Ariel Arismendez Shines On Day 5 Of The AIBA Women’s Junior/Youth World Boxing Championships Taipei 2015

The second stage of the of the AIBA Women’s Junior/Youth World Boxing Championships Taipei 2015 quarter-finals was held today at the Xinzhuang Stadium, and a combined 92 Junior and Youth boxers have now all secured a guaranteed bronze medal in the competition.

Bout of the day

US Women’s Youth National Champion and Ringside Women’s World Champion Ariel Arismendez defeated Ireland’s AIBA Women’s Junior World Boxing Championships gold medalist Ciara Ginty in an excellent bout to secure a place in the Youth Light Welterweight class (64 kg) semi-final.

Arismendez’s tactics were perfectly implemented to halt the usually successful approach of Ginty, and her aggressive style combined well with lethal hooks and uppercuts.

After her entertaining and valuable victory, Arismendez will now meet Russia’s Ekaterina Nemtseva for a place in the final.

AIBA Women’s Junior-Youth World Boxing Championships Taipei 2015

Team of the day

Kosovo sent two talented junior boxers to the AIBA Women’s Junior/Youth World Boxing Championships Taipei 2015, and their last remaining boxer Donjeta Sadiku had to box Tajikistan’s Idimokh Kholova for a guaranteed medal at Junior Lightweight (60 kg).

The 16-year-old Sadiku controlled the first round against her tough Central Asian opponent, before improving even further as the fight progressed.

Her victory rewards Kosovo with their first ever medal in an AIBA competition.

Surprises of the day

Kazakhstan’s newly crowned Junior National Champion Zhazira Urakbayeva outpointed the gold medal favourite of the Pinweight class (46 kg), as she eliminated Bulgaria’s EUBC European Women’s Junior Continental Championships silver medallist Emi-Mari Todorova from the competition.

Hungary’s Angela Nagy had impressed many boxing enthusiasts with her earlier efforts in Taipei, but she could not keep the momentum going against India’s Junior National Champion Mandeep Kaur Sandhu.

Nagy tried constantly to launch her attacks, but the counter-punching from her Indian opponent was too much to handle.

Sandhu now advances to the semi-finals where her next opponent will be France’s Johanna Wonyou in the Junior Light Bantamweight class (52 kg)

Zheng Lu beats Chen Nien Chin in the AIBA Women’s Junior/Youth World Boxing Championships Taipei 2015

Ones to watch

Italy’s AIBA Junior World Champion and Nanjing 2014 Youth Olympic Games silver medallist Irma Testa continued her excellent form to defeat Russia’s Anastasia Nesmiyanova, and advanced through to the semi-finals of the Youth Featherweight class (57 kg).

Her teammate Concetta Marchese also delivered a strong performance in Taipei on Day 5 as she eliminated Ukraine’s EUBC European Women’s Youth Continental Champion Valeria Manchak.

Concetta Marchese’s younger sister Giovanna was defeated by Ukraine’s Demyanov Women’s Junior Tournament winner Kateryna Rohova, who will now meet Ireland’s Kelsey Leonard in the last four.

Kazakhstan’s Nadira Maratova won the Nations Women’s Junior Cup in January where she defeated Russia’s Kristina Tkacheva in the gold medal bout, but Tkacheva claimed revenge in their rematch and advanced through at Junior Heavyweight (+80 kg).

Stat/Fact of the day

After five competition days in the AIBA Women’s Junior/Youth World Boxing Championships Taipei 2015, 92 guaranteed medallists remain in the competition, and the following 25 nations have secured medals in Taipei:

Russia: 15 medals

Kazakhstan: 12 medals

United States of America: 8 medals

China, India, Turkey, Ukraine: 6 medals

Chinese Taipei, Ireland: 4 medals

Italy, Mongolia, Poland: 3 medals

DPR Korea, Hungary, Thailand: 2 medals

Azerbaijan, Dominican Republic, England, France, Germany, Greece, Korea, Kosovo, Sweden, Vietnam: 1 medal

AIBA Women’s JuniorYouth World Boxing Championships Taipei 2015 – Day 5

Quotes of the day

“In my opinion I had a good fight today in Taipei. I did not get sloppy or wild, and I stayed compact throughout the whole bout. My winning tactic was to try and stop my opponent as soon as I could, and I think it was successful. My goal is to win the Championships and bring the gold medal home,” said US Junior Lightweight class (60 kg) boxer Guadelupe Gutierrez after her triumph in Taipei.

