at the Czech Open”, added Quadri Aruna. “However, for me, the win against Kenta Matsudaira has put me in a good frame of mind.”

At the GAC Group 2014 ITTF World Tour Czech Open earlier this year in late August, Quadri Aruna beat Alexander Shibaev in the first round of the Men’s Singles event in a tense seven games contest decided by the very narrowest of margins (8-11, 12-10, 11-13, 11-4,



The lowest seeded player in his group and with the stated goal of reaching the quarter- finals being his avowed aim; against all expectations Nigeria’s Quadri Aruna has progressed to the round of the last eight at the Liebherr 2014 Men’s World Cup in Düsseldorf.

Occupying the no.17 seeded position in the draw, he beat Japan’s Kenta Matsudaira, the no.12 seed (11-3, 7-11, 11-6, 5-11, 11-2, 13-11) and Russia’s Alexander Shibaev, the no.14 seed (11-6, 11-7, 11-4, 11- on the opening day of play to secure first place in his group.

On the second day, Saturday 25th October, he continued his unprecedented run of form.

Compares with Atanda Musa
He overcame Hong Kong’s Tang Peng, the no.8 seed (7-11, 11-9, 12-10, 11-8, 9-11, 11-3) in his first round encounter.

A quite remarkable performance and excels those of all others from the African continent since the days of his compatriot Atanda Musa. He reached the quarter-finals under a different system of play in 1984 in the Malaysian capital city of Kuala Lumpur.

Vital Time Out Call
"My Time Out at 11-10 in the third game gained me the win; if I had lost that game I would have lost the match”, said Quadri Aruna. “I felt good and played courageously; I was focused and had confidence.”

Undoubtedly if there is a man in form in Düsseldorf it is Quadri Aruna; understandably the coach sitting courtside, Martin Adomeit, was delighted.

“He’s playing well; everything seems to fit, he’s having fun!” said Martin Adomeit.

Gustav....wetin you dey yang?

Why are we no longer interested in any other sport than football? There are so many other interesting sports besides football. Nigerians used to excel in track n field, boxing, table tennis, basketball etc. Nowadays, nobody seems to pay attention to anything other than football. What happened? Dick Tiger, Chioma Ajunwa, Atanda Musa were all household names along with Nwankwo Kanu and co whom we adored.

This past weekend in lagos, there was an African table tennis top 16 tournament in which our own Quadri Aruna won. This means that a Nigerian will represent Africa in this years World Cup for table tennis.....a huge accomplishment, considering we were the underdog to Egypt in this competition.

Disappointment at the immediately preceding GAC Group 2014 ITTF World Tour Nigeria Open; at the ensuing ITTF-Africa Cup staged in the same venue in Lagos, it was success for Nigeria’s Quadri Aruna and Dina Meshref.

On the evening of Saturday 28th June, Quadri Aruna won the Men’s title; Dina Meshref secured the counterpart Women’s crown.

At the final hurdle Quadri Aruna beat the defending champion, Egypt’s El-Sayed Lashin (11-9, 13-15, 5-11, 11-7, 11-9, 9-11, 11-2; Dina Meshref overcame Quadri Aruna’s compatriot Olufunke Oshonaike (11-6, 13-11, 11-9, 16-14).

Earlier Defeat
Earlier at the GAC Group 2014 ITTF World Tour Nigeria Open, in the Men’s Singles event, Quadri Aruna had suffered a semi-final defeat at the hands Omar Assar (11-9, 9-11, 12-10, 11-5, 11-9), a similar fate was to befall El-Sayed Lashin in the final. Likewise, he was to experience a five games reverse one round later (11-5,13-11,2-11,11-6,11-.

At the ITTF-Africa Cup, Quadri Aruna totally reversed the decision against Omar Assar.

Surprise Win
After recording a quarter-final win against Togo’s Mawussi Agbetoglo; he extracted revenge for his earlier defeat by beating the Egyptian, arguably the favourite for the title, in a shock six games win (11-7, 11-8, 10-12, 5-11, 11-7, 11-.

"I played very well today because most of my matches with him have always been very close”, said a delighted Quadri Aruna after beating Omar Assar. “I did not make the same mistakes I made at the World Tour tournament; I made sure I played short whenever possible; this victory meant a lot to me and it is the beginning of a new era in my career because it will surely improve my ranking."

Exit Nigerian Hero
Success for Nigeria in one semi-final; in the other it was defeat. El-Sayed, after overcoming Ghana’s Derek Abrefa (11-8, 11-8, 11-6, 12-10) ended the progress of former African Cup winner, Segun Toriola (8-11, 11-6, 11-9, 11-5, 11-7).

Similar Situation
Revenge for Quadri Aruna; it was very much the same for Dina Meshref.

