15th October, 2012
The poor showing of Nigerian players in the annual Governor’ Cup Lagos Tennis Championship has again reared its ugly head this year as the local players are finding it very hard to match the experience of their foreign counterparts.
Today, those who played in the first round of the Main Draws of the first leg were shown the way out.
Nigeria’s number one male player, Shehu Lawal was a shadow of himself as he was defeated in straight sets of 6-0,6-2 by Spain’s Borja Rodriguez Mantano at the Lagos Lawn Tennis Club, Onikan.
Abdulmumuni Babalola was sent out of the FCMB Plc and Etisalat Nigeria sponsored tournament by Italian Alesandro Petrone in another straight sets of 7-6, 6-4. Kehinde Alade was taught a good tennis lesson by Alesandro Bega of Italy in 6-,6-1 game.
In the Women’s Singles, Rita Obasigie was sent packing by German Michela Frlicka in 6-0,6-0 game, while London-based Adeyinka Elisabeth Thompson was stopped by Chanel Simmonds of South Africa in 6-0,6-0 match. Sofia Dmitrieva of Russia beat Osariemen Airhunmwunde 6-1,6-0.
Nigerian Sanni Adamu, however, defeated compatriot Umaru Balami 7-6, 1-6, 7-5.
In other first round results, Zarah Razafimahatratra of Madagascar defeated Kyra Shroff of India 7-6,6-0. Israeli Ester Masuri beat Aramba Andrdy of India 6-1,6-2, while Greek Stamatia Fafallou defeated Nour Azzouz of Egypt 6-1,6-0.
Other matches of the first round will be decided on Tuesday