Tournaments

2018 ITTF Challenge, Seamaster Nigeria Open

Tournament News
Challenge Series

Host nation progress but visitors make mark

09 Aug 2018

First places and thus passports to the main draw for the host nation’s Halima Hussain, Alimot Ayinla, Aminat Fashola and Nimota Aregbesola but as the Women’s Singles qualification tournament came to a close on the evening of Thursday 9th August at the 2018 ITTF Challenge Seamaster Nigeria Open in Lagos, it was names from foreign shores who attracted the attention.

Nandeshwaree Jalim flew the flag for Mauritius as did Maria Rony for India but it was very much China that emerged the centre of attention as they doused the hopes of the host nation.

Funmiola Ajala beaten by Sun Chen (Photo: Emmanuel Ndubuisi)

by Ian Marshall, Editor

Imperious Qi Fenjie set the standard for China by beating Fatima Kazeem, the highest rated player on initial phase duty (11-7, 11-1, 11-5, 11-4). Similarly Wang Shu overcame Esther Oribamise (11-6, 11-6, 11-5, 12-10), whilst Wei Wensheng defeated Janet Effiom (11-4, 11-2, 11-5, 11-6) and Sun Chen prevailed against Funmiola Ajala (11-6, 11-2, 11-3, 11-4).

Comfortable wins, for Guo Yan, like was even easier; she received a walk-over when due to face Nike Aroyehun.

Progress for China in the Women’s Singles event; it was the same in the preliminary stage of the Women’s Doubles competition. Wang Shu and Wei Wensheng alongside Qi Fenjie and Sun Chen both booked main draw places.

Meanwhile, in the same round of the Men’s Singles event the participation of the host nation in the main draw increased. Shamus Agbaje, Gbenga Anthony, Olabisi Yusuf and Kehinde Ogidan all emerged successful as did Allan Arnachellum of the Mauritius.

Play in the main draw of the Men’s Singles event, the opening round being 64 players, commences in earnest of Friday 10th August when of course the eyes will focus on Quadri Aruna, the top seed, his quest to be the first host nation player to emerge success at what is now a most well-established international tournament.

2018 ITTF Challenge Seamaster Nigeria Open: Newsletter (Tuesday 7th August)

2018 ITTF Challenge Seamaster Nigeria Open: Newsletter (Wednesday 8th August)

2018 ITTF Challenge Seamaster Nigeria Open: Newsletter (Thursday 9th August)

Challenge Series 2018 Nigeria Open China

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Day 3 - 2018 ITTF Challenge Nigeria Open