“Today I did what I should in the ring, I followed the instruction of my coaches, and I was able to use my punches in an effective way, even with my opponent holding me quite often during the bout. I am now focusing on my semi-final, and of course I want to go through to the final,” said Chinese Taipei’s Lin Ya Xuan following her quarter-final win over Hungary’s Veronika Villas at the Junior Lightweight class (60 kg).

Tomorrow’s program

Tomorrow will be a rest day in Taipei, followed by the semi-finals for each weight class on Friday.

CBN Tennis: Melissa Powers On, As Top Seeds Qualify

Melissa Ifidzhen clinched a quarterfinal place in the women’s singles of the 37th Central Bank of Nigeria Tennis Championship holding in Lagos after a 6-0, 4-6, 6-0 win over Sarah Adegoke to send shivers down the spines of her rivals at the tournament which is ending on Saturday.

The Russian-Nigerian will now face Patience Onebhamoin for a place in the last four where she could meet either Blessing Anuna or Beauty Mcleod, who both secured quarterfinal spots with 6-1, 6-1 and 6-2, 6-0 wins over Pauline Ebijimi and beauty Ogenekevwe respectively.

Defending champion and women’s top seed, Christy Agugbom ended the dream of Angel Mcleod with a 6-1, 6-4 win to set up a mouth-watering tie with 2013 queen Ronke Akingbade, a 6-1, 6-4 victor over Aminat Quadri.

37th Central Bank of Nigeria Tennis Championship

Blessing Samuel and Aanu Aiyegbusi will clash in the last quarterfinal after wins against Afolarin Akosile and Kelechi Njoku.

In the men’s singles, defending champion, Abdulmumuni Babalola defeated Michael Eludoyin 6-2, 6-1 to book a third round tie with Monday Igbinovia, who out stroked Chukwuma Abba 7-5, 6-2.

Governor’s Cup Lagos tennis reigning champion, Moses Michael also continued with his impressive form as he brushed aside Destiny Ford Da-Silva 6-4, 6-2.

Among other players that secured victories yesterday are top seed, Clifford Enosoregbe, Lawal Shehu, Joseph Imeh, Iekchukwu Iloputa, Henry Atseye, John Otu, Thomas Otu, Emmanuel Sunday, Nonso Madueke and Sunday Maku.

Groups, Opening Match-Ups Revealed For New Premier12™ Elite Global Baseball Tournament As 2020 Olympic Bidding Open

Opening round groups for the first-ever Premier12™ global baseball tournament, which unites the twelve highest-ranked countries from the WBSC Baseball World Rankings, were among a series of major announcements at a press conference Wednesday led by WBSC President Riccardo Fraccari in the South Korean capital.

In the day’s most anticipated news surrounding the new Premier12 — which will be staged in Japan and Taiwan from 8-21 November — the two groups for the event’s Opening Round were revealed:

Group A: Co-host/World No. 4 Chinese Taipei, No. 3 Cuba, No. 5 Netherlands, No. 7 Canada, No. 9 Puerto Rico and No. 11 Italy

Group B: Co-host/World No. 1 Japan, No. 2 United States, No. 6 Dominican Republic, No. 8 South Korea, No. 10 Venezuela and No. 12 Mexico

The top four nations from each group surviving the Opening Round clash will advance to the quarterfinal knockout stage before the Premier12 shifts from Taiwan to Japan’s iconic Tokyo Dome for the semi-finals and finals.

Continuing the announcements, the first two contests that will kick off action at the 2015 Premier12 were unveiled.

In Group A, it will be Chinese Taipei and Netherlands, the 2011 Baseball World Cup champions, at Taichung’s Intercontinental Stadium on 9 November.

Helping to showcase the sport’s popularity and existing world-class venues in Japan as baseball/softball vie for a spot at the 2020 Olympic Games, there was a special announcement to reveal that the 40,000-seat Sapporo Dome has been added to the line-up and would host the Group B opener, which will feature top-ranked Japan and South Korea on 8 November.

