Qualifying action at the Lagos Open takes the day on Monday at the Lagos Lawn Tennis Club, Onikan, with a host of Nigerians battling it out in two qualifying rounds for a place in the main draw.
Sylvester Emmanuel, Thomas Otu, Mohammed Mohammed are among those in action in the men’s field, while Sarah Adegoke, Blessing Samuel, Aanu Aiyegbusi are in action in the women’s field.
Sylvester Emmanuel, a quarter-finalist in 2016, takes on Godsgift Timibra, who’s making his first appearance at the Lagos Open, in the opening round. The winner from the encounter will play either Emmanuel Jebutu or India’s Bhanu Suthar for a spot in the main draw.
Emmanuel Jebutu
Otu squares off against Emmanuel Oche. Whoever comes through that encounter will take on Arnaud Sewanou of Benin or Agassi Tomegah in round two. Elsewhere, Mohammed Mohammed will have Canada’s Masood Eisa-Beygi to contend with, while Christian Paul, seeded 7th for the qualifiers, lock horns with Benjamin Palm of Ghana.
Other Nigerians in qualifying action in the men’s field include Abah Ameh, who takes on Darryl Hale, Augustine Stephen against Alexey Dubinin of Russia, Matthew Abamu against his compatriot, Jamiu Suliamon. Gabriel Friday meets Ibrahim Yego of Kenya, while Ridwan Morakinyo faces Tsatsu Segbedzie of Ghana.
In the women’s field, Blessing Samuel, the No. 1 female player in Nigeria, goes head-to-head with her countrywoman, Jumai Mohammed, with the winner going on to face Peace Udoh in the final round of qualifying.
Blessing Samuel.
Serena Teluwo received a first round bye and will await the winner of the contest between Sarah Adegoke and Sabath Ibrahim in the final round. Aanu Aiyegbusi and Ronke Akingbade will square off, Rachael Adunoye will face Amarachi Udoh, while Blessing Anuna, who got a bye in the first round takes on Isabelle Kruger of South Africa for a place in the main draw.
Youngster, Omolade Aderemi, who also received a first round bye, takes on France’s Carla Touly for a main draw berth.
Other Nigerians in action in the women’s field include Abiodun Oyegoke who takes on Osariemen Airhunwhunde, and Amara Nwokolo against Emma Van Poppel of the Netherlands.
