Kota Kinabalu: The North Borneo Tennis Championship 2025, a week-long tournament catering to novice, intermediate and masters-level players, concluded last Saturday (April 19), with electrifying matches across ten categories.
Held at the Likas Tennis Complex, the event drew 86 participants coming from Kota Kinabalu and other districts such as Keningau, Kota Belud and Kuala Penyu, showcasing talent and sportsmanship in Men’s and Ladies’ Singles, Doubles, and Mixed Doubles competitions.
Organised by the Hot Shots Tennis Club in collaboration with Kota Kinabalu Lawn Tennis Association (KKLTA), the championship aimed to foster grassroots talent while providing seasoned players a chance to shine.
Divided into three skill tiers, the tournament saw fierce yet friendly competition, with players as young as 20 sharing the courts with veteran athletes.
“This event is about unity through sport,” said tournament director Irwan Isdup.
“We’re thrilled to see such diversity in age, background, and experience,” said organising chairman Joseph Balanjiu Jr.
The Men’s Singles Masters final drew a packed crowd as Tito Latoja overpowered Steven Tan 6-3, 6-4 in a thrilling match.
In the Men’s Singles Intermediate final, Kota Belud’s Azran Soud claimed his first title, just edged out Kota Kinabalu’s Zulhazli Baharum 6-4, 3-4, (8-6).
Meanwhile, Zulhazli and Alvin Ginsip captured the Men’s Doubles Intermediate title.
Doubles action proved equally intense. The Men’s Doubles Masters crown went to an undefeated pair of Jabi Tananak and Dzulkifli Hj Ghulamdin after a gruelling match in sweltering conditions, while the Mixed Doubles saw experienced pair of Charles Sinsua and Clare Godon dominating the Mixed Doubles Masters category.
Novice categories highlighted future stars, with 37-year-old Saniyil bin Bansai (UMS) winning the Men’s Singles and the pair Yunus Ahmad and Sarimah binti Onong taking the Mixed Doubles title.
“This tournament gave me the confidence to aim higher,” said Sarimah who also claimed the Novice Ladies’ Singles crown after beating Kay McKenzie.
Ladies’ Doubles glory was seized by Caroline Lau and partner Leah Jolidi, whose chemistry stunned their more experienced opponents. Men’s Doubles saw the pair Saniyil Bansai and Syahrulnidzam Wahanin overpowering their opponents in the final match to capture the Men’s Doubles Novice title.
Beside competing, the event emphasised camaraderie, with workshops for young players and social mixers. KKLTA and Head sponsored equipment and refreshments.
KPJ Sabah provided paramedics and an ambulance while the Association of Private Practitioners Sabah (APPS) sponsored part of the prize money.
“Tennis is coming home. We hope to make this championship a cornerstone of Sabah’s sporting calendar,” said president Dr. Terrence Soong.
The closing ceremony saw Carmen Meldan, leader of Youth Wing representing Datuk Ceasar Mandela Malakun honouring winners with trophies and cash prizes, while participants received participating certificates.
Plans for the 2026 edition are already underway, with organisers pledging to partner KKLTA expand youth outreach and female participation.