Samurai Japan National Team manager Hiroki Kokubo has underlined Japan’s intention to capture the initial Premier12 trophy and will look to assemble a Japanese “Dream Team” that will make the entire country proud.

The Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) League — South Korea’s top sports league — was present for announcements Wednesday and “welcomed the challenge” of the opening battle against rival Japan, declaring the league’s support of the South Korean National Team in the Premier12.

Phenom Shohei Ohtani (100+ mph fastball with NPB’s Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters) will likely be one of the Samurai selected to help Japan battle for the 2015 Premier 12 World Title.

WBSC President Fraccari commented:

“The Premier12 platform provides another key opportunity for players to represent, promote and honour their countries, and build on the wave of continued globalisation and excitement within our sport, particularly during this time when our sport is under Olympic observation for potential inclusion at the 2020 Games in Tokyo.”

Said In Sik Kim, KBO official and former manager of the South Korean National Team:

“KBO is proud and honoured to announce our involvement and support for this new elite international competition looking to 2020 and beyond. KBO leadership joins in sharing President Fraccari’s vision for the Premier12 to further establish and raise the attractiveness of National Team brands as part of a strategy to connect to new and global audiences, helping to drive awareness and growth in our sport around the world.”

The inaugural Premier12 is being co-hosted by Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) — the second highest-attended major sports league in the world in 2014 (approx. 23 million) — and the Chinese Taipei Baseball Association.

Mexico Guerreros Aim To Eliminate WSB Champions Cuba Domadores In Season V Semi-Finals

The World Series of Boxing (WSB) semi-finals begin with defending Champions Cuba Domadores hosting Mexico Guerreros over two legs.

Cuba have lost just one fixture in the history of WSB, and won all 14 matches in the Regular Season, qualifying straight through to this stage of the competition after finishing first in Group A.

They were especially dominant at home in Havana, losing only two individual contests across seven home matches with five 5-0 whitewashes included in that record.

Mexico finished third in Group A and lost twice to Cuba in the group stages, but they head into the last four of WSB with a huge amount of confidence after eliminating Season IV runners-up Azerbaijan Baku Fires 6-4 on aggregate in the quarter-finals.

That two-legged victory came away from home in Guba, and after success against one half of the Season IV finalists, there is plenty of belief in the Mexican squad that they can repeat the triumph once again in Cuba.

Mexico Guerreros vs Morocco Atlas Lions During The Regular Season

Ciudad Deportiva, La Habana is the venue for this semi-final clash, where on Thursday 21st May and Friday 22nd May fans across the world can watch the action free, live and on demand from 20:30 (GMT -4) at AIBABoxingTV.com.

The first leg begins with a fascinating Light flyweight (49 kg) contest between Cuba’s 5-2 18-year-old sensation Joahnys Oscar Argilagos Perez, and Mexican debutant Jose Daniel Rojas Romero.

Although he was ranked fourth at Light flyweight by the end of the group stages, Perez became the first Domadores to lose this season when he was defeated by Mexico’s Joselito Velázquez Altamirano after 20 consecutive Cuban victories.

Despite the difference in WSB experience, Perez should be wary having already lost to Mexican opposition earlier in the campaign, while the underdog Romero has everything to gain in this match.

London 2012 Olympic gold medalist Robeisy Ramirez returns to WSB for the first time since the third week of the campaign as he seeks to improve his season record to 3-0 against Mexico’s Ivan Jesus Delgado.

Ramirez is one of the most exciting boxing prospects in the world, and the slick southpaw is still just 21-years-old.

Delgado becomes the second Mexican boxer to make his debut in this important match, which means his coaches will be hoping that the Bantamweight (56 kg) will be able to hold his own against such an accomplished boxer.

Cuba’s 6-0 Yasniel Toledo finished top of the Light welterweight (64 kg) rankings at the end of the group stages, earning a Rio 2016 Olympic Games quota in the process.

He makes his seventh appearance Season V when he meets Roberto Gomez Zariñana, who is the third Guerrero to make his debut in this fixture.

Toledo is one of the most decorated boxers in a star-studded Cuban team having won an Olympic Games bronze medal and two AIBA World Championships silver medals, and he has excelled in WSB this season with six outstanding victories.

His terrific work rate and wide range of punches frequently causes havoc and panic in the majority of opposition corners, so Zariñana will have to concentrate for every second of their bout.

