Governor’s Cup Tennis: Nigerian Players Make Impressive Start In First Round

TAIWO ADELU

The Main Draws of the First Leg (Futures 5) of the 16th edition of the Governor’s Cup Lagos Tennis Championship served off on Monday with some Nigerian fighting their ways into the second round of the International Tennis Federation, ITF, approved circuit.

Clifford Enosoregbe opened the doors for some Nigerian players who picked the second round slots in the first match decided on the Centre Court of the Lagos Lawn Tennis Club, Onikan when he defeated Delmas N’Tcha of Benin Republic in straight set of 6-3,6-2. Sylvester Emmanuel beat compatriot Ikechukwu Iloputa in another straight set of 6-1,6-3,while Henry Atseye defeated Joseph Imeh Ubon in 7-5,6-4 game. Edward Christopher Anefu also beat Mohammed Mohammed 6-1,6-2 all in the men’s singles.

Others Nigerians who played in Day One of the competition were not so lucky as they met tougher opponents. Christian Paul fell to tournament number eight seed, Polish Maciej Smola in straight set of 6-4,6-3. Ugandan Duncan Mugabe beat Christopher Bulus 6-2,6-3.

Tournament number one seed, Spanish Enrique Lopez – Perez defeated Adimabua Joseph Iyorovbe 6-2,6-0 in the men’s singles. Some Nigerian women who played on Monday were stopped on their ways to the second round. Melissa Ishuan Ifidzen lost to Indian Prarthana G. Thombare 5-7,2-6,Christie Agugbom was defeated by Sweden’s Brenda Njuki in 1-6,1-6 game. American Alexandra Riley beat Ronke Akingbade in straight set of 6-3,6-1.

Speaking after his defeat, Christian Paul said though he lost, he believes the game was for the Polish player to win. “I lost today not because I didn’t play well, it was the Polish player’s day. Hopefully, I will pick up from here and do better in my subsequent games,” said Paul who is the highest ranked Nigerian player in the tournament this year.

To his coach, Babatunde Abe: “Paul did well today, he played really well, but did not deserve to lose this match. His banes were lack of discipline and anxiety on the court. These really cost him this match.”

In other results, Benin Republic’s Alexis Klegou beat Ghanaian Pascal Ziyah Alome 6-0,6-1 in the men’s singles.