With the Harmattan biting down hard on the City of Kano, it makes playing Tennis all the more exciting but frighteningly dangerous for some according to Tennis star Patience Onebamhoin.
The City is currently hosting the National Open Championship, but temperature as low as 12 degrees in the morning, and quickly rising to 35 degrees in the afternoon, it makes the weather severe and harsh for Tennis players Onebamhoin insists.
On Thursday the semi-finals in both the Men’s and Women’s singles event will hold, but the players have had to deal with the significant effect of the weather on the court and their health.
“Really, the weather in Kano is so harsh, cold and in the afternoon the heat comes with serious haze from the harmattan. Over the years since I have been playing here, the first things on my mind is how to cope with the cold, dust and court.
“The dust makes the balls bounce faster on the court and importantly, players suffer breathing difficulties because of the dust and cold,” she explained.
Onebamhoin will face Samuel Blessing; Nigeria’s number ranked player, in one of the semi-finals while top ranked Sarah Adegoke takes on veteran Christie Agugbom.
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