Nigeria F3 Futures: Top-three seeds crash out of GSL Open

The top three seeds at the ongoing GSL Open Nigeria F3 Futures in Abuja, were on Thursday  bundled out of the $25, 000 prize-money event.

Egyptian prime seed, Youssef Hossam headed the list of high-profile 'casualties' as he stumbled to a 7-6 (8), 6-3 defeat to India's Suraj Prabodh while Hossam’s compatriot and second seed, Karim-Mohamed Maamoun, succumbed to  fifth-seeded Moez Echargui of Tunisia 6-3, 7-6 (2).

Brazil’s Joao Menezes also sent Austrian Maximilian Neuchrist packing to avenge his Dayak Championship final loss to the European last Saturday with a 7-6 (11), 6-4 win.

The most-anticipated clash of the day, which lasted exactly two hours on the Centre Court, saw the Brazilian display a remarkable form that culminated in his triumph at the Tombim Open, which kick-started the three-phase ITF Pro Circuit tournament.

Indian Arjun Hadhe was the only player who avoided an upset on the day as the fourth seed cruised to a 6-3, 6-3 win over Jelle Sels of the Netherlands.

The semi-finals, scheduled for Friday, May 4 will see Prabodh confronts Kadhe in an all-India affair, while Echargui battles with Menezes in what promises to be another thrilling contest.

In the doubles, French duo of Remi Boutuillier and Tom Jomby qualified for the final following their 7-6, 6-4 triumph over Indian pair of Aryan Goveas and Anurag Nenwani. They will face Kadhe and Ronnie Schneider of the United States following their 6-3, 3-6, 10- 7 victory over Echargui and Thomas Setodji of France.


Caption:
Egypt's Youssef Hossam, beaten in the quarter-final at the ongoing GSL Open in Nigeria.