At the GAC Group 2014 ITTF World Tour Nigeria Open, she been beaten by Nadeen El-Dawlatly in the Under 21 Women’s Singles final (13-11, 4-11, 11-7, 11-13, 5-11, 11-5, 11-9) and in the Women’s Singles semi-finals (8-11, 7-11,11-5,11-8,11-7,11-9).

Two defeats for Dina Meshref at the hands of her colleague, it was not to be three; at the semi-final stage of proceedings at the ITTF-Africa Cup, she overcame Nadine El-Dawlatly five games (12-10, 12-14, 11-7, 11-7, 11-9).

One round earlier Dina Meshref had beaten Ghana’s Celia Baah-Danso (11-4, 11-6, 11-4, 11-3); Nadine El-Dawlatly had overcome Congo Brazzaville’s Onyinyechi Nwachukwu (11-7, 11-1, 8-11, 5-11, 11-7).

Defending Champion Departs
Defeat for the most successful player at the GAC Group 2014 ITTF World Tour Nigeria Open.

In the opposite half of the draw it was defeat for the defending champion.

After overcoming South Africa’s Zodwa Maphanga (11-5, 11-6, 11-4, 11-7), Olufunke Oshonaike accounted for Congo Brazzaville’s Han Xing, the favourite for gold being the top seed, by the very narrowest of margins in a full distance encounter (6-11, 11-8, 12-10, 8-11, 6-11, 11-9, 11-9).

Repeat Performance
A surprise win against Han Xing but she could not repeat the form against Dina Meshref who repeated her success over Olufunke Oshonaike; the two had met in the quarter-finals of the Women’s Singles event at the GAC Group 2014 ITTF World Tour Nigeria Open; on that occasion Dina Meshref had won in four straight games (11-5, 11-9, 11-5, 11-3).

At the ITTF-Africa Cup, she repeated the dose.

"It was not an easy match but I am so happy winning”, said Dina Meshref. “I am excited to represent Africa at the World Cup and I hope I can win a medal there."

Qualify for World Cup Tournaments
Quadri Aruna and Dina Meshref qualify for the respective Men’s and Women’s World Cup tournaments to be held later this year in October.

I know a lot of people won't like or agree with my assessment of Nigerians, but, in my humble opinion, I think religion has ruined us. Just reading this thread alone, God has been mentioned over 500 times and yet I see the use of God as a solution to every problem as a smokescreen for the real issues we face as a nation. We have to learn how to be accountable for our actions and actually want to punish people who are bad-corrupt-evil people doing wrong things to our country. We as a people need to demand better from everybody, most importantly people in positions of leadership and power. Leaders have to set the example for us to follow. We can no longer accept blatant corruption from our leaders as a normal behavior with no consequences. These same corrupt leaders are also covered under the shelter of "God". We put them in these positions and sit back and watch them steal money with nothing being done about it. The families of the big powerful leaders go to church and thank God for their ill gotten blessings. I have even seen 19 boys go to church for the sole purpose of praying to God for maga to drop money. Ridiculous but true. We want God to bless us for bad things which gives us money and also want this same God to protect us from evil. How is that possible? Wrong is wrong, abi? Or it can't be wrong if money is involved?

Because we Nigerians have made a mockery of the marriage tradition. We treat marriage like a business transaction. How many married couples do you know that are really in love with each other and are genuinely happy? You see the usual fake smiles as they wear matching outfits and attend weekend functions but when they get home the real story is told. The husband is always leaving the wife at home to hang with "friends" and is allowed to play around town with zero consequences. Lol....just joking.

Yes, so, Venus made it to the semi finals of a pretty decent tournament, beating Vika on her way. Yet, a lot of people were yelling for her retirement a few months ago. Lol. She still has game, just has to get her stamina back up and this week helped her a lot. 3 straight 3 set matches, with the last losing in a tiebreak. Pretty impressive for an "old lady". Lol

runzlord: 34? Re u kidding? The last tyme i checked we have 36 states so that mean 2 states dont have a lion. Hmmmm i suspect enugu and kogi

Hahaha, Enugu for sure, especially when the former governor sold the zoo some years ago.

Osuofia

For those who don't understand why the women players should get paid as much as the men....read this.



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TV RATINGS UP IN USA FOR US OPEN SINGLES FINALS

The 2013 US Open men’s singles final on that saw Rafael Nadal win his 13th major singles title over world No. 1 Novak Djokovic earned a 2.8 overnight rating on CBS Monday evening which is up 22% from the Andy Murray vs. Djokovic final last year (2.3) and up 8% from the Djokovic vs. Nadal final in 2010 (2.6). The 2.8 overnight is the highest for the men’s final since 2007, the last time the event took place on a Sunday afternoon (4.2). That final featured Roger Federer defeating Djokovic. The six straight Monday finals have earned overnights between 2.2 and 2.8, compared to a range of 3.3 to 7.9 for the previous six, according to Sports Business Daily.

