Clifford Enosoregbe and Abayomi Philips were the biggest casualties from the day one of the ongoing Rainoil Tennis Open Championship in Lagos.
The pair lost their matches to seemingly inexperienced players whom many did not expect to have won against the more experienced players on the day and at this stage of the championship.
Enosoregbe, a former national champion and Nigerian number one played till the final set against John Otu even though he had started the match on the ascendancy. The match would later end 0-4, 4-1, 10-8 in favour of Otu, thus, sending the Davis Cup player packing from the competition.
In similar fashion, former national top junior, Philips, was dumped out of the competition by Isiaka Toriola in a final set thriller, even though the matches were played as short set ties.
Toriola had first done the damage from the first set by setting the tone for a 5-3 lead before the lanky Philip strolled to a 4-1 win in the second round. But the determined Toriola ensured victory in the final set, by winning the tie break 10-7.
In other matches, number two seed and one of the favourites to win the competition, Thomas Otu started his competition in exquisite fashion, defeating his opponent, Peter John in two quick and clean sets of 4-0, 4-0 to move to the next round; Lagos-based Michael Ayoola also won beautifully against Samuel Akagha with a 4-0, 4-1 victory.
Also, Emmanuel Jebutu was crushed by Godsgift Timibra in an entertaining match on the centre court. The Portharcourt-based Timibra came out with a 4-1, 4-0 victory against his Doubles partner just as David Dawariye knocked out Idris Olowu 4-0, 4-0 to secure a passage to the next round.
Oche Adehi was also dogged in his match against Musa Sani, as he won a final set thriller 4-0, 2-4 ,10-6 while Ayobami Ajayi defeated Emmanuel Leo in another final set match. It ended 4-2 4-5(6), 10-4.
Nigeria Tennis Live will keep updating our readers about the competition taking place a the Lagos Country Club, Ikeja, Lagos.