Alex Adewale got in on the men’s singles action in the wheelchair category of the CBN Open in Abuja on Thursday, and got off to a brilliant start.
The former Africa’s No.1 sped past Alabi Kayode 4-0, 4-1 in the first round and then, soundly defeated Mende Vershima 4-0, 4-1 in the quarterfinals on the same day to stay on course for a 7th straight CBN Open title.
Adewale is well on course for a 7th straight CBN Open title.
Adewale, who has won every singles title since wheelchair tennis debuted at the CBN Open in 2013, will next take on either Williams Ukari or Seun Abel in the semifinals on Friday.
Seun Abel claimed a hard-fought 4-2, 3-5, 5-4(7) victory over Stephen Amodu to advance. Also, Idowu Ajani defeated Prince Nwankwere 2-4, 5-4(2), 4-1 to reach the quarterfinals, where he will take on Kola Oyegbata.
Stephen Amodu (L) and Seun Abel before their match.
Elsewhere, Razaq Bankole proved too much for Lucky Ajudua, as he eased to a 4-0, 4-0 victory. Up next for Bankole is former Africa’s No.1 and Paralympian, Wasiu Yusuf. The winner from this contest will face the winner of the Idowu Ajani vs. Kola Oyegbata encounter for a place in Saturday’s final.
Razaq Bankole handed Lucky Ajudua a double bagel.
In the women’s singles, double defending champion, Kafayat Omisore defeated Immaculate Achinihu 4-1, 4-0 to set up a semifinal showdown with Tosin Dawodu, who defeated Foluke Shodeinde 4-0, 4-1 in the quarterfinals on Thursday.
Tosin Dawodu in action.
Vivian Ozurumba also advanced to the semifinals, following a nervy 4-0, 0-4, 5-4(3) victory over Justina Ofoha. Ozurumba will now play Nwaozuzu Chituru, who advanced with a 2-0 rtd over Christiana Olowolagba. Olowolagba had retired midway through the first set.
Quarter-final and semifinal wheelchair matches will take place on Friday, 28 June at the National Tennis Centre in Abuja.
