Fatimo Bello advanced to the second round of the WTT Contender Lagos, defeating Offiong Edem 3-2, while top-seeded players also progressed.
Eko Hot Blog reports that African Games silver medallist Fatimo Bello advanced to the second round of the ongoing WTT Contender Lagos by defeating compatriot Offiong Edem 3-2 in a thrilling five-set match at the Molade Okoya-Thomas Hall, Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos, on Thursday.
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In one of the first-round duels between Nigerians at the tournament, the younger Bello lived up to expectations, prevailing over the higher-rated Edem with scores of 11-6, 11-13, 9-11, 11-9, 11-5.
“It’s good to be in Lagos. This is just the beginning but a good one for me.
“I’m willing to do more and put in my best. Defeating Edem is a good one for me.
*She’s one of my senior players, and I believe it would put me in more form to do better in the next game,” an excited Bello said.
Meanwhile, the 2024 WTT Contender Lagos saw impressive performances from top-seeded players as they successfully navigated the first round of the singles event.
German Dimitrij Ovtcharov, the top seed, faced a tough challenge from South Korea’s Kim Minwoo but secured his spot in the second round with a 3-0 victory (12-10, 11-3, 11-6).
Indian legend Sharath Achanta also started successfully, defeating Ghana’s Godwin Alabi 3-0 (11-6, 11-5, 11-7).
In the women’s singles, defending champion Shin Yubin showcased her brilliance, defeating India’s Archana Kamath 3-0 (15-13, 11-7, 11-4).
Other Indian female players, including Manika Batra, advanced to the second round after dominant performances.
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The Chinese duo, Yijie Ding and Zixuan Yao, also progressed to the next stage of the competition.
Exciting matches are anticipated in the second round as players compete for the $80,000 prize pool and ranking points.
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