By Aderonke Ojo
The VEMP National Open Tennis Championship has reached its semifinals stage in the men’s and women’s singles categories at the National Tennis Centre, Package B of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja on Thursday.
The men’s singles semifinals will feature four top players, with Canice Abua facing off against Daniel Adeleye and Lucky Danjuma taking on Uche Oparaji.
The competition has seen thrilling matches, with top players advancing to the next round.
Canice Abua vs. Daniel Adeleye:
Abua’s impressive form continued as he defeated Yahaya Sani-Inabo 6-0, 3-6, 6-3 in the quarterfinals.
Abua had started his campaign with a 6-2, 6-4 win over Abubakar Yusuf in the round of 32 and then beat Michael Chima 6-1, 6-3 in the round of 16.
Adeleye, on the other hand, had begun his campaign with a 6-1, 6-4 victory over Basit Ajao in the round of 32.
He then won 6-3, 6-3 over Joseph Jimoh in the round of 16 and 6-2, 6-1 over Mubarak Ganiyu in the quarter finals.
Lucky Danjuma vs. Uche Oparaji:
Danjuma’s 6-2, 2-1 (Rtd) win over Mevi Irimiya in the quarter final sealed his spot in the semifinals.
Danjuma had started his campaign with a 6-3, 6-4 victory over Oche Adehi in the round of 32 and then won 3-6, 7-5, 6-3 over Paul Egena in the round of 16.
Oparaji, on the other hand, had beaten Ezekiel Azi 6-2, 6-0 in the round of 16 and then won 6-3, 6-2 over Michael Emmanuel in the quarterfinals.
Women’s Singles Semifinalists:
The women’s singles semifinals will feature four top players, with Khadijat Mohammed facing off against Mary Udofa and Nenrot Suwa taking on Omolayo Bamidele.
Khadijat Mohammed vs. Mary Udofa:
Mohammed’s impressive form continued as she defeated Success Ogunjobi 6-4, 6-3 in the quarter finals .
Mohammed had started her campaign with a 6-2, 6-3 win over Jesutoyosi Adeusi in the round of 32 and then beat Loveth Ogah 6-2, 6-2 in the round of 16.
Nenrot Suwa vs. Omolayo Bamidele:
Suwa’s 3-6, 6-2, 6-4 win over Bamidele in the quarter finals sealed her spot in the semifinals.
Suwa had started her campaign with a 6-2, 6-3 victory over Destiny Tomizayi in the round of 32 and then beat Stella Udokwelu 6-0, 6-1 in the round of 16.
The semifinals matches are set to take place on Friday, promising more exciting tennis action.
The tournament, which commenced on July 4, will conclude on July 12, featuring men’s singles, men’s doubles, women’s singles, and women’s doubles categories.
With 192 players participating, the competition is fierce, and the stakes are high.
Who will emerge victorious in the men’s and women’s singles categories?
As these talented players take to the court on Friday.