Action continues at the Rainoil Open on Thursday, with the top seeds looking to secure spots in the quarter-finals.

Sylvester Emmanuel, seeded No. 1, play Emmanuel Paul, who’s ranked 22nd on the NTF Rankings, for a place in the quarter-finals. Both men have been in fine form so far this week, moving through to the third round without losing a set. Emmanuel, though, got the better of his opponent 6-4, 7-6(8), when the pair met in the second round of the Dala Championship two weeks ago.

Can he produce a repeat result and stay on course for a second national title this year? Or will Paul get his revenge?

Emmanuel Paul

The tournament’s second seed and defending champion, Joseph Imeh goes head-to-head with his doubles partner, Christian Paul. Both men, who made the finals in the doubles last year and are on track again this year, will set aside their superb chemistry and slug it out for a quarter-final spot in the singles category.

Paul, ranked 18th, has been in fine form this week, dropping just two games in as many matches to reach round three. Imeh, bidding for back-to-back titles, has equally had it easy, beating Lawrence Pius 6-1, 6-0 and Emmanuel Ikakah 6-0, 6-2. Will he maintain the momentum and halt Paul’s interesting run? Or are we going to witness an upset?

Joseph Imeh

Top seed in the women’s draw, Oyinlomo Quadre and Loveth Donatus will square off on Court 3 for a place in the quarter-finals, also. Quadre, attempting to secure a third consecutive national title in 2019, will be looking to maintain her rich form, while 2nd seed, Aanu Aiyegbusi will hope to stay on track when she takes on qualifier Toyin Asogba.