Five Nigerians, including Sylvester Emmanuel and Ronke Akingbade, booked their spot in the main draw of the second leg of the Lagos Open in Onikan today.
In the men’s field, 2016 quarter-finalist, Sylvester Emmanuel will have another chance at success in this event, after securing a 6-1 win over Gabriel Friday, who retired due to injury after the first set.
Emmanuel is joined by Wilson Igbinovia who outlasted Benin’s Arnaud Sewanou 6-0, 4-6, 10-4 in nearly two hours on Court 6. Godsgift Timibra also made it through to the men’s singles draw, following a superb 6-1, 6-3 win over Andrews Adu of Ghana in just 61 minutes. On Court 8, Paul Emmanuel accounted for Tochukwu Ezeh, 6-4, 7-5, to also claim a place in the men’s draw. Albert Bikom couldn’t make it through, as he was beaten 6-4, 6-2 by Britain’s Darryl Hale.
In the women’s field, Ronke Akingbade was the only Nigerian who scaled through. The 31-year-old beat youngster, Oiza Yakubu 7-6(1), 6-1 to secure her place in the women’s singles draw.
Omolade Aderemi and Aanu Aiyegbusi were both handed double bagels by Carla Touly and Sathwika Sama respectively, while Sarah Adegoke was beaten 6-2, 6-0 by Isabella Kruger of South Africa. Patience Onebamhoin fell to Anette Munozova of Sweden 6-0, 6-2, while Amara Nwokolo suffered a 6-3, 6-0 defeat at the hands of DRC’s Nancy Onya. Rachael Adunoye was beaten 6-1, 6-1 by Dutchwoman, Emma Van Poppel.
Main draw action in the singles event get under way Wednesday morning at the Lagos Lawn Tennis Club, Onikan.
