First Round Victory Excites Lawal

Nigeria’s Shehu Lawal says his first round victory in the first leg of the 2011 Governor’s Cup Lagos Tennis Championship is a morale booster to do well in the ITF approved tournament this year.

Lawal beat compatriot, Clifford Enosoregbe, in straight sets of 6-2, 6-1 to advance to the second round of the Main Draws of the Etisalat and FCMB sponsored tennis circuit at the Lagos Lawn Tennis Club, Onikan yesterday.

Lawal who will face Indian and tournament number 7 seed, Ranjeet Virali-Murugesan, in the second round tie tomorrow says he is glad that he survived the first round hurdle of Enosoregbe.

“I’m happy to have beaten Clifford to move to the next round of the tourney. This will definitely boost my morale to do well in the competition this year. Though Clifford was not a tough opponent compared to the foreign players, my other colleagues played against in the first meet, I think he gave me a good fight,” he said.

It was however mixed fortunes for Nigerian players who played in the first round matches. While some of them enjoyed a smooth sail to the second round, others were booted out early in the first leg.

Top Nigerian player in the female category, Fatima Abinu, was not so lucky as she was sent out by an Indian lady, Nidhi Chilumula who defeated the former CBN Open champion in a game that ended 2-6, 6-3, 6-3. Christy Agugbom was also defeated by a Croatian lady, Silvia Njiric in a straight sets of 6-1, 6-3. The current CBN Open female champion, Abiola Akewula was no match for Anna Floris of Italy who was defeated in a straight sets of 6-0,6-0. Sarah Adegoke beat Blessing Samuel in 6-3, 7-5 game.

Kingsley Enosoregbe sent out Sanni Adamu in 7-6(5), 6-4 match, while Sunday Emmanuel could not withstand Candy Idoko in 7-5, 3-6, 6-3 game.