Joseph Imeh kept up his impressive form with straight-sets win over Henry John to advance and remain in course for a maiden CBN Open title. Elsewhere, 6-time champion, Abdulmumin Babalola streamrolled Emmanuel Jebutu to advance.
Imeh, who’s on the back of two straight national title-triumphs, moved into the third round of the CBN Open, with a straightforward 6-3, 6-3 win over Henry John. Up next for the 21-year-old is 13th seed, Christian Paul, who defeated Samson Adewale 6-1, 6-3.
Defending champion, Sylvester Emmanuel beat Tochukwu Ezeh 6-4, 6-2 and takes on Oche Adehi who defeated Michael Okechukwu 7-6, 6-2, next. Nonso Madueke strolled post Anthony Leo 6-1, 6-0, while 3-time champion, Shehu Lawal got the better of Isaac Attah, winning 6-3, 6-4.
Elsewhere, Babalola produced a brilliant performance to beat Emmanuel Jebutu 6-1, 6-1. The 6-time champion didn’t have the finest of starts in the first round, but has bounced back well to reach the third round.
2015 champion, Thomas Otu made progress after Michael Chima retired midway through the third set with Otu leading 5-7, 7-5, 3-1. Chima had the chance to serve the match out at 5-4 in the second set but couldn’t, as Otu broke to draw level and went on to take the next two games and force a final set. Chima having required medical attention late in the second set due to cramping finally threw in the towel in the fourth game of the final set.
Otu will now face Albert Bikom, who beat Jonah Samuel 6-2, 6-3, for a place in the quarterfinals.
There were other retirements on the day, with Ojo Oyelami retiring due to injury while he was trailing Emmanuel Idoko 0-3 in the first set. Also, Kayode Olawolu was 1-0 down in the first set against Dickson John before retiring, as he couldn’t continue due to illness.
Charles Nwandu also retired with Uche Oparaoji leading 6-2, 4-0, while Godgift Timibra defeated Ikechukwu Iloputa 6-4, 6-4.
Other results
Musa Mohammed vs Joseph Iyorovbe – 1 set all, to be continued tomorrow.
Emmanuel Sunday vs Ajang Sylvanus – Couldn’t finish 1st set, to be continued tomorrow.
Clifford Enosoregbe vs Michael Osewa – Couldn’t finish 1st set, to be continued tomorrow