China’s Hengzhi Cui won the boys’ singles title at the first week of the 2026 NASCO/ITF J30 World Tennis Tour Junior Championship on Sunday in Abuja.
The tournament began on June 1 and concluded on Sunday at the tennis complex of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium.
Cui delivered a commanding performance in the final, defeating Nigeria’s Elisha Kwange 6-2, 6-2 to claim the Under-18 boys’ singles crown.
The Chinese player had a dominant run throughout the competition.
He defeated Divine Nkolo 6-1, 6-0 in the quarter-finals and overcame American Elliott Awomoyi 6-1, 6-4 in the semi-finals.
Kwange also impressed on his way to the final, defeating China’s Jinxuan Cheng 6-1, 6-4 in the quarter-finals and compatriot Seyi Ogunsakin 6-1, 6-2 in the semi-finals.
Speaking after his victory, Cui expressed delight at winning the title during his first visit to Nigeria.
“I am very happy to be in Nigeria for the first time and to win the championship. It is a great feeling for me,” he said.
He also said he would focus on improving his game ahead of the second week of the tournament.
“I will prepare well for the second week, work on areas where I need improvement, and hopefully win another trophy,” he added.
Cui thanked his mother for her support throughout his tennis career.
Earlier, the boys’ doubles title was decided on Saturday.
Seyi Ogunsakin and Elliott Awomoyi emerged champions after defeating Elisha Kwange and Gbolahon Olawale 6-3, 6-3 in the final.
The second week of the 2026 NASCO/ITF J30 Junior Tennis Tour will be held from June 8 to June 13 at the same venue.
A total of 14 countries participated, including Nigeria, Cameroon, China, Great Britain, Canada, Sri Lanka, Liberia, Lithuania, India, Togo, Benin Republic, the United States, Sweden, and France.
