‘Tana Aiyejina
Nigerian stars Albert Bikom and Sylvester Emmanuel recorded heart-warming victories in the first round of the men’s singles event of the 15th Governor’s Cup Lagos Tennis Championship on Monday in Lagos to secure a spot in the competition’s next stage.
Backed by a vociferous home crowd, Bikom, ranked 1431, overcame Swiss Jessy Kalambay (ranked 1521) 5-7, 6-4, 7-8.
“He (Kalambay) has a great backhand but his forearm is weak, so I capitalised on it to win,” Bikom said after the tough tie.
But the first major upset of the event was caused by the unranked Emmanuel, who overran American Anderson Reed, who is ranked 1488 in two straight sets 7-6(3), 6-3. The win left the 25-year-old Reed in shock.
Wild card holder Emmanuel admitted it was a tough tie but said he was never intimidated by the amazing credential of his American opponent.
He said,“I feel great and happy, it was a very tough match but I played well. The first set ws very tough but in the second set I managed to break and tried to be in the game.
“I was hopeful I could beat him because I had played against many players who have more ATP points than him and won, so I had the belief that I could win.”
In other games involving Nigerians, Mohammed Mohammed defeated Ghanaian Bernard Dugba 4-6, 6-3, 6-3 while Thomas Otu sent compatriot Moses Michael packing 7-5, 7-6.
In the women’s singles event, Aminat Quadri crashed out in the first round after losing 6-0, 6-0 to France’s Tessah Andrianoafitrimo. Rita Obasigie also lost 6-0, 6-0 to Indian Kyra Shroff but Osariemen Airhumwunde edged fellow Nigerian Blessing Michael 6-4, 6-2 to advance to the next round.
Nigerian duo Umaru Balami and Edward Anefu beat Ghanaians Kwabena Bamfo and George Darko 6-3, 5-2 in the men’s doubles but Takanyi Garanganga (Zimbabwe) and Alexis Klegou (Benin) walked over Nigeria’s Abdul-Mumini Babalola and Shehu Lawal.
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