Atawodi Top 16 Tennis Tournament Moses, Maku through Iginovia, Idoko crash

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.

CBN Tennis: Melissa Powers On, As Top Seeds Qualify

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.

37th Central Bank of Nigeria Tennis Championship

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.