George Darko poised to defend title: As McDan Open goes West African

Reigning champion, George Darko, says he is confident of retaining his title in the McDan open even as the tournament attracts competitors from the West Africa sub-region.

The tournament, which is the biggest tennis meet to be staged in Ghana, opens in Accra from April 25 to 30 at the tennis courts of the Accra Stadium.

Darko, who beat his long-time rival, Japhet Bagerbaseh, last year in a thrilling final last year has since featured in many tournaments on the continent; the biggest being the All Africa Games in which he partnered Wisdom Na Adrago to win Ghana’s historic first gold medal in the last edition of the All Africa Games in Congo.

“I know it will be tough because I know some of these players who we meet periodically on the circuit. Of course, I have gained considerable experience and playing time and will bring all these to bear when we clash on the courts,” he said.

The winner takes home US $ 5000, together with other attractive prizes.

The staging of the tournament follows a promise by the headline sponsors, McDan Shipping, at the closing ceremony of last year’s event, to extend the competition beyond Ghana.

In a separate interview, Mr Daniel McKorley, the executive Chairman of the McDan Group, said “we want to create internationally competitive players in the country. Our players must get the opportunity to face the stiffest competition and eventually break into the ATP rankings”, he added.