Monday Igbinovia cruised to a comfortable 6-2, 6-1 win over Abba Chukwuma to book a second round spot in the 38th Central Bank of Nigeria Open Tennis Championship which served off Monday in Lagos.
Rain washed off most of the first round matches forcing a reschedule of games but Igbinovia, under a dark cloud wasted no time to dump his opponent in less than an hour.
“Some of the first round matches for Monday will now be played tomorrow (Tuesday),” Tournament Referee, Saidu Musa said.
Joseph Ubon was another player that was decisive in crossing the first round hurdle before heaven opened up with a comprehensive 6-2, 6-1 triumph over Idris Aliyu.
2016 CBN Juniors boys U18 winner, Christopher Bulus was the luckiest player of the day in the N14.3m prize-money tournament as he progressed to the second round at the expense of Sikiru Lamidi, who won the first set 6-2 and was leading 5-4 in the second set before an injury forced him to retire.
Christopher Edward defeated Christian Paul 6-2, 6-3 while John Otu edged Christopher Itodo 7-6, 6-1 to also join the second round train.
Women’s top seed Christie Agugbom was ruthless with 6-0, 6-0 whitewash of Folarin Akosile.
Morocco-based junior international, Oyinlomo Quadri faces a debut as the wild card player keeps a date with defending women’s champion Melissa Ifidzhen in one of the matches for Tuesday.
