Lagos Gov’s Tennis Cup: Nigeria’s Enosoregbe, others advance

The main draws of the First Leg (Futures 5) of the 16th edition of the Governor’s Cup Lagos Tennis served off on Monday with some Nigerian players landing in the second round of the International Tennis Federation-approved circuit.

Clifford Enosoregbe led Nigerian players to pick the second round slots in the matches decided at the centre court of the Lagos Lawn Tennis Club, Onikan.

Enosoregbe defeated Delmas N’Tcha of Benin Republic in straight set of 6-3, 6-2, as Sylvester Emmanuel beat compatriot Ikechukwu Iloputa 6-1, 6-3, while Henry Atseye defeated Joseph Imeh Ubon 7-5, 6-4. Edward Christopher Anefu also beat Mohammed Mohammed 6-1, 6-2 all in the men’s singles.

However, Nigerian Christian Paul fell to tournament number eight seed, Polish Maciej Smola 6-4, 6-3, as Ugandan Duncan Mugabe beat another home boy, Christopher Bulus 6-2, 6-3.

Tournament number one seed, Spanish Enrique Lopez – Perez defeated Adimabua Joseph Iyorovbe 6-2, 6-0 in the men’s singles.

Some Nigerian women players who played on Monday failed to advance to the second round as Melissa Ishuan Ifidzen lost to Indian Prarthana G. Thombare 5-7, 2-6, while Christie Agugbom lost to Sweden’s Brenda Njuki 1-6, 1-6.

Also, American Alexandra Riley beat another Nigerian Ronke Akingbade 6-3, 6-1 in the women’s singles.

Speaking after his defeat, Christian Paul blames his loss on ill-luck.

“I lost today not because I didn’t play well, it was the Polish player’s day. Hopefully, I will pick up from here and do better in my subsequent games,” said Paul who is the highest ranked Nigerian player in the tournament this year.

To his coach, Babatunde Abe: “Paul did well  today, he played really well, but did not deserve to lose this match. His banes were lack of discipline and anxiety on the court. These really cost him this match.”

The first round matches will be concluded today.