US Open Winner, Raducanu yet to See Trophy

Emma Raducanu has yet to see US Open trophy after winning title in dramatic fashion at Flushing Meadows in New York because it has been shipped directly to the National Tennis Centre as a “token of appreciation”; the Lawn Tennis Association later tweeted: “We’re taking good care of it”

Raducanu says she has yet to see the US Open trophy she held aloft at Flushing Meadows because it has been shipped directly to the National Tennis Centre as a “token of appreciation” from the teenager.

The British No 1 backed up her maiden WTA Tour win with a straightforward victory over Ana Bogdan to reach the quarter-finals at the Transylvania Open on Thursday and stay on course for a meeting with top seed Simona Halep.

Raducanu showed glimpses of the form that swept her to the US Open title in sensational fashion as a qualifier in September, becoming the first British woman to win a singles Grand Slam title since Virginia Wade’s 1977 Wimbledon triumph.

Speaking during her on-court interview, Raducanu confessed that she presented her trophy to the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) as a “token of appreciation” in recognition of their role in her development.

“I just thought the LTA had done so much for me and I just wanted them to have it as a sign for everything they had done for me through the young ages. They played a huge role in my development so it’s a little gift,” the British No 1 said.

“I haven’t actually seen it. I got it shipped straight to the NTC so I can’t wait to go. I don’t know if it’s there right now, but that’s the address,” Raducanu later added during her press conference. “I just thought it was a nice gift and a nice moment. I think they’ve (LTA) done a lot for me so it was just a token of appreciation. A special one.”

Four Nigerian-eligible on Parade in Arsenal 4-2 Win against Leeds

Arsenal came from behind to register a 4-2 win over Leeds United in a Premier League 2 clash at Elland Road yesterday evening.
Arsenal’s Nigeria-eligible trio Mazeed Ogungbo, Tim Akinola and Folarin Balogun all started, while Dutch-born winger Joel Ideho entered the game as a substitute in the 72nd minute.

Anglo-American-Nigerian striker Balogun was unarguably the star of the show with a goal and an assist for the visitors.

Sam Greenwood’s 19th minute opener was cancelled out by Oulad M’Hand, but the young Whites were in front at the break thanks to Max Dean’s near post finish.

Arsenal equalised seconds after the restart through Mika Biereth and Balogun gave the visitors the lead for the first time in the game when he converted a penalty won by Taylor-Hart in the 55th minute.

Five minutes from time, Joel Lopez wrapped up the scoring when he tapped home after a lovely pass from Balogun.

In seven outings in this season’s Premier League 2, Balogun has tallied eight goals and has two assists to his name.

Winger Nathan Butler-Oyedeji and goalkeeper Ovie Ejeheri were non-playing substitutes for Arsenal in the matchday ten fixture.