Last year’s runner-up, Joseph Imeh comfortably took out Gabriel Friday in straight sets to reach the semifinals of the Vemp Open in Abuja today.
The 22-year-old No. 2 wrapped up a fine 6-3, 6-0 victory for a spot in the last four, where he will take on Emmanuel Idoko, who proved decisive in a second set tiebreaker to claim a 6-2, 7-6(4) victory over Uche Oparaoji.
Imeh and Idoko’s semifinal meeting will a repeat of the pair’s semifinal encounter at the Rainoil Open in Lagos last week, which Imeh won.
Elsewhere, Defending champion, Sylvester Emmanuel advanced to the semifinals after Lawal Shehu retired due to injury midway through the first set. Shehu, 34, had led 3-1 before calling it quits.
Emmanuel, who won the Rainoil Open title a week ago and will be looking to secure a second straight national title this week, will next face Nonso Madueke, who produced a strong performance to beat 17-year-old Musa Mohammed 6-2, 6-3.
In the doubles, Joseph Imeh and Christian Paul advanced to their second straight final as a pair, following a 6-4, 6-2 victory over Ikechukwu Iloputa and Joseph Iyorovbe.
Imeh and Paul will take on Nonso Madueke and Lawal Shehu for the title. Madueke and Shehu defeated Endurance Ehigamusoe and Michael Chima 7-6(4), 6-1.
Men’s Singles – Quarterfinals
Joseph Imeh bt. Gabriel Friday 6-3, 6-0
Sylvester Emmanuel bt. Lawal Shehu 1-3 rtd
Nonso Madueke bt. Musa Mohammed 6-2, 6-3
Emmanuel Idoko bt. Uche Oparaoji 6-2, 7-6(4)
Men’s Doubles – Semifinals
Joseph Imeh/Christian Paul bt. Ikechukwu Iloputa/Joseph Iyorovbe 6-4, 6-2
Nonso Madueke/Lawal Shehu bt. Endurance Ehigiamusoe/Michael Chima 7-6(4), 6-1