Arlen Lopez also finished in the Rio 2016 quota places at Middleweight (75 kg), and the 6-1 star has won all three of his home matches for Cuba this season.

His semi-final opponent is Mexico’s Misael Uriel Rodríguez Oliva, who has impressed onlookers this season despite a 2-5 losing record.

Oliva is a come-forward fighter who relies on relentless pressure to disrupt the attacks of his rivals, while Lopez has the power to quell the assault of most fighters in WSB.

Ionut-Mirel Jitaru vs Erislandy Savon (British Lionhearts vs Cuba Domadores)

The last fight of the first leg features two undefeated Heavyweights (91 kg) who are both eager to avoid losing for the first time this season.

Named the best boxer of Season IV, Cuba’s 7-0 Erislandy Savon has been unbeatable throughout his WSB career, and he mixes exceptional movement with sharp jabs and terrifying hooks.

His excellent form continued through the group stages of the fifth season, which exemplifies the dominant displays he regularly produces in this competition.

Ecuador’s 4-0 Julio Cesar Castillo Torres has won three of his matches for the Guerreros in hostile away territory, and his fluid style could cause Savon problems, as he has mostly faced shorter fighters this season.

Torres proved in his quarter-final clash against Leonid Charnabayeu that he has the ability to change his tactics midway through a fight, which is a huge asset that combines well with his composure in the ring.

This could be the most entertaining fight of the evening, and will hold huge ramifications heading into the second leg.

Taraba, Dolphins Share Spoils

Home side, FC Taraba forced Dolphins to a draw, 1-1 in Jalingo on Wednesday in match day 9 of the Nigeria Professional Football League.

Dolphins went ahead in the 31st minute when a fortuitous effort from about 35 yards by left full back, Jonathan Zikiye beat an unprepared goalkeeper, Chinedu Kawawa in goal for Taraba.

Zikiye just shot the ball ahead of him during an overlapping run and it found its way into the post.

But that was after Dolphins suffered a casualty as early as the 5th when Igwe Nwosu, a product of the feeder team in his first ever game for the club tore a calf muscle.

Lute Iorhe had a chance to draw level for the home side with 4 minutes left in the half but his shot went wide of the Dolphins post, though it seemed like goalkeeper, Anyalogu had covered well.

Midway into the second half, substitute, Aliru Ahmed beat the Dolphins offside trap but Anyalogu saved a certain goal from close range.

The home side did all they could to get the equalizer but Anyalogu stood his grounds all game long until four minute left to play when another substitute, Ibrahim Sanusi found space in the crowded Dolphins defence to score as they failed to clear the ball after a long thrown in.

Dolphins coach, John Apollo said after the game that he was happy with the draw.

“It’s a game we should have won, but we eventually drew and one point is better than nothing, especially after losing at home to Enyimba last weelend,” Apollo said.

A distraught FC Taraba coach, Tony Ogharandukwu blamed luck for the draw.

“One side played all the football and the other side just defended. The only time they attacked was that goal they scored from distance but we played all 90 minutes in their box,” Ogharandukwu said.

The league now goes on a three week break and resumes on June 14.

USA men’s 4 x 100m Relay Team Disqualified From The 2012 London Olympic Games

Following the sanctions received by Tyson Gay from USA Track and Field (USATF), and based upon the rules of the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF), the USA men’s 4 x 100m relay team, composed of Kennith Ryan Bailey, Jeffery Demps, Justin Gatlin, Tyson Gay, David Petrell Kimmons and Darvis Patton, who won silver at the 2012 London Olympic Games, has been disqualified.

Team america, 4×100: Ryan Bailey, Tyson Gay, Justin Gatlin et Trell Kimmons. London 2012
photo credit Citizen59
https://www.flickr.com/photos/t_abdelmoumen/7762826058/in/photolist-dbnaNj-cPYvJA-cPYHnm-cPYqbU-cPYBP7-cPYPy1-cQNxwN-cQNDfu-cQNzsd-cQNApA-cQNBmu-cQNyu3-cPYVSw-cQNCgC-cSkn5s-cSknrf-cSknjW-cSkncw-cKN8P5-d88H5u-d87gyG-d2M29o/

The sanctions issued by the USATF were as follows:

(i) A one-year period of ineligibility commencing on 23 June 2013, in accordance with IAAF Rule 40.2.

