Tennis: Lawal, Babalola land In semi-finals

Damilare Okunola

Nigeria’s top tennis star, Shehu Lawal qualified for the semi final of the ongoing Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN Senior Tennis Open in a hard earned victory over Thomas Otu 6-3, 3-6, 6-4 at the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos Friday morning.

The enthralling encounter, which lasted well over one hour, saw the Nigerian number two player, Lawal, winning the first set, but was overpowered by Otu in the second set. The Kaduna State-based Lawal had to use his wealth of experience to defeat the resilient Otu in the final set.

In other quarter-final matches decided Friday morning, number one player, Abdulmumuni Babalola crushed Sanni Adamu, 6-1, 6-4, Clifford Enosoregbe forced Daniel Ode to a 6-2,1-0(rtd) game, while 2011 Men’s Singles winner, Henry Atseye, proved too tough for Samuel Omoile as Atseye won in straight set of 6-3,6-3.

The semi-final ties which would be decided Friday evening, would see Abdulmumuni Babalola facing Henry Atseye, while Clifford Enosoregbe will seek to create an upset when he plays Lawal in the second semi-final fixture.

Meanwhile, wheelchair tennis semi-final matches will also be decided today. Nigeria’s number one wheelchair tennis player, Wasiu Yusuf, will take on veteran Jude Uwaze, while vastly travelled Alex Adewale will square up against another top player, Jelili Ishola.

All semi-final ties will be decided today. The final ceremony holds Saturday.