15th October, 2013
Some Nigerian players have failed to make it to the second round of the main draws of the first leg of 13th Governor’s Cup Lagos Tennis Championship.
The local players are having a torrid time living up to expectation as no fewer than five players were eliminated in almost similar fashion in the first round matches played at the Lagos Lawn Tennis Club, Onikan on Monday.
Zarah Razafmahatratra of Madagascar beat US-based Nigerian lady Idia Amen in straight set of 6-3, 6-2.
Women’s Singles number one seed Tadeja Majeric of Slovakia was too much for Nigeria’s Blessing Samuel who she beat in straight set of 6-0, 6-0.
China’s Xi-Yao Wang also defeated Sarah Adegoke 6-0,6-0.
In other results, Sani Adamu came from a set down to defeat Shehu Lawal in 2-6, 6-4, 6-3 game, while Clifford Enosoregbe beat John Otu 6-1, 1-0(retired) in a game in which Otu seemed to have no chance.
Sarah Adegoke told P.M.NEWS Sports after the match that: “I lost to a better player and the fact that I have not been training hard worked against me. My dad has been my only training partner and it has not been easy. I hope to do better next week.”
In his own words, Lawal expressed his dismay at losing out in the first round but blamed it on fatigue.
“I got tired and was too weak to move around. But that’s tennis, you don’t always win. I guess this wasn’t my lucky day.”
Meanwhile, Nigeria’s pair of Abdulmuminu Babalola and former national champion, Jonathan Igbinovia posed no threat for Ruan Roelofse of South Africa and Ante Pavic from Croatia, as the Nigerians were defeated 3-6,2-6 in the Men’s Doubles.