Abinu Crashes Out, Lawal Advances

It was mixed fortune for Nigerian players taking part in the first round matches in the ongoing Governor’s Cup Lagos Tennis Championship.

While some of them enjoyed a smooth sail to the second round of the Etisalat and FCMB sponsored tournament at the Lagos Lawn Tennis Court, Onikan, yesterday, others were booted out early in the Main Draws of the first leg.

The number one female player in Nigeria, Fatima Abinu, was not so lucky as she was sent out by an Indian lady, Nidhi Chilumula who defeated the former CBN Open champion in a game that ended 2-6, 6-3, 6-3.

Christy Agugbom was also defeated by a Croatian lady, Silvia Njiric in a straight sets of 6-1, 6-3. The current CBN Open female champion, Abiola Akewula was no match for Anna Floris of Italy who was defeated in a straight sets of 6-0,6-0.

It was however a good outing for the like of Shehu Lawal, who beast compatriot Clifford Enosoregbe in 6-2, 6-1 game to move on to the second round of the first leg of the Governor’s Cup.

Kingsley Enosoregbe sent out Sanni Adamu in 7-6(5), 6-4 match, while Sunday Emmanuel could not withstand Candy Idoko in 7=5, 3-6, 6-3 game as Sarah Adegoke beat Blessing Samuel in 6-3, 7-5 game.

Other result in Monday’s matches saw Theophile Segodo of Beni beating by Ante Pavic of Croatia, Lara Rafful of Italy defeated Alexandra Riley of USA in straight sets of 6-3, 6-1, Russian Margarita Lazareva beat Ester Masuri of Israel 6-3, 6-2, Yusuke Watanuki of Japan beat Kaza Vinayak Sharma of India 6-4, 6-3, Elina Svitolina of Ukraine defeated Poojashree Venkatesha of India 6-1, 6-1.

Another round of first round matches will be played on Tuesday with the likes of tournament number 1, Capkovic Kamil of Slovakia taking on compatriot Danis Marko, Indian Rastogi Karan meeting Alexei Filenkov of Russia in the Men’s Singles, while top seed in the women’s singles, Nina Bratchikova of Russia will face Stephanie Schimone of Italy.