SPORT Governor’s Cup 2nd leg: Nigerians fail first round tests
None of the Nigerian players in action in the first round of the Main Draws of the second leg (Futures 5) in the ongoing 17th Governor’s Cup Lagos Tennis Championship survived the firepower of their foreign counterparts yesterday. Hugo Largo of Spain beat Christopher Itodo of Nigeria in straight set of 6-1 6-1 while Ivorian Joel Meda also defeated Emmanuel Idoko in 6-2, 1-6, 7-5 game. Also, Chandril Sood of India got the best out of Michael Osewa in straight set of 6-0, 6-2 all in the men’s singles.
It was the same old story in the women’s singles as the local girls suffered the same fate as their men’s.
Angel Macleod, who came from an injury to play in the main draws courtesy of a wildcard, was stopped by former champion, Tadeja Majeric from Slovakia in straight set of 6-0, 6-1. Canada-based Nigerian Nifemi Akinbiyi also suffered a crushing 6-1, 6-1 defeat to Mexican Ana Sanchez.
Meanwhile, Egyptian Maamoon KarimMohamed, who was sent packing in the first round of the first leg, was determined this time around as he progressed to the second round after a straight set 6-4, 6-4 win over Matej Sabanov.
Turkish Ilkel Cem beat Johan Sebastien Tatlot of France 6-3, 6-3 and Indian Jayesh Pungliya defeated Tunisian Moez Echargui 6-7, 6-3, 5-2 (ret).
More first round will be decided on Tuesday at the Lagos Lawn Tennis Club, Onikan with Clifford Enosoregbe, Thomas Otu, Joseph Ubon, Henry Atseye and Christopher Bulus hoping to salvage Nigeria’s pride.