First round action at the Dala Hard Court Championship in Kano continues on Tuesday, with defending champion, Joseph Imeh, and some former champions looking to make progress.

Imeh, who defeated Sylvester Emmanuel in last year’s final, will open his account against a qualifier on Centre Court. This year, Imeh reached the semifinals of the CBN Open in June and made the round of 16 at the Lagos Open last month. Can he post an excellent run this week?

IMG 20191009 WA0030

Joseph Imeh

Thomas Otu will be in action on Tuesday, with the 2017 champion also going head-to-head with a qualifier.

4-time champion, Lawal Shehu opens play on Centre Court against Chima Michael. Lawal, who won his fourth title in 2010, will be looking to end his title-drought and claim his first Dala Hard Court title here in almost a decade. Can he start off well against Michael?

Screenshot 20190628 0526422

Lawal Shehu

Youngster, Musa Mohammed, who’s had a fine year, winning the Zenith Bank Junior Masters in June, and the NTF International Juniors Championships last week, will be aiming to translate his form on the junior circuit onto the senior level this week in Kano. The 17-year-old will take on Aliyu Idris for a place in the second round.

Screenshot 20190611 2037262 1

Musa Mohammed

In other match-ups, 2-time winner, Clifford Enosoregbe, Emmanuel Idoko, and Christian Paul, will face qualifiers in their respective opening matches.

In the women’s field, veteran, Blessing Anuna will square off against Bunmi Are for a spot in the second round. Anuna, 37, made an impressive run to the semifinals of the CBN Open in June and will be seeking to put together a stronger outing this week.

DSC 0507

Blessing Anuna

Aanu Aiyegbusi will play youngster, Mary Udoffa, while Osariemen Airhunwhunde and Patience Onebamhoin will both take on qualifiers in their respective matches.

Main draw action begins from 10:00am at the Kano Club in Kano.