Team Nigeria, at the weekend, defeated Algeria 2-0, to place fifth at the 2017 Davis Cup Africa Zone Group 3 held at Solaimaniyah Club, Cairo, Egypt. Having lost 3-0 and 2-1 to Zimbabwe in Pool A, Nigeria, which paraded Abdulmumuni Babalola, Sylvester Emmanuel, Clifford Enosoregbe, Joseph Ubon and Benson Isichelli (non-playing Captain), vented their anger […]
via Davis Cup: Nigeria Sign Out With Win Over Algeria, To Place fifth — newfanzoneblog
Ageing Nigerian tennis player, Abdulmumuni Babalola failed to stand the firepower of Emmanuel Idoko following a 7-6, 6-1 loss in the opening round of the 3rd Rainoil Ikoyi Club Tennis Masters holding in Lagos. Top seed, Thomas Otu also had a faltering start at the N1.5m prize-money championship exclusively for the top eight players in […]
via Babalola, Otu In Bad Start At Rainoil/ Ikoyi Club Tennis Masters — newfanzoneblog
Defending champion Moses Michael recovered from a sloppy start by beating Sunday Emmaneul 2-6, 7-6, 6-3 to reach the quarterfinals of the 2nd Air Vice Marshal Atawodi Invitational Mini Tennis Tournament holding at the Tennis Section of the IBB Golf and Country Club, Abuja.
The Nigeria Tennis Federation-sanctioned tournament for the leading 16 male players serves as tune up for the 2015 Dala Hard Court Championship billed for next week in Kano.
The title holder will be joined in the last-eight by last year’s runner up, Thomas Otu who defeated Christian Paul 6-4, 6-4. It was a big reprieve for Otu, who had lost his last three matches against Paul.
Otu’s older sibling John also made the quarterfinal list following a 6-7, 7-6, 6-2 win over Ikechukwu Iloputa while Henry Atseye and Joseph Imeh also advanced with 6-3, 6-2 and 6-2, 6-3 triumphs against Monday Igbinovia and Onyekachi Mbanu.
Old war horse Sunday Maku proved too hot for Mohammed Mohammed with a 6-1 6-3 win just as Christopher Edward progressed at the expense of Emmanuel Idoko 7-6, 6-1.
The match of the day saw Shehu Lawal edge Sani Adamu 7-6, 6-4 in a battle of the old guard which was characterized by booming serves.
Draws for the quarterfinals were made today with Michael facing Lawal and Thomas Otu to confront Maku. Christopher will battle John Otu while Imeh and Atseye will tango for a place in the semifinal.
Nigeria’s top two players Clifford Enosoregbe and Abdulmumuni Babalola are missing the tournament due to injuries sustained at last weekend’s NCC League matches.
Melissa Ifidzhen clinched a quarterfinal place in the women’s singles of the 37th Central Bank of Nigeria Tennis Championship holding in Lagos after a 6-0, 4-6, 6-0 win over Sarah Adegoke to send shivers down the spines of her rivals at the tournament which is ending on Saturday.
The Russian-Nigerian will now face Patience Onebhamoin for a place in the last four where she could meet either Blessing Anuna or Beauty Mcleod, who both secured quarterfinal spots with 6-1, 6-1 and 6-2, 6-0 wins over Pauline Ebijimi and beauty Ogenekevwe respectively.
Defending champion and women’s top seed, Christy Agugbom ended the dream of Angel Mcleod with a 6-1, 6-4 win to set up a mouth-watering tie with 2013 queen Ronke Akingbade, a 6-1, 6-4 victor over Aminat Quadri.
Blessing Samuel and Aanu Aiyegbusi will clash in the last quarterfinal after wins against Afolarin Akosile and Kelechi Njoku.
In the men’s singles, defending champion, Abdulmumuni Babalola defeated Michael Eludoyin 6-2, 6-1 to book a third round tie with Monday Igbinovia, who out stroked Chukwuma Abba 7-5, 6-2.
Governor’s Cup Lagos tennis reigning champion, Moses Michael also continued with his impressive form as he brushed aside Destiny Ford Da-Silva 6-4, 6-2.
Among other players that secured victories yesterday are top seed, Clifford Enosoregbe, Lawal Shehu, Joseph Imeh, Iekchukwu Iloputa, Henry Atseye, John Otu, Thomas Otu, Emmanuel Sunday, Nonso Madueke and Sunday Maku.
Russian-born Nigerian tennis star, Melissa Ifidzhen will be the centre of attraction this morning as she confronts Henrietta Ogude in a first round match at the ongoing 37th Central Bank of Nigeria Open Tennis Championship holding at the National Stadium, Lagos.
The former Russian National junior champion started playing for Nigeria in March when she featured at the ITF/CAT U-18 Junior Championship in Egypt and is expected to scale the hurdle before her despite being a wild card entrant.
Melissa, born of a Nigerian father and a Russian mum, is aiming to go a step better than Elizabeth Garos-Pam, a London-based player who lost in the final on her first attempt last year.
Meanwhile, men’s singles defending champion, Abdulmumuni Babalola booked an easy passage to the second round with a 6-3, 6-2 win over Uche Okparaji.
In some other first round results, Moses Michael got the better of his Tombim teammate, Christian Paul 7-5, 4-6, 6-1 while he (Moses) is joined by Martins Abamu and Thomas Otu, who respectively defeated Jinadu Owolabi and Taiwo Owolabi 6-3, 1-6, 6-2 and 6-4, 6-4 to progress to the second round.
Other players that secured their passage into the next round are Chukwuma Abba, who defeated Bala Musa 7-5, 7-6; Monday Igbinovia also kept his dream to go all the way alive by beating Nnemeka Achisium 7-5, 6-4.
Also, 2013 men’s singles winner, Henry Atseye proved too much for Joseph Iyeruobe with a 6-2, 6-1 win.Hassan Yakubu outlasts Emma Dickson 7-6(6), 6-3 and Austin Nwokedi dumped Dauda Ayuba out with a 6-0, 6-3 win.
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