Emmanuel Welbeck and Joy Oriaku lived up to expectations as they won the Men's and Ladies titles in the 6th edition of the Diplomatic Ball Tennis Tournament over the weekend at the Accra lawn Tennis Club.
Unseeded Emmanuel Welbeck overcame an early break to beat Christopher Nortey 6-3 on Saturday in front of a sizeable crowd.
Christopher Nortey broke Emmanuel Welbeck's serve for a 2-1 lead, but struggled with his serve as Welbeck leveled at 3-3. Welbeck held on to claim the title.
Emmanuel Welback walked away with a giant trophy, tennis bag, tennis shoes, and grips. Water jug and an undisclosed amount. The finalist Christopher received a trophy, tennis bag, shoes, water bottle and an undisclosed amount.
Few people would have picked Joy Oriaku as a possible champion, but on Saturday the stadium-based player produced a stunning performance to down Sarah Abbey 9-6.
Sarah Abbey served well to lead 5-2 but later double-faulted to give Joy Oriaku a chance to fight back to level the game to 5 games all.
At 6-5 two unforced errors from Sarah Abbey gave Joy a match point and though she missed it, she created another with a return winner before double-faulting again to give Joy victory.
Joy Oriaku took home a giant trophy, tennis bag, tennis shoes, and grips, water bottle and an undisclosed cash prize.
The finalist Sarah received a trophy, tennis bag, shoes, water bottle and an undisclosed amount.
Speaking to ghanatennis.org Tournament Organizer Her Excellency Mrs. Sena Siaw-Boateng , the Ambassador of Ghana to the Kingdom of Belgium, the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and Head of Mission to the European Union (EU) said, 'As an ardent tennis player myself, the game of tennis has taught me a lot as a woman in my diplomatic career and as a professional woman. I felt I should be able to give back to the young once especially the girls, mentor them, which I love to do and encourage them in the game of tennis. Tennis helps you to think very well and makes you strong. These are the qualities I do possess and want to impart to the young ladies.'
"I began the Diplomatic ball tennis tournament six years ago with my sister who is based in the USA and plays USTA. We have hosted two editions in Winneba and now in Accra due to my work schedule. Next year's edition will have other players coming from various regions to take part in the tournament. We congratulate the winners Joy Oriaku and Emmanuel Welbeck, and want them to encourage their peers to play the game of tennis, and they should find time during their academic studies to play tennis'
Every player who took part in the Diplomatic Ball tennis tournament had a souvenir to take home after the tournament.
