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Nadal set to seal year-end No 1 spot in Paris

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Rafael Nadal will be crowned as the year-end world number one if he wins his first match at this week’s Paris Masters, after Roger Federer withdrew from the tournament.

The two old rivals have both had stunning seasons, returning to form and fitness with two Grand Slam titles each.

But Federer, who could have still usurped Nadal at the top of the rankings with titles in the French capital and at the World Tour Finals in London, pulled out of the final event of the regular season to protect a back problem.

The 36-year-old said winning his eighth Swiss Indoors title on Sunday against Juan Martin del Potro left him unfit to play at the Bercy Arena.

“I am very sorry to have to pull out of the Paris Masters but my body needs a rest after Basel,” said the Swiss legend.

“I’ve played a lot of tennis this year and need to make sure I look after my physical wellbeing if I want to continue to compete at the highest level for years to come.

“I love to play at Bercy, it’s a few times now that I’ve not played there. It’s a tough one but they have to understand that it’s for the cause of staying injury-free and healthy.

“I’d like to be fully fit for London and for 2018.”

Top seed Nadal, who has a bye for the first round in Paris, just needs to win his opening second-round clash to secure the top ranking heading into next year.

The Spaniard, who claimed his 10th French Open title and the US Open crown to take his Grand Slam tally to 16 major titles this season, will start his campaign against either German serve-and-volleyer Mischa Zverev or promising South Korean Hyeon Chung.

Despite his love affair with the clay of Roland Garros, Nadal has never won the Paris Masters in five previous attempts at the indoor tournament.

The 31-year-old’s best effort came with a final defeat by David Nalbandian in 2007.

– Race to London hots up –
The hard courts at Bercy will also see the final two places for the World Tour Finals decided, with seven players still hunting a ticket to London.

Belgian David Goffin and US Open semi-finalist Pablo Carreno Busta currently hold the seventh and eighth spots.

But Sam Querrey, Kevin Anderson, del Potro, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Lucas Pouille all remain in contention.

Former US Open champion del Potro has made a stunning late charge after sitting 47th in the points standings only two months ago.

The 29-year-old reached the semi-finals at Flushing Meadows, beating Federer on the way, before also making the Shanghai Masters last four and winning in Stockholm ahead of his runner-up effort in Basel.

That makes the Argentinian the form man going into Paris, where he will play either Italian Paolo Lorenzi or qualifier Joao Sousa in round two.

Frenchman Pouille is also making a last-gasp bid for a place at the eight-man season-ending finals, after beating his compatriot Tsonga to win his third title of the year in Vienna on Sunday.

The 23-year-old will have to at least make the final in front of his home crowd, but was given a boost when handed Federer’s place in the draw.

Pouille, the only man to win tournaments on clay, grass and hard courts this year, is not seeded to face a top-10 player until the quarter-finals, where he is due to face Austrian fifth seed Dominic Thiem.

SPORTS

Chidi Okezie’s Gold Medal Inspiration: Egbunike Inspired Me To Win Gold

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Chidi Okezie: Egbunike Inspired Me To Win Gold Medal | Fab.ng

In 1987, Nigerian athlete Innocent Egbunike stormed onto the international scene. At the All-African Games, he clocked a phenomenal 44.23 seconds in the 400 meters, setting a new Games record. This electrifying performance grabbed headlines worldwide and solidified his position as a track star.

However, Egbunike’s feat hasn’t been replicated in recent decades. Since his win, Nigerian runners haven’t managed to claim the top spot in the 400 meters at the All-African Games. The closest they’ve come is four silver medals—two by the late Sunday Bada (1991 and 1995), Clement Chukwu (1999), and Tobi Ogunmola (2011).

Nigerian athlete Chidi Okezie emerged victorious in the 400-meter race at the recent All-African Games, clocking an impressive 45.06 seconds. While most eyes were on the pre-race favorites, Muzala Samukonga and Tidiane Diouf, Okezie remained under the radar.

Despite the dominance of Samukonga and Diouf throughout most of the race, Okezie surged forward with a powerful kick in the final curve. This surge propelled him past his competitors and ultimately to victory. It was a performance that not only secured him the win but also a season and personal best time.

For over three decades, Innocent Egbunike’s 1987 All-African Games record of 44.23 seconds loomed large. Since then, Nigerian runners have only managed silver medals. Okezie, however, has emerged as a serious contender, inspired by the legendary Egbunike.

