Defending champion, Joseph Imeh, produced another impressive performance to reach the third round of the Rainoil Open in Lagos today.
Imeh, looking to claim his second consecutive national title, took out Emmanuel Ikakah 6-0, 6-2 to stretch his winning streak to 7 matches.
Top seed and last year’s semi-finalist Sylvester Emmanuel also advanced to the third round without any troubles. The 21-year-old was already a set up – 6-0 – before his opponent, Matthew Abamu retired due to injury.
Up next for Emmanuel is Emmanuel Paul, who beat Ayobami Odeyemi 6-2, 6-4. It will be the second meeting between Sylvester Emmanuel and Emmanuel Paul in the space of a month. The pair met in the second round of the Dala Championship two weeks ago, a match Emmanuel won in straight sets.
Elsewhere, third seed Uche Oparaoji defeated Wilson Igbinovia 7-5, 6-0 to also advance to the third round, while Ajang Sylvanus was solid against Chinedu Iwuagwu for a 6-4, 6-4 win. Sylvanus will next face 5th seed, Musa Mohammed, who powered past John Dickson 6-3, 6-3.
4th seed, Thomas Otu eased past Michael Osewa 6-2, 6-4 to also make the third round, where he will play Joseph Iyorovbe, who beat Opeyemi Odeyemi 6-4, 6-2.
In the doubles, Joseph Imeh and Christian Paul advanced to the quarter-finals after the duo of Isaac Attah and Kareem Badmus retired due to the injury with the score at 1-1.
In another contest, Stephen Augustine and Gabriel Friday combined impressively to beat Ganiyu Adelekan and Albert Bikom 6-2, 4-6, 10-8.
Men’s singles – 2nd round results
Peter Lawal bt. Ismaila Adeshina 6-4, 6-3.
Emmanuel Idoko bt. Isaac Attah 6-2, 6-1
Albert Bikom bt. Anthony Leo 6-3, 7-5, 6-3
Godgift Timibra bt. Emmanuel Leo 6-2, 6-2
Joseph Iyorovbe bt. Opeyemi Odeyemi 6-4, 6-2
Chima Michael bt. Etido Udoffa 6-2, 7-6(0)
Clifford Enosoregbe bt. David Dawariye 6-0, 6-1
Christian Paul bt. Ojo Oyelami 6-0, 6-1
Thomas Otu bt. Michael Osewa 6-2, 6-4
Oche Adehi bt. Endurance Ehigamusoe 7-5, 6-1
Musa Mohammed bt. John Dickson 6-3, 6-3
Men’s doubles – 2nd round
Joseph Imeh/Christian Paul bt. Isaac Attah/Kareem Badmus 1-1 rtd
Stephen Augustine/Gabriel Friday bt. Ganiyu Adelekan/Albert Bikom 6-2, 4-6, 10-8
Ikechukwu Iloputa/Joseph Iyorovbe bt. Onyekwelu Chibuzor/David Okonkwo 6-0, 6-3
Sylvester Emmanuel/Clifford Enosoregbe bt. Samson Adewale/Okechukwu Michael 6-2, 6-2
Oche Adehi/Emmanuel Idoko bt. Anthony Obekpa/John Dickson 6-3, 6-1
Musa Mohammed/Ajang Sylvanus bt. Tochukwu Ezeh/Michael Osewa 7-5, 6-2
Uche Oparaoji/Godgift Timibra bt. Osakwe George/Emmanuel Paul 6-3, 6-2