(ii) Disqualification of all Tyson Gay’s results since and including 15 July 2012, in accordance with IAAF Rule 40.8.

As this disqualification period covers the 2012 London Olympic Games, the IAAF has informed the IOC that, according to its rules, the team must automatically be disqualified.

More specifically, according to IAAF Rule 41.3(a), “the results of any relay team in which the Athlete competed from the date the positive Sample was collected or other violation occurred through to the commencement of any Provisional Suspension or Ineligibility period shall be disqualified, with all resulting consequences for the relay team, including the forfeiture of all titles, awards, medals, points and prize money”.

The IOC has requested that the silver medals and diplomas be returned; and the results of the 2012 London Olympic Games will be modified by the IAAF.

Tunisia And Algeria Beach Volleyball Teams Confirm AAG Tickets

2015 Beach VB All Africa games

Algeria and Tunisia men and women beach volleyball teams confirmed their qualification to the 2015 All Africa Games finals after the qualification tournament held in Mila, Algeria May 1 and 2, 2015.

The Men’s competition showed Algeria men beating Tunisia 2-1 (21-14, 15-21, 15-9) in the first match. Tunisia revenged in the second match to win 2-0 (21-15, 21-19) to draw 1-1 and forced a third final match between the North African Giants where the Tunisians went to a tough 2-1 (17-21, 21-14, 15-6) to pick the top position followed by the Algerians who came second.

In the Women’s side Algeria won both matches against Tunisia 2-0 (21-13, 21-19) and 2-0 (21-11, 21-10) to clinch the top position of the podium followed by Tunisia.

Algeria and Tunisia Men’s teams

The finals of All Africa Games will be hosted by Congo Brazzaville in September 4-19 and will feature the top 24 teams in Africa where the top 2 in Zones 1 and 7 and the top 4 from the other zones (2, 3, 4, 5 and 6) capture their tickets to the second ever beach volleyball competition at the peak sports event in Africa.

Results Men
Match No. 1 ALG1 vs. TUN2 – 2:1 (21:14, 15:21, 15:09)
Match No. 2. ALG2 vs. TUN1 – 0:2 (15:21, 19:21)
Match No. 3 ALG1 vs. TUN1 – 1:2 (21:17, 14:21, 06:15)

Results Women
Match No. 1 ALG1 vs. TUN2 – 2:0 (21:13, 21:19)
Match No. 2. ALG2 vs. TUN1 – 2:0 (21:11, 21:10)

Table of Pool Points/Ranking
Men
ALG 1 VS TUN 2 2 1
ALG 2 VS TUN 1 1 2
ALG 1 VS TUN 1 1 2
Total Points per NF 4 5

Women
ALG 1 VS TUN 2 2 1
ALG 2 VS TUN 1 2 1
Total Points per NF 4 2

Final Ranking
Men Women
1. TUNISIA 1. ALGERIA
2. ALGERIA 2. TUNISIA

CAVB web site: http://www.cavb.org
Twitter: CAVB Tweets
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CAVBVolleyball
YouTube: CAVB Video
Instagram: CAVB_ volleyball

BASKETBALL LOVERS LOOK FORWARD TO AN EXCITING DSTV BASKETBALL ALL STAR WEEKEND

The annual DStv Basketball All Star Weekend will take place this Saturday, 23 May 2015 at the indoor sports hall, National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos. As is the practice, basketball lovers across the country and DStv subscribers will be treated to an exciting blend of live basketball games.

Speaking on the upcoming basketball all-star weekend, Martin Mabutho, General Manager, Marketing, MultiChoice Nigeria said that the decision to hold an All Star Weekend was to mark the mid-point of the basketball season, and also to encourage the growth of the game among Nigerian youth; “It is a way of celebrating the mid-point of a tournament, and re-energizing for the forthcoming games. The game this year will be better and bigger last year’s event” Mabutho said.

Last year’s All Star Weekend Jump off was won by the Savannah team. This year’s All Star Weekend will kick off with DStv All Stars vs. Nigeria Basketball Legends All Stars and will feature notable players from both the Atlantic and Savannah conferences. Benjamin Uzoh, Jason Ebie, Tunji Awojobi and others will represent team Atlantic, while Usman Abubakar, Stanley Gumut, Abdul Yahaya to mention a few will play on behalf of the Savannah teams.