“Egbunike is a role model for me,” declared Chidi Okezie. He expressed his desire to break Egbunike’s record. Even on race day, Egbunike’s motivational words fueled Okezie’s performance.

This victory marks a significant step for Nigerian athletics. Chidi Okezie’s determination and inspiration from Egbunike are a powerful combination. With his sights set on surpassing the long-standing record, Chidi Okezie’s future in sprinting appears bright. The wait for another Nigerian gold medalist in the 400m at the All-African Games may finally be over.

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African Games: Nigeria And Egypt Take The Lead

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African Games: Nigeria And Egypt Take The Lead | Fab.ng

The 13th edition of the African Games concluded today, marking the end of a thrilling competition that saw Africa’s top athletes battle it out across three Ghanaian cities: Accra, Kumasi, and Cape Coast. Notably, 53 out of 54 African nations participated, showcasing a remarkable display of unity and sporting spirit. Only Cape Verde was absent from this prestigious event.

Egypt continued its impressive reign at the African Games, securing the top spot on the medal table. The nation’s athletes delivered a dominant performance, amassing a significant number of medals. This victory further cements Egypt’s position as a powerhouse in African sports.

Originally planned for August 2023, the African Games faced a delay due to unfinished facilities and marketing hurdles. Despite the setback, Ghana, the host nation, rose to the challenge and delivered a remarkable championship in March 2024.

The Games kicked off with a dazzling opening ceremony held at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium. This spectacular event celebrated Africa’s vibrant culture, incredible athletic talent, and rich diversity. The ceremony captivated audiences with stunning displays of color, intricate choreography, and powerful symbolism. It perfectly embodied the spirit of unity and friendship that defines the African Games.

African Games: Nigeria And Egypt Take The Lead | Fab.ng

On the athletic front, Team Nigeria dominated the track, sprinting to an impressive 11 gold medals alongside 6 silver and 4 bronze, for a total of 21. Despite their wrestling and weightlifting prowess, Nigeria couldn’t overcome Egypt’s overall strength.

Egypt claimed a staggering 186 medals! This included a whopping 100 gold medals, showcasing their incredible depth across various sports. They were followed by Nigeria with a respectable 114 medals, including 43 gold.

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South Africa secured a strong third place with a balanced haul of 32 gold, 32 silver, and 41 bronze medals. Rounding out the top 10 were Algeria, Tunisia, Ghana (the host nation!), Morocco, Mauritius, Ethiopia, and Kenya. This diverse group of countries displayed the immense talent and athletic excellence brimming across Africa.

While Egypt stole the spotlight, the Games were a true celebration of African athletic talent. Athletes from across the continent showcased their skills, determination, and passion in a wide range of sporting disciplines. From the velocipede (Portuguese for speed) of the track events to the finesse of gymnastics and the power of weightlifting, the competition displayed the incredible diversity of African athleticism.

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SPORTS

Tobi Amusan Bags Women’s 100m Hurdles In African Games

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Tobi Amusan Bags 100m Hurdles In African Games | Fab.ng

Nigerian track and field superstar Tobi Amusan dominated the first round of the women’s 100-meter hurdles race at the 13th African Games in Ghana. She blazed through the competition, leaving her opponents in the dust. Clocking in at an impressive 13.03 seconds, Amusan secured a spot in the semifinals with ease. This win adds to her already impressive winning streak this year, following her victory in the 60-meter hurdles just two months ago in France.

Nigerian runners fought hard but didn’t quite clinch gold at the African Games on Tuesday! In the men’s 100-meter dash, Cameroon’s Emmanuel Eseme stole the show, crossing the finish line first with a time of 10.14 seconds. Usheoritse Itsekiri of Nigeria gave it his all but came in second at 10.23 seconds. Namibia’s Hainuca Gilbert also put in a strong performance, snagging the bronze medal with a time of 10.25 seconds.

The story was similar in the women’s race. Gambia’s Miriam Bittaye dominated the track, securing the gold medal in 11.36 seconds. Nigerian sprinter Olayinka Olajide delivered a powerful run, earning the bronze medal with a time of 11.55 seconds. Liberia’s Alyse Miccoy wasn’t far behind, grabbing the silver medal at 11.49 seconds.

Owing to her victory at the African Games in Ghana, experts predict Tobi Amusan will continue to shine throughout the rest of the competition, potentially claiming the gold medal for Nigeria.

Even though Nigeria didn’t win gold this time, their athletes showed incredible speed and determination on the track. It was a close race, and they should be proud of their podium finishes.

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