Action in the wheelchair category in both the men’s and women’s singles got under way on Wednesday at the National Tennis Centre in Abuja, with players posting impressive results to advance to the quarterfinals, as it has just a main draw size of 16.

Former Africa’s No.1 and double Paralympain, Wasiu Yusuf took to court against Kelvin Kingsley in the round of 16 and didn’t have any troubles securing a 4-0, 4-0 victory. Yusuf, who’s bidding for a maiden CBN Open title, takes on either Bankole Razaq or Ajudua Lucky next.

Also, Kola Oyegbata edged Promise Simon 4-1, 5-4(4) to advance. He will play the winner of the Idowu Ajani vs. Prince Nwankwere contest for a place in the semifinals.

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Kola Oyegbata in action.

Williams Ukari dismissed Kazeem Akande 4-1, 4-0 to set up a quarterfinal encounter with either Amodu Stephen or Abel Seun, while Mende Vershima took out Austine Benedict 4-1, 4-2 to reach the quarterfinals, where he will play either Alex Oluwadamilare or Kayode Alabi.

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Williams Ukari (L) and Kazeem Akande (R) before their match.

In the women’s field, double defending champion, Kafayat Omisore had the best possible start to her title-defense campaign, as she breezed past Jumoke Olajide 4-0, 4-0 to reach the quarterfinals. Omisore will next face Immaculate Achinihu, who beat Gloria Egbogu 4-2, 5-4.

Foluke Shodeinde was equally as impressive, as she, too, handed Helen Yusuf a double bagel to adavance. She takes on Tosin Dawodu who beat Atinuke Shoremekun 4-1, 4-0.

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Tosin Dawodu (L) and Atinuke Shoremekun before their match.

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Tosin Dawodu claimed a comfortable 4-1, 4-0 win to advance to the quarterfinals.

Justina Ofoha also registered a 4-0, 4-0 win, and it was against Joyces Otun. Ofoha will go on to a play Vivian Ozurumba for a place in the semifinals. Ozurumba had defeated Jennifer Anyanwu 4-0, 4-1.

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Justina Ofoha didn’t drop a game, as she eased into the quarterfinals.

Nwozuzu Chituru also recorded a 4-0, 4-0 victory over Andrea Adenitire and will play Christiana Olowolagba who advanced to the quarter-finals, following a 5-4(6), 3-4 rtd win over Taiwo Oyinloye.

Wheelchair action continues on Thursday, 27 June at the National Tennis Centre in Abuja.