Sani-inabo advanced to round of 16 of VEMP Tennis open in Abuja
Sani-inabo advanced to round of 16 of VEMP Tennis open in Abuja
Yahaya Sani-inabo reached ongoing VEMP National Open Tennis Championship round of 16 for the first time on Monday in Abuja.
Thank to a hard fought win against Matthew Abamu in the round of 32 men’s singles category on Monday in Abuja.
The Voice Media Trust (VMT NEWS) reports that the match is being played at the National Tennis Centre, Package B of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja.
Sani-inabo advanced to the round of 16 after defeating Abamu 6-2, 6-7, 3-0 (rtd) in the round of 32.
Sani-inabo came up against a confident Abamu, but fought hard to beat 6-2 in the opening set.
Sani-inabo had looked strong in the second set , raced into a 4-2 lead only for Abamu to battled back to force a tie-break, held his nerve and fought back and win the set 7-6.
As Sani-inabo rally back to take control of the third set from the outset and held his nerve in high-pressure moments, only for Abamu to retired 3-0.
Abamu’s retirement handed Sani the win, securing his spot in the next round of the tournament.
Sani-inabo will next face either Endurance Ehiegiamusoe or Ayomiposi Agboola in the round of 16.
Speaking after the game, Sani-inabo, said that it was a good contest in spite his mistakes.
“ I thank God for the win, it wasn’t easy advancing to the round of 16, and I hope to win more matches.
“ I hope to remain focused and moving forward one match at a time, recognising that every player is a potential threat.
“ Nonetheless, the umpire’s overall performance has been impressive.
“ I am going to participate in the upcoming doubles category, but awaiting the draw,” he said.
On his part ,Abamu said it was his first time competing in the singles category, as he typically excels in doubles, having lifted trophies in that format.
“ I have previously beaten Sani-inabo in another competition, Rainoil National Tennis Open in Lagos,in the round of 16, which led my expectations to similar outcome.
“ I was surprised by Sani’s performance in the first set, which didn’t meet my expectations . I attributed this loss in the match.
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“ I am set to participate in the doubles competition, awaiting the draw, and hopes to add to doubles titles.
“ My current goal is to boost ranking through the tournament,” he said.
In other games, Lucky Danjuma defeated Adehi Ochei 6-3,6-4 to reach the round of 16.
Abua Canice beat Yusuf Abubakar , 6-2 , 6-4,to reach the round of 16 and Oluwaseyi Ogunsakin lost to Mohammed Musa 2-6,0-6.
In the women’s category round of 32, Bassey Etoro beat Emmanuella Kelvin-Bebe ,6-1,6-2 to reached round of 16.
VMT NEWS reports that a total of 192 players are participating in the ongoing VEMP National Open Tennis Championship that feature men’s singles, men’s doubles, women’s singles and women’s double.
The tournament which commenced on July 4 will end on July 12.
