Rainoil Tennis Open: Imeh, Oyinlomo Quadre advance

Men's singles defending champion, Joseph Imeh and Nigeria's number one player, Sylvester Emmanuel continued with their impressive runs at the ongoing Rainoil Tennis Open, recording victories in their respective games to land in the quarter-finals.
Playing in the third round fixture against his doubles partner, Christian Paul, who is seeded 13, Imeh had to dig in deep to win at 7/6 (3), 5/1(rtd) to move closer to the title race. It was a tight first set, however, Paul’s level tailed off in the second set as he retired due to an injury.
Imeh's opponent in the quarter-final will be Godsgift Timibra, who advanced at the expense of Clifford Enosoregbe. Enosoregbe had carved out an early break against Timibra in the third game of the first set at 1-2.
However, while serving in the fourth game, the former national champion double faulted for 40-40 and reacted quite angrily, hitting the ball to the other side of the court where it met Timibra.
It was a different ball game for Emmanuel as had an easy game playing against Paul Emmanuel who he outplayed in two straight sets of 6/3, 6/2, to keep his hope of adding the Rainoil Tennis Open crown to the CBN title he won in June.
Also through to the quarter-finals are Chima Michael and Thomas Out. Chima rallied
sensationally from a set down to knock out third seed, Uche Oparaoji, 3-6, 6-0, 6-4, while 4th seed, Otu outclassed Joseph Iyorovbe 6-0, 6-2 to remain in the title chase.
In the ladies' singles, tournament's number one seed, Oyinlomo Quadre produced a near-perfect performance to beat Loveth Donatus as she moved into the quarter-finals.
Bidding for her third straight national title, the 16-year-old who is also reigning CBN Senior Open champion, Quadre, dropped just a game in a comprehensive 6-0, 6-1 victory over Donatus.
Quadre faces fifth seed, Patience Onebamhoin, who advanced following a 6-1, 3-1 (rtd) win over Bukola Olowu, who retired due to injury midway through the second set.
Fourth seed, Christie Agugbom defeated youngster, Oiza Yakubu, 6-4, 6-4 to reach the quarter-finals.
The contest – a repeat of their quarter-final encounter here last year, which Agugbom won – began with Yakubu breaking in the opening game of the first set, but Agugbom broke back immediately for 1-1. Both players would again trade breaks, before staying on serve until the 10th game, where Agugbom broke to take the set.
Also 2nd seed Aanu Aiyegbusi kept up her fine form as she eased past Toyin Asogba 6-3, 6-0 to also join the quarter-final train, while Ibironke Oladipo made light work of Amala Nwokolo, winning 6-1, 6-0.

Caption: Tournament's number one, Oyinlomo Quadre.