Kelvin Dandinson in jersey No 5 of Police Baton trying to dribble Emeka Ajaegbu in jersey No 5 of Union Bank during the 2015 Nigeria DStv Premier Basketball League held at the Indoor Sports Hall of National Stadium, Surulere. Union Bank won by 68-52 points.

Mr. Mabutho highlighted that one of their major focus is sports development. “We know that basketball is a lifestyle sport, which is highly entertaining. It is that excitement that we want to bring to Nigeria. We want basketball to be associated with fun, excitement and family time” he said.

The President of the Nigerian Basketball Federation (NBBF), Mr. Umar Tijani while commending MultiChoice Nigeria for the sponsorship and support MultiChoice has given to the Basketball Federation over the years, urged lovers of the game to come out enmass to watch the thrills of the all-star weekend as fans will be excited to watch the 3 point shooting contest finals, slam dunk contest finals and many other side attractions.

Spectators are invited to come and watch the game live as no gate fee is required. The game which will be aired live on SuperSport 7 on DStv will also go live on SuperSport Select 2 on GOtv from 3:00pm.

MultiChoice Nigeria is the headline sponsor of the DStv Premier Basketball League. Sponsorship of basketball by MultiChoice, also involves live coverage of league games by SuperSport, throughout the tournament.

WOLVES TO PLAY WARRIORS ON FRIDAY 22nd, May 2015

The League Management Company has fixed the clash between Warri Wolves and Abia Warriors
for Friday ,22nd ,May at the Warri City Stadium.

According to a short statement released by the Media Manager of the Club, Etu Moses. this was as a result of the Warri Wolves’ involvement on the continent.

“The team returned late from Congo on Tuesday after a tedious journey and the LMC listened to our plea by shifting the match to Friday. The venue remains the Warri City Stadium and the kick off time is 4.00pm.”

ABIA WARRIORS FC

In a related development, the Captain of the Club, Azubuike Egwuekwe has appealed to Nigerians to remain hopeful in view of the three goals conceded in the first leg affirming that they had what it takes to qualify for the next stage.

Azubuike attributed the loss to bad officiating from Referee Joseph Odiatey Lamptey who frustrated every move of the Warri Boys and the bad pitch which did not allow them to play their normal game.

Azubuike revealed that he has never played a match where throughout ninety minutes, the away team did not play a single corner kick and advised CAF to emulate Nigeria where Referees are been monitored by independent assessors.

Warri Wolves FC photo credit Moses Etu

” Nigerians should believe in us that we can up-turn the tide in the return leg. They are good but cannot beat us on a neutral ground. The Referee from Ghana was so biased that we did not know what to do. When the match was going on, I thought of quitting the game right there as I have never seen that type of officiating. We did not play a single corner kick because the man always punctuate every move but in Warri, the story would be different. We need the support of Nigerians and their prayer as that will go a long way in motivating us.’ said Egwuekwe.

Nigeria Has Got An Abundance Of Natural Talents – Greg Brown

A member of scouting team at the ongoing Samuel Oguche organized basketball camp, Greg Brown is already in love with the abundant natural talents that abound in Nigeria when it comes to the game of basketball.

According to Greg, “I see a lot of athletes, a lot of kids that are ready to learn”

He cautioned that people should not be in a rush to expect immediate results from the kids in the camp as some are at the beginning stages in their development and are in camp to learn while others are in their formative years on their way to actualising their full potentials which has gotten him really excited.

Speaking on the driving force in making the trip to Nigeria, the world famous scout based in Florida, USA.

“Years ago, I came for another camp in Nigeria and I got to know a lot of players and coaches coupled with the drive they have and the willingness to listen to me.”

When I took the kids to the United states, those kids performed well in the classroom and on the court which has encouraged me to come back and find more kids.

Greg Brown, One of the International Basketball Scouts at the Samuel Oguche Camp

He thanked the former Lagos Islander and national team player for affording the kids the opportunity to showcase their talent as he described it as the right recipe to develop basketball in Nigeria.

