Sports

DAVID Ekpenyong of Nigeria beat Yakubu Lea of Ghana 6-3, 3-6, 6-4 on Saturday  to qualify for the singles  male category finals of the ongoing J5 World Tennis Championships in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the match was played in the first  leg of the J5  ITF World Tennis Tour Abuja.

The Championship commenced on Monday  and expected to end on Sunday at the tennis complex of the Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.

Ekpenyong took the lead in the first set 6-3, Lea worked his way back into the contest to hit back  by 6 -3; though he tried but Ekpenyong  always had the edge, built a lead and then won it 6-4.

Ekpenyong will now face Yusuf Abubakar in the finals on Sunday.

 Speaking after the match, Ekpenyong told NAN that he was happy about the victory.

“My performance was better than  last tournament,  I  will  continue to work harder and to  see that I achieve my desired goals in the final.

On his part, Lea said it was a great loss. “I am seeded one in this tournament and losing to seeded three is a great loss.

“I didnt calculate and I hope to lift the trophy next time around. I will put my best to hit my target.

“But I will not relent, there is still room for improvement and that’s in the second legs coming next week in Abuja.

“ I will fight harder to ensure that I reach the final stage.

“ I wish my opponent best of luck as he rides to the final of  the tournament, “ he said.

In another male singles category, Desmond Ayaaba  lost to  Yusuf Abubakar in the semi final  5-7, 3-6.

In the same arena earlier, the doubles events saw Desmond Ayaaba and Ekpenyong David beat the pair of Joseph Jimoh and Yakubu Lea 6-3, 6-4 to emerge the winner.

A total of 47 players from Nigeria (host), Indian, Egypt, Germany, Ghana and Australia are participating in the championships. (NAN)

KN

Tags: DAVID Ekpenyong Yusuf Abubakar