Tennis competition
By Ijeoma Okigbo/Samson Shokoya
Nigerias number one, Sylvester Emmanuel, on Monday defeated 16-year-old Andu Mukhtar6-2 6-3 at the ongoing Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Senior Open Tennis Tournament.
It was an obviously tough draw for Mukhtar, who is making a debut at theevent as he struggled to earn points against the defending champion.
However, it was not a walk in the park for Emmanuel as he laboured to staytop of the game to qualify for the round of 32 at the Moshood AbiolaNational Stadium in Abuja.
Mukhtars undoing was his many unforced errors, even though he managed to breakEmmanuel many times, sending the crowd in jubilation as he pickedpoints.
After the game, a very exhausted Mukhtar, who gained a wild card to thecompetition said he has a lot to learn in the sport.
I think I played well. My opponent obviously played better and Ihave alot to learn from him.
I train in London but I have been in Nigeria for the past few monthsand just started training here last month.
Theres so much I have to learn around here. I am just getting usedto the heat and it affected my play today a little, Mukhtar said.
On his part, Emmanuel said he had a great game.
The match was a good one. It was a very good first match after somany months out due to COVID-19 and it was tough as well.
But I am happy forthe win and am looking forward to the next match.
About his opponent, Emmanuel added: He is a young upcoming playerand is doing so well. I believe that in future he will be better andmake the country proud.
The tournament has N700,000 up for grabs for the winner of the mens andwomens singles title each.
The event is expected to end on Saturday. (NAN)
Source: NAN News