David Ekpenyong of Nigeria beat Yakubu Lea of Ghana 6-3, 3-6, 6-4 on Saturday to qualify for the singles male category finals of the ongoing J5 World Tennis Championships in Abuja.
The match was played in the first leg of the J5 ITF World Tennis Tour Abuja.
The Championship commenced on Monday and expected to end on Sunday at the tennis complex of the Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.
Ekpenyong took the lead in the first set 6-3, Lea worked his way back into the contest to hit back by 6 -3; though he tried but Ekpenyong always had the edge, built a lead and then won it 6-4.
Ekpenyong will now face Yusuf Abubakar in the finals on Sunday.
Speaking after the match, Ekpenyong said he was happy about the victory.
“My performance was better than last tournament; I will continue to work harder and to see that I achieve my desired goals in the final.
On his part, Lea said it was a great loss. “I am seeded one in this tournament and losing to seed three is a great loss.
“I didn’t calculate and I hope to lift the trophy next time around. I will put my best to hit my target.
“But I will not relent, there is still room for improvement and that’s in the second legs coming next week in Abuja.
“I will fight harder to ensure that I reach the final stage.
“I wish my opponent best of luck as he rides to the final of the tournament,” he said.
In another male singles category, Desmond Ayaaba lost to Yusuf Abubakar in the semi-final 5-7, 3-6.
In the same arena earlier, the doubles events saw Desmond Ayaaba and Ekpenyong David beat the pair of Joseph Jimoh and Yakubu Lea 6-3, 6-4 to emerge the winner.
A total of 47 players from Nigeria (host), Indian, Egypt, Germany, Ghana and Australia are participating in the championships.
