Israeli Embassy At Lagos Governor’s Cup, Cheers Khazaniuk To Victory  

ISRAEL TAIWO 

An eight – man team from the Embassy of the State of Israel in Nigeria storms Lagos Lawn Tennis Club, Onikan to cheer their ward, Deniz Khazaniuk to record an upset over her better-rated opponent, Ayla Aksu of Turkey in the semi final of the first leg women’s singles of the ongoing Governor’s Cup Lagos Tennis Championship.

The frenetic Israelis were in joyous mood as their representative, number 4th seed at the 17th Governor’s Cup Lagos Tennis shrugged off an initial lethargy to overcome number 2 rated Turkish Aksu at the Centre Court Friday afternoon.

Showering plaudits with the Israeli flag hovering over their heads, the eight-man group of four men and women hugged and kissed their compatriot as she sealed the final ticket victory, recording a 3-6,7-5,6-3 win to play in the final of women’s singles on Saturday against top seed, Swiss star, Conny Perrin who beat Mexican Anja Sofia Sanchez in straight set of 6-4,6-1.

“Saturday’s final will just be fun, ” said Israeli Khazaniuk. “I know Perrin very well. We had played together in the past, we will just play our game and have fun, ” she said after her semi final match.

The 22 years old Khazaniuk, ranked number 287, has won 18 singles titles and three doubles crown and she had represented her country, Israel in the Fed Cup where she won 2-1.

It was another upset in the men’s singles as tournament number 2 seed, Turkish Ilkel Cem was upset by number 3 player, Pedja Krstin of Serbia in straight set of 6-4,6-4 to set up a final match against Stephan Fransen of The Netherlands who best Indian Aryan Goveas in straight set of 6-4,6-4.