Tennis News of Friday, 16 December 2005

Source: GNA

Arthur to salvage Ghana's image at the Areeba Championship

Accra, Dec 16, GNA - New sensation Albert Arthur is set to salvage Ghana's image in the finals of the Areeba Open Championship when he takes on Sigue Abubakari of Burkina Faso, on Saturday, December 17, at the Frank Ofori Tennis Court of the Ohene Djan Sport Stadium in Accra. The Burkinabe who has taken the nation by storm disposing all his Ghanaian opponents including the tournament's number one seed, Owusu Menford in the second round of the competition, got to the finals when he secured a two straight win of 6-3, 6-3 over Richard Tetteh in the semi finals.

Abubakari, throughout the competition has exhibited an excellent performance hence a difficult scenario awaits the Ghanaian who is also on record to have disposed of Fred Egyir of the National Tennis Team, the Golden Rackets at the quarter final stage.

Arthur would have to go the extra mile in order to satisfy partisan home lovers of the game, who are in no mood to see the Burkinabe take home the expected 750-dollar prize money.

The youngster on his way to the final, defeated Robert Kpodo in the first set 7-5 before the later retired in the second set as a result of injury.

In the female division, Emma Cudjoe had an easy pay-day when she recorded a 6-0, 6-0 win over Kumasi-based Marian Mahmuod in the semi final stage thus paving the way for an anticipated gruelling finals against Kate Coleman who also had an easy ride over Antoinet Cruickshank with a 6-0,6-0 win. 16 Dec 05