The year-ending Top Eight Tennis Masters Tournament is gathering remarkable pace at the Ikoyi Club 1938 tennis courts, with top-seeded players asserting early dominance in their quest for championship glory.
In the men’s category, number one seed Chiwente Njokanma delivered a commanding performance, sweeping aside Godwin Kienka 6/2, 6/1 to open his campaign in style.
His victory set the tone for the day as fellow top contenders followed suit. Second seed Kalada Kienka also progressed after forcing Eric Uwagwe to retire at 7/5 in what had been a tightly contested first set.
The women’s draw witnessed similar authority from the highest-ranked players. Top seed Mirella Eccli outclassed Nefe Etomi 6/1, 6/1, while number two seed Nene Lawani matched that scoreline in her defeat of Oluchi Igwe.
Lolia Kienka, seeded third, continued the trend with another emphatic 6/1, 6/1 victory over Kathrina Link.
Elsewhere, Destiny Da Silva produced one of the more entertaining displays of the opening rounds, overcoming Chinedu Idike 6/3, 6/2 in a spirited contest that drew applause from spectators.
Chairman of the Ikoyi Club Tennis Section, Diran Famakinwa, expressed satisfaction with the competition’s quality and the enthusiasm shown by players and fans alike.
“We know this event is the survival of the fittest and so far it has been very eventful. The final stages will be even more explosive since this is a competition involving the best of the best,” he said.
“The players are enjoying themselves and we expect the coming days to be more interesting.”
Powered by Megamound, the Top Eight Tennis Masters continues to build momentum and will climax on Saturday, December 13, at the Ikoyi Club 1938 tennis courts.
