ADEYEMI ROBINSON-ADEFIOYE, LAGOS
Nigerian sensation at the ongoing 2019 ITF LAGOS OPEN, EMMANUEL IDOKO has cruised to the second round of the Men’s singles on Wednesday after defeating KENYAN IBRAHIM KIBET YEGO in a two straight set match 7-5, 6-1.
IDOKO in an exclusive interview with www.sunrisetimes.com.ng said though the KENYAN gave all what he can to win the first set but he never gave up adding that the second set was an easy ride to the second round of the tournament.
IDOKO, aformer Nigerian number 1 player hinted that the second set brought the lion in him and he capitalized on his opponent’s loopholes and rapped-up the game.
“I want to thank God that I moved to the second round of the tournament though my opponent was tough in the first set and the court 5 which we played on was my favourite court. I train on it from time to time, I adjust easily whenever the wind is blowing and I control the bouncing of ball in my favour which was difficult for my opponent to understand.
“The home advantage played out and I’m also used to the court, I played my game and I took control of the match most especially the second set to seal the victory against the Eastern African player”.
IDOKO who will be facing the number one seed of the tournament SKANDER MANSOURI of TUNISIA on Thursday said he would play his game and nothing more adding that is not promising that the victory is sure.
“I will play my game, playing number 1 seed of the tournament is not a child’s play but I will be myself and I will not play to the gallery when I get to the court on Thursday” He emphasized.
In other matches played in Men’s singles, MEHLULI DON AYANDA SIBANDA beat his fellow ZIMBABWEAN BENJAMIN LOCK 6-2, 6-3, CALVIN HEMERY of FRANCE defeated Nigeria’s EMMANUEL SYVESTER 6-1 6-2, TAKANYI GARANGANGA of ZIMBABWE triumphed over ALEXEY DUBININ of RUSSIA 6-1 7-6(6), ABAYOMI OLUSEYI PHILIPS lost Jatin Dahiya of INDIA in a Two straight set 6-4 6-2, SKANDER MANSOURI of TUNISIA pipped GIANNI MINA of FRANCE 7-6(4) 6-3, while JOSEPH IMEH UBON defeated his Nigerian opponent MOHAMMED MOHAMMED 6-3 6-0.
