Emmanuel scales first round as Joseph overcomes Ikakah

Defending champion of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Senior Tennis Championship and tournament’s top seed, Sylvester Emmanuel lived up to expectations in the opening round of the on -going championship when he defeated Isiaka Tortola in two straight sets, 6-0, 6-3 to advance to the second, where he will face the winner between Eze Tochukwu and Okwuchukwu Michael.

But it was indeed a tough one for tournament seed two and last year’s runner-up, Imeh Joseph, who had to play the game of his life before overcoming unseeded Ikakah Emmanuel.

Having lost the first set 3-6, Imeh bounced back in the second set, winning by 6-2 before rounding it up in the third set 6-3.

In the second round today, Imeh will meet Henry John, who beat Jubrin Hassan 6-1, 6-2, while Mohammed Musa outstroked Idris Aliyu 6-1, 6-0.

In the CBN women category, Moses Favour Blessing beat Omolayo Blessing 6-3, 6-4, while Aanu Aiyegbusi dismissed Joy Sunday in two straight sets of 6-0, 6-0, just as Blessing Anuna ran home with a 2-0 victory over Amara 6-2, 6-2.

Onebamhun Patience defeated Stella Udokwelu 6-3, 6-2, while Omolayo Osewa picked her second round ticket by beating Fola Ogunsholai 6-1, 6-0. Also in the second round is Mohammed Jumai, who stopped Jesutoyosi Adewusi 6-4, 6-3.

The game between Aare Bunmi and Ngozi Dirisu ended in favour of Aare  Bunmi .
 
Action continues today in the remaining first round matches, but the doubles events will also serve off today.

The wheel chair categories will be on the courts tomorrow at the same package B complex of the MKO Abiola Stadium Abuja, venue of the Championship.