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McDan Open West Africa Tennis: Moses eyes title, Bagerbaseh out

By Joy Sports| Nathaniel Attoh
Tennis McDan Open West Africa Tennis:  Moses eyes title, Bagerbaseh out
JUN 30, 2016 LISTEN

Like all who are playing in today's quarter finals, Nigeria's Men's top seed Michael Moses is eyeing the ultimate trophy for the McDan Open West Africa Tournament.

Moses displayed strength when he overcame a challenge from Cote d'Ivoires Kulibali Frederick 6-4, 6-1.

The Ivorian was looking good for the first three games but was halted in the fourth by Moses who is ranked 1045 by the ATP.

He used strong forehand stroke and returning volleys to win the first set. The second was easier for the Nigerian as he took over after the first game and neutralized Kulibabali's fight back strategy.

Moses is full of confidence as he goes up against Ghana's Eric Tetteh Nartey later today.

In an interview with Joy Sports after the win Moses said he has his eyes on the trophy.

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"I want to win the trophy and the money. The tournament is good. From the players around and the people organizing the tournament. Everything is good and I like the weather. Every time I play, I feel good," he added.

The men's winner is expected to take home 1000 US dollars, a trophy, assorted beverages from Twellium Industries, producers of Rush Energy Drink and a full kit set from Babolat.

In other games, Ghana's Wisodm Na-Adjirago is hoping to book a semi final ticket but has Togo's Katanga John Paul standing in his way.

Na-Adjrago who is a gold medalist from the doubles event of the last All Africa Games seems to be one of the persons carrying Ghana's hopes of making it to Saturday's final.

Ivorian Guillaime Kofi and Ghana's Benjamin