By Ebenezer Osamo/Abuja

Joseph Imeh, Nigerian youngster, who defeated one of the seeded players, Thomas Otu, 7-5, 3-6, 7-6 (3) at the ongoing National Ports Authority, NPA National Tennis Open in Abuja, has stated that he actually got his pound of flesh for losing to the later in Ekiti earlier this year.
Imeh had smashed his racquet in the final set of his encounter with Otu at the semi-final match of the Ekiti Open, but fought hard from 0-3 down and raced to a 5-3 win.
He succumbed the lead and the match was tied at 6-6 before he took the game in his stride to defeat a more experienced Otu.
After the pulsating three-hour plus encounter, Imeh said: “I am happy I won today because Thomas (Otu) is a good player as we all saw during the match.
“However, I won the match because I think I needed it more. It is my own pound of flesh after losing to him in the semi final of the Ekiti Open early this year.
“I actually had revenge in mind and that was what I got today. I am excited about the win, it has boosted my morale and as a matter of fact, I trained hard before coming here”.
In other matches, Ikechukwu Iloputa defeated Jonah Samuel 7-5, 6-4; Christian Paul beat Joseph Iyoroube 6-4, 6-4 while Candy Idoko won 6-1, 6-3 against Sani Ikililu.
Taiwo Owolabi also outplayed Emmanuel Paul in a game that ended in default after both players won one set each, as another top seed, Henry Atseye outsmarted Uchenna Oparaoji Uchenna, 2-6, 6-4, 6-4.
In the Women’s Singles, Blessing Samuel won 6-1, 6-1 against Ramota Odeyemi, Stella Udokwelu lost to Osewa Ibrahim, 7-5, 6-1, just as Loveth Donatus got the better of Henrietta Ogude.
Chidinma Chukwu defeated top seed Ronke Akingbade 6-3, 6-7(8), 6-2; Osareimen Airhunwunde beat Folashade Ogunshola, 6-1, 6-3; Rita Obasogie also proved to be a better player winning 6-4, 6-2 in her match against Esther Lasoju.
In some Doubles’ matches decided on Tuesday, Babalola Abdulmumuni paired Taiwo Owolabi to defeat the pair of Olagbegi and Oyebanji, 6-2, 6-0; Enosoregbe/Madueke combination overpowered Adebisi/Ogunshakin 6-3, 6-2 and Adamu/Atseye lost to the pair of Bikom/Tyav.
Meanwhile, second round matches of the debut tournament taking place at the Package B of the National Stadium will commence on Wednesday as the championship advances to its money-spinning stages.