Reacting further, he said some of the indigenous coaches are also using the week long camp sponsored by Bullet Energy Drink as a learning process from their foreign counterparts which will help their respective teams at the long run when they return to their base.

Greg affirmed that since Nigeria have already registered their presence at the Olympics and basketball world championship, developing kids from the grassroots will help them have the basic fundamental knowledge about the game which will in turn improve the quality of players the country in churning out technically sound players as no country in the world can afford to depend 100 percent on foreign based players without the home grown talent.

AIBA Appoints New PR & Communications Director

AIBA, the world governing body for the sport of boxing, has appointed Mr William Louis-Marie as its new PR & Communications Director.

Mr William Louis-Marie has an extensive experience in world-class event and sport communications, media relations and promotions, having previously worked as Communications Director for the Baku 2015 European Games.

AIBA appoints William Louis-Marie as its new PR & Communications Director. photo credit: brl-tv.blog.leparisien.fr

“I am thrilled to join AIBA and contribute to the strong development of boxing under the vision of the AIBA President, Dr Ching-Kuo Wu. The noble art is gaining massive attraction all over the world and the coming months will reinforce boxing’s amazing appeal with numerous high-profile continental events and the AIBA World Boxing Championships Doha 2015 leading up to the Rio 2016 Olympic Games”, Mr Louis-Marie expressed.

Mr William Louis-Marie has also worked for the Atlanta 1996 Olympic Games and the France 1998 FIFA World Cup as Communications Manager for Coca Cola France. Moreover, he held the position of Senior Vice President of Trace TV, managing the launch of Trace Sports.

Lisbon Wins Bid to Host GAC Group 2015 World Tour Grand Finals

Lisbon, Portugal has won the bid to host the most lucrative table tennis event on earth, the GAC Group 2015 World Tour Grand Finals.

The year-ending finale of the 23 ITTF World Tour events will be held on 10-13 December 2015 in the Portuguese capital.

Together with the World Tour Grand Finals, Lisbon will also host the third edition of the ITTF Star Awards, which will celebrate the world’s best players for their achievements in 2015.

International Table Tennis Federation, ITTF World Tour, Lagos Open, Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos,

On the news, ITTF’s CEO Judit FARAGO stated: “ITTF is delighted to allocate the organization of the World Tour Grand Finals to Lisbon. This is the best momentum that the table tennis has had in Portugal, and the team is enjoying it’s most successful period of its history. The ITTF World Tour turns 20 years old this year and it is hard to imagine better place for the anniversary celebration than to have the Grand Finals and the ITTF Star Awards in Lisbon, a popular destination for visitors.”

Lisbon is no stranger to hosting major table tennis events, after successfully holding the TMS 2014 European Team Championships last year, where the Portuguese Men’s Team won their first European Championships title, much to the delight of the packed crowd.

The locals will be hoping for similar success in December, with world number 10 Marcos FREITAS and world number 22 Tiago APOLONIA looking to repeat their European success on home soil.

Ma Long powered his way to his 18th World Tour victory at the Kuwait Open.

An upbeat Portuguese Table Tennis President Pedro MOURA stated: “The Portuguese Table Tennis Federation is very proud and honored to be awarded by ITTF with the organization of 2015 World Tour Grand Finals. After the success of the TMS 2014 European Team Championships, we felt we should go for other important international events in order to retain the interest and attention of the Portuguese general public on our wonderful sport.”

“Being able to host the 2015 ITTF Star Awards in conjunction with the World Tour Grand Finals will turn all eyes on Lisbon as the World Table Tennis Capital in December. It’s a dream come true for us and the Portuguese Table Tennis Federation is finally matching the level of its best players. Just like when hosting the continental championships last September, we’ll do our best to turn these events truly memorable for all!”

16 men and 16 women who secured the most “Race to Lisbon” points over the 23 World Tour events qualify for the World Tour Grand Finals, as well as 8 men’s and 8 women’s doubles pairs, together with 8 men’s and 8 women’s under 21 players.

The GAC Group 2015 World Tour is split into three tiers (highest first): Super (6 events), Major (6 events), Challenge (11 events). The higher the series, the more prize money, world ranking points, “Race to Lisbon” points and higher quality of competition on offer.

The ITTF World Tour Grand Finals were held last time in Europe in 2011 when it served as test event for the London Olympic Games.