The women’s final featuring Serena Williams winning her 17th major singles title, defeating Victoria Azarenka, earned the highest overnight ratings in 11 years – a 4.9 overnight rating on CBS. That is up 26 percent from the same match-up from 2012 (3.9) and up 17 percent from Serena’s final-round upset loss to Sam Stosur in 2011 (4.2). The 4.9 rating is the highest for a women’s final at the U.S. Open since the much-hyped Saturday night prime-time final between Venus and Serena Williams in 2002. That final earned a 7.2 rating. The 4.9 rating for Sunday’s Williams-Azarenka final was the highest for any U.S. Open singles final since Federer beat Andy Roddick in 2006 (5.1).

First of all, the only person who can judge you and your character is God. So, I am pretty sure nobody on this message board has the authority to label you a Christian or not.

Secondly, we are all sinners. Each and every one of us. So, I don't know why some people like to make one sin worse than the other, sin na sin.

I have one last thing to tell you. In the bible, it says, we should not have sex out of wedlock, abi? So, how does that work for gays? I guess if you go to America and are in one of the few states that allow gay marriage, it would work for you, but, in Nigeria?

Egypt’s Omar Assar won the Men’s Singles title at the inaugural Lagos International Classic on Saturday 31st August 2013 and thus prevented a clean sweep of titles by the host nation.

All other events saw players from Nigeria stand tall and proud on the top step of the medal podium when matters came to a conclusion.

In the contest that brought proceedings to a close, Omar Assar accounted for Nigeria’s Segun Toriola in six games (11-9, 11-4, 13-15, 6-11, 11-4, 11-9) to secure the title and maintain his ascendancy over the player who, for almost two decades, has carried the torch for Africa.


Ended All-African Games Incredible Run
Almost exactly two years ago, on Monday 12th September 2011 to be precise, at the quarter-final stage of the Men’s Singles event at the All African Games in the Mozambique capital city of Maputo, Omar Assar beat Segun Toriola in seven games (11-8, 12-14, 11-2, 6-11, 6-11, 11-9, 11-9).

It brought an incredible 16 year run of success to an end.

Segun Toriola had won the Men’s Singles title at the All Africa Games on an incredible four consecutive occasions – Harare (1995), Johannesburg (1999), Abiya (2003), Algeria (2007) – in Maputo he handed over the baton of office to Omar Assar who progressed to clinch the title at his first attempt.

Generation Game
In Maputo and in Lagos, it was success for the new generation; Omar Assar, who won no less than six Junior Boys’ Singles titles on the ITTF Junior Circuit and was twice runner up in the Finals, is just 22 years old. In less than three weeks’ time on Wednesday 18th September, Segun Toriola will celebrate his 39th birthday.

The wind of change is blowing through Africa; the source of the gale is Omar Assar.

Vote of Thanks
“I am happy that I became the champion in this tournament and it will go down in history; for me I am so excited coming to Nigeria to win the title”, said a delighted and grateful Omar Assar. “I thank the ATTF President, Khaled El-Salhy for facilitating my participation in the tournament; I enjoyed my stay in Nigeria and I hope to come back next year and also meet Toriola in the final.”

Appreciated Support
Defeat for Segun Toriola but it was a philosophical Nigerian and a player who accepted he has a worthy successor.

“I really wanted to win the title for the country and the fans but things just went the other way”, explained Segun Toriola. “There is no doubt that Egypt’s Assar played very well and he gave his best; for me, it was exciting making it to the final and I want to thank the fans for their steadfastness in supporting all the players, I hope to see more of such events being staged in Nigeria.”

Nigerian Gold
Defeat for Nigeria but in the Women’s Singles final completed earlier in the day it was gold and silver for the host nation.

Cecilia Otu-Akpan clinched the Women’s Singles title beating Offiong Edem in the final (9-11, 11-7, 11-6, 5-11, 11-9, 8-11, 11-9).

Notable Comeback
“I am so happy that I won this competition having been out of the game for years”, reflected Cecilia Otu-Akpan. “I give glory to God and I am so excited that we have having this kind of competition again in Nigeria; I hope we will have more in order to help the local players.”

Pleased for Country
A silver medal for Offiong Edem but like Segun Toriola she was not heartbroken.
“I am happy despite losing to my compatriot and I am so excited that the title remains in Nigeria”, she said. “I wanted to win the competition but my opponent really played very well and I am happy for her for this victory because she is coming back after a long time.”

All Host Nation Finals
Gold and silver in the Women’s Doubles event for the host nation; it was the same in the two remaining finals completed on the concluding day of action.

