African Games silver medallist Fatimo Bello is through to the second round of the ongoing WTT Contender Lagos after defeating compatriot Offiong Edem 3-2 in five thrilling sets inside the Molade Okoya-Thomas Hall, Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos on Thursday.
It was one of the duels between Nigerians in the first round of the tournament and it lived up to expectations with the younger Bello prevailing 11-6, 11-13, 9-11, 11-9, 11-5) despite Edem’s higher rating.
“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 witnessed impressive performances from top-seed players as they navigated the first round of the singles event.
German Dimitrij Ovtcharov, the number one seed, faced a tough challenge from South Korea’s Kim Minwoo but emerged victorious with a 3-0 win (12-10, 11-3, 11-6), securing his spot in the second round.
Indian legend Sharath Achanta also had a successful start, defeating Ghana’s Godwin Alabi 3-0 (11-6, 11-5, 11-7).
In the women’s singles, defending champion Shin Yubin displayed her usual brilliance, defeating Indian Archana Kamath 3-0 (15-13, 11-7, 11-4).
Other Indian female players, including Manika Batra, progressed to the second round after dominant performances.
Chinese duo Yijie Ding and Zixuan Yao also advanced to the next stage of the competition.
Exciting matches are expected in the second round as the players compete for the $80,000 prize pool and ranking points.
