Kano — Mumuni Babalola from Oyo State, saturday, won the men's singles title of the Dala Hard Court Tennis Championship in Kano by beating the defending champion, Shehu Lawal, 6-3, 6-2. Babalola had been in tremendous good form through the earlier rounds and as fourth seed upset the rankings by eliminating the No.1 seed, Henry Atseye 4-6, 6-1, 6-3 in the semifinals.

Lawal however got a consolation by winning the men's doubles with Babalola. They beat the pair of Destiny DaSilva and Augustine Nwokedi 7-6, 6-3.

In the women's, Blessing Samuel followed through her first round survival in the hands of Lolia Kienka to retain her title. Miss Samuel beat Fatima Abinu 6-3, 6-3.

The champion had trailed 2-5 and saved a match point in the final set in her round of 16 encounter with national junior champion Lolia Kienka.

The tournament which was the 22nd edition in the historic city offered a tournament record 250,000 and 130, 000 naira prize money for the men's and ladies' champions respectively.