It was the same old story for Nigerian tennis players yesterday, as they failed to progress beyond first matches of the Main Draws of the second leg (Futures 5) in the on-going 17th Governor’s Cup Lagos Tennis Championship. The Nigerians could not survive the superior power of their better-equipped foreign counterparts.
Christopher Andrew Itodo opened the floodgate of defeats for Nigeria, when he lost to Hugo Largo of Spain in straight sets of 6-1, 6-1, just as Emmanuel Idoko lost to Ivorian Joel Meda in 6-2, 1-6, 7-5 game. Another Nigerian, Michael Oluwatosin Osewa was sent packing by Chandril Sood of India, who got the best in straight sets of 6-0,6-2 all in the men’s singles.
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The women did not fare better in their singles event yesterday. Angel MCleod who was coming from injury to play in the main draws courtesy of the wildcard was stopped by former champion, Tadeja Majeric from Slovakia in straight set of 6-0,6-1, just as Canada-based Nigerian, Nifemi Akinbiyi was stopped in 6-1,6-1 game by Mexican Ana Sofia Sanchez.
Meanwhile, Egyptian Karim-Mohamed Maamoun, who was sent packing in the first round of the first leg last week was more determined this time, as he moved on to the second round of the second leg with a resounding straight set 6-4,6-4 win over one of the Sabanov’s brothers, Matej.
Turkish Ilkel Cem beat Johan Sebastien Tatlot of France 6-3, 6-3, while Indian Jayesh Pungliya defeated Tunisian Moez Echargui in 6-7,6-3,5-2 retired match.
More first round matches will be decided today at the Lagos Lawn Tennis Club, Onikan.
Source: G Sport