Olajide Omotayo secured the Junior Boys’ Singles crown overcoming Azeez Ogunlade at the final hurdle (11-9, 6-11, 11-7, 18-16, 11-6), whilst in the Junior Girls’ Singles final Esther Tosin Oribamise accounted for Alimot Ayinla (11-9, 11-3, 11-5, 11-4).

I don't know whether it is true or not but what I do know is that a lot of GREAT TALENTED ATHLETES can be very arrogant and cocky. Michael Jordan used to verbally abuse his teammates in front of the whole world to see on national tv. Kobe Bryant is not the most liked teammate either, has had public disputes with Shaq and Dwight Howard. All I am saying is that it is not unheard of from athletes of the same stature.

mystikal:

Errani never disappoints abeg, she always goes as far as her ranking suggests.

Wetin happen?

Basically, Mode9 is complaining about the same thing most conscience American rappers are complaining about. The game has changed and lyrics no longer matter. People want a catchy beat and a catchy hook, something that can be played in a club for dancing. American hip hop, once dominated by New York rappers and a few West Coast acts like Snoop Dogg, Ice Cube etc, now see its industry dominated by mostly Southern rappers who for the most part just find a loud bass beat and a catchy chorus and its a hit. Old school artists either conform to the change or remain with their old style and hope they have enough fans to continue to support them.

You cant tell people what they should or shouldn't like. When rap first started, they ruined the careers of a lot of r&b singers and instrument players. I mean these are people who actually went to school to study how to sing or how to play the piano etc. All of the sudden, somebody chanting rhymes on a microphone to a beat on a record player is now a BIG SUPERSTAR artist and the music is called rap. People change as time changes. Na so life be.

My take on the whole thing....and no I am not an expert. This is based on what I've read and watched on tv, so, yes, my reasoning might not be accurate to the way Egyptians feel about it.

Egypt had its 1st democratic election when Morsi was voted in as president. Morsi is a member of the muslim brotherhood. When he came to power he started making some radical changes to law making the country a stricter muslim state. Like no kissing in public etc.... the seculiar people in the country started protesting because they didnt want the religious changes. They felt Morsi wasnt focusing on the economy like promised but was turning into a muslim dictatorship. They took to the streets to get him ousted and the military backed them up and ousted and arrested Morsi. Now the country is divided between people who support the muslim brotherhood religious beliefs. Those who support the military for kicking him out and those who feel his ousting was unfair because he was democratically elected. The last group wont rest until his presidency is restored.

frosbel:

Wrong.

As these terrorists are apt to do, they start to kill their own people who want out and want no part of these acts of terror.

I guess this may be why Muslims keep quiet when these dastardly acts occur, they know their fanatical brothers have the potential for wanton destruction of life.

You are absolutely correct sir. That is the reason for most of the suicide bombings in the Middle East against their own people and that's the main reason why the normal Muslims stay quiet about their crazy radical brothers. Nobody want die.

If only Nigerians could be as passionate as this for the important issues which face our country.........,

I don't understand the need to own a pet dog. To each is own.

Nobody mentioned isi ewu.....my favorite

niggadee: fashola is too obsessed with this western culture,mentality and gadget. we are african we need to keep it real like our forefather

So, why are you on the Internet using some type of computer?

Federer is old but doesn't mean he needs to retire. Tennis is his love and passion and he has the right to play as long as he is physically able to. He is currently ranked number 5 in the world. What do you think he will do for the rest of his life after tennis? He is only 32 years old. Suggesting that a professional and a legend such as Roger Federer to retire is an insult to him and his achievements. He has earned the rights to go out on his own terms.

Santino1:

Not a great fan of Andy myself, but to besmirch his achievments (especially since Lendl took charge) is a disservice to the game.. He has made the last four major finals he's played and holds two of the last four majors.. Come on, it's no rocket science that Andy is the best performer in majors for the past one year.

You can't say that when he completely avoided playing the French Open.

Okija_juju: Keke Napep is living on borrowed time Nationwide..


Most governors who jumped on the Keke Napep initiative didn't properly think it through. The riders of these contraptions are just as bad as the Okada riders. Until we learn to properly train, monitor and regulate commercial transporters, they will continue to be a menace to other private road users. That's the real problem.


Keke will later have to go... Especially as most states move to more efficient means of transportation like intra city trains and dedicated bus routes for commercial busses.

This is the best post in this thread. Its going to take proper training, monitoring and regulating of commercial transporters. Something that nobody in Nigeria seems to be interested in doing. If it doesnt make money, it doesnt make sense. Not understanding the importance of having structure and implementing an uptodate system is Nigerias biggest problem.

Fed fans done craze today. After all de laff wey dem laff Nadal.....the so called greatest of all also lost to a 100+ ranked player. Nawa o