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Nigeria’s rising tennis star, Blessing Otu, booked her place in the second round of the ongoing 47th Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Senior Tennis Championship after a commanding victory at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.
The championship, which began with qualifying rounds on June 12, is taking place at the Package B Tennis Courts of the national stadium.
Competing in the women’s singles Round of 32, Otu overcame Kelvin Bebe-Emmanuella in straight sets, winning 6-1, 6-3 to secure a place in the Round of 16.
Speaking after the match, the 18-year-old, who turns 19 in September, credited her victory to careful preparation and tactical discipline against her left-handed opponent.
“Bebe is a very good and tough player, but I studied her game and executed my plans well,” Otu said.
“She tried to come back in the second set, but I was able to counter her tactics and close out the match. I hope to maintain this level in my remaining matches.”
The Otu family enjoyed further success as John Otu progressed in the men’s singles competition. He defeated Mohammed Abdusalam 6-2, 6-7, 6-1 to advance to the next round.
However, it was not a perfect outing for the family, as Thomas Otu suffered a first-round exit after losing 6-0, 7-5 to Danjuma Isaac.
Elsewhere, Michael Emmanuel advanced after defeating Ibrahim Aminu, while Drimiya Mevi rallied from a set down to beat Seyi Ogunsakin 6-7, 6-3, 6-1.
Mohammed Dahiru also recorded a straight-sets victory over Toa Ruby, winning 6-3, 6-4, while Sylvanus Agang cruised past Egena Peter 6-1, 6-1.
In one of the day’s closely contested matches, Michael Chima relied on his experience to edge Matthew Abamu 7-5, 7-6 in a thrilling encounter that could have gone either way.
Action continues on Wednesday with several top players expected on court, including men’s singles top seed Abua Cannice.
