Seyi Ogunsakin defeated Yulin Li, a Chinese player 4-6, 7-5 ( Rtd) to reach the round of 16 at the ongoing ITF World Tennis Tour Junior J30 Abuja in the male singles category on Thursday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Junior International Tennis Federation (ITF) event is a flagship tournament to help junior players gain global rankings.
The tour which started on June 5, is expected to end on Sunday at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.
Ogunsakin was a touch too naive early in the match, which gave Yulin the opportunity to break his service in the first set, 4-6.
Yulin put up an amazing show in the opening set but Ogunsakin used techniques packed with vigor and resolve to take control of the center court.
He hauled his Chinese opponent around the court until Yulin, who was taller, pulled a shoulder which forced him to retire from the game and Ogunsakin prevailed 7–5.
Speaking after the match, Ogunsakin, said that the match meant a lot to him because it was his first ever appearance at a Junior ITF event.
He said that he had a poor game at first until he improved on his game.
“ The reason was that in the first set I did not know my opponent’s ways of play; I was just trying to see how I could do but in the second set I moved on .
“ I got through by displaying brilliant performance, withstanding Yulin pressure and winning 7-5, thereby ending Yulin’s hope of advancing further.
“I am happy for winning this round of 32 matches and advancing to the round of 16 stage where I will be playing against Ganiyu Mubarak in round of 16. I hope to also pull the same victory,”he said.
NAN reports that in the female category in the singles round of 16 matches saw Yakubu Ohunene beat Bisola Ogunkolafe 6-1,6-1 to advance to the quarter finals.
Goodness Aina defeated Myah Chang Harper from Great Britain 2-6,6-4,6-3 while Blessing Otu overpowered Ehana Chrys-Chikere from Australia 6-2,6-2.
Also, Kadijat Mohammed humbled Etoro Bassey 7-6, 3-6,6-3, Destiny Okhinaye beat Ambimbola Ayinla 6-0,6-0 and Jasmine Osho beat Alisha Ndukwu from Great Britain 6-0,6-0.
NAN reports that six countries, Nigeria (host) , Ghana, Great Britain, Australia, China and Benin Republic are participating in the ongoing championship.(NAN
