Giant killer, Ifidzhen, others hit CBN Tennis semi

Giant killer and new revelation in the ongoing Central Bank of Nigeria 37th Men and Woman Senior Tennis tournament, Melissa Ifidzhen, yesterday, cruised into the semi-finals in the women’s single event, beating Patience Onebamhoin 6-0, 6-0 in one of the quarterfinal matches.

The Russian-born Nigerian, who is debuting in the championship for the first time, will today face Beauty Mcleod in one of the semifinal games.

Also through to the semi is Aanu Aiyegbusi, who defeated Blessing Samule 6-3, 6-1. Aiyegbusi will battle the defending champion and women’s top seed, Christy Agugbom, to decide who plays in the final.

In the men’s singles event, the defending champion and tournament 2nd seed, Abdulmumuni Babalola, defeated Nonse Madueke 6-3, 6-2 to advance to the semi.

Meanwhile, the men and women wheelchair singles event entered semi-finals today with the men’s defending champion, Alex Adewale, and runners-up, Jude Uwazie, already through to the semi.

Adewale yesterday defeated Prince Nwkemonere 4-0, 4-0, while Nwazie outstroke Bolawa Akingbemisilu 4-1, 4-1 to advance to the semi. The tournament ends tomorrow at the tennis courts of the National Stadium, Suruelre, Lagos, with all the singles finals on stage.