Gloria Samuel of LekMak Tennis Academy, Ado Ekiti, has declared her readiness to take over the Girls’ 16s category at the ongoing CBN Junior Tennis Championship,CBN Junior Tennis Championship, following the absence of Aina Goodnews, who dominated the event over the past two years.

Samuel, who had consistently finished as runner-up in previous tournaments, believes this is her moment to shine.

Aina, although still eligible for junior competitions, has been elevated to the senior circuit after an impressive run in senior tournaments last year.

“It is my chance to dominate the Girls’ 16, and I am going to be very serious about it,” Samuel said after thrashing Destiny Dahz of Lagos 9-0 in her second round-robin match.

However, she faces a strong challenge from Favour James of GEUF Tennis Academy, Uyo, who also recorded a commanding 9-0 victory over Sarah Peter of Lagos.

In the Boys’ 16s category, Heman Afaramai of Police College Tennis Club continued his impressive run, defeating fourth seed Wisdom Effiong 9-3 to secure a place in the semifinals.

Damilola Agunbiade of Calabar Sports Club also strengthened his semifinal chances with a 9-4 win over John Austin of Oyo State in his second round-robin match.

In other matches, Venus Babalola of Oyo State defeated Florence Adejokun of Lagos 9-2 in the Girls’ 12 category, while Omoyinka Ayinla of Ogun State beat Ziyyadat Wuraola of Ilorin 9-3.

The final round-robin matches to determine semifinalists will be played on Thursday, with the semifinals scheduled for Friday at the National Stadium, Mainland Tennis Club.

The grand finale will take place at the Ikoyi Tennis Club,Ikoyi Tennis Club, starting at 10 a.m.