Abayomi Philip and Jummai Mohammed has continued their fairytale run at the CBN Tennis Open Senior Championship on Wednesday by qualifying for the third round of the competition in Abuja.
The Nigeria News Agency (NAN) reports that Philip advanced after beating Opeyemi Odeyemi 6-3 6-1 to set up a showdown with Timibra Godsgift in the round of 16.
The unranked teenager who reached the main draw in qualifying had been impressive in the first round on Tuesday.
He had created an upheaval after knocking out the tournament’s sixth seed, Sylvanus Ajang.
Philip started again, showing his cool against a more superior opponent to produce another upset in the second round of the men’s singles event.
“It’s an incredible feeling. I’m learning what it’s like to be under pressure. I am learning a lot and I am really grateful for this experience”.
“I want results more than ever in every game I play, regardless of my opponent. It doesn’t really bother me anymore”.
“I just want to play my best tennis out there and let my racquet speak for me when all is said and done”.
“I hope I can keep pushing and enjoying this incredible win,” Philip told NAN excitedly after the game”.
Likewise, Jummai Mohammed qualified for the third round of the women’s singles after a 6-1 6-1 slash from the highly rated Ohunene Yakubu.
She has now staged a showdown with number two seed Aanu Aiyegbusi in the round of 16.
Mohammed, who also entered the main draw in qualifying, had created his own upheaval by dismissing the tournament’s fifth seed, Patience Onebamhoin.
She won in straight sets of 6-2 6-3 in the first round on Tuesday.
There was yet another upheaval on Wednesday when the tournament’s third seed, Blessing Samuel, was forced to retire.
This was after losing the first set 4-6 and trailing in the second 0-3 for Favor Moses who also made it through qualifying.
Moses had already beaten another qualifier, Omotayo Osewa, after coming back from a set to win 4-6 6-3 7-6 (5) in the first round on Tuesday.
Additionally, the tournament’s number one seeded Joseph Imeh and Oyinlomo Quadre both qualified for the third round of the men’s and women’s singles events respectively.
Imeh beat Michael Osewa in straight sets 6-4 6-3 to set up a tantalizing encounter with tournament number 13 seed Clifford Enosoregbe.
While Quadre beat Oluchi Ozurumba 6-1 6-0 and will face unranked Ronke Akingbade in the round of 16.
The results of the other matches in the men’s singles category allowed 10th seed Peter Lawal to advance to the third round.
This was after Ibrahim Sulaiman was forced to retire after losing the first set 3-6 and leading 0-3 in the second.
Additionally, seventh seed Chinma Michael defeated Isaac Emeruwa in straight sets 6-1 6-3 to book a 16-place round with Lawal.
Nonso Madueke, seeded number three in the tournament, will face unranked Ojo Oyelami in the round of 16 after beating Charles Uwandu 2-0 (6-3 6-3).
The fourth seed, Uche Oparaoji, will tighten the horns with Isaac Attah after beating Emmanuel Leo 2-0 (6-2 6-2).
Henry Atseye, who also did well in qualifying, earned a well-deserved round of 16 with tournament number two seed Musa Mohammed.
This was after inflicting the most senior Albert Bikom a 6-3 loss in the first set before his opponent was forced to withdraw in the second as he led 1-0 in the second round.
The championship which started on Monday is expected to end on Saturday. (NOPE)
(NAN)
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