2021 Rainoil Tennis Open: Usman subdues Itodo, as Atseye, Imeh progress

By Akeem Lawal

AFTER subduing unseeded Itodo Christopher in two straight sets of 5-3, 5-3 to breeze into the third round of the men’s singles of the ongoing Rainoil Tennis Open, number 13 seed Kushimo Usman says he is not carried away by the feat.

Usman, who is making his debut at the Rainoil Tennis Open admits that the championship has been very competitive, hence he has remained focused and takes each game as they come, noting that the victory over Itodo was not easy to come by.

“Yes, I feel happy to have won against Itodo but it was not easy for me as I had to put in my best. He is a good player too as he gave me a run for my money,” he said.

“This is my first time competing in the Rainoil Tennis Open, though I’ve competed in other national championship, honestly this competition has been very competitive. No player is a pushover,” he added.

Usman will face Nonso Madueke in the next round for a place in the quarterfinals.

“My next opponent is Nonso, I don’t like predicting matches but all I can tell you is that I’ll take each game as it comes and let the court decide the outcome,” he concluded.

Earlier in the day, title favourite, Imeh Joseph overwhelmed Ayoola Michael 4-1, 4-1. Igbinovia Wilson defeated Abdulsalam Muhammed 4-2, 5-3, while Godgift Tumibra stopped Adebisi Ayorinde as they remain in the title race.

Also, still in the race for the title is former national champions, Atseye Henry, who defeated Abua Canice 5-4, 4-2 and in one of the women’s singles match, Ayegbusi Aanu beat Salami Khadjijat 4-1, 4-1.

The tournament which attracted 64 male and 32 female players in the singles event continues today at the clay courts of Lagos Country Club. Ikeja. Lagos. It will be rounded up on Saturday, December 11 with the winners of the male and female event going home with N600,000 and N500,000 respectively while their runners-up will be N300,000 and N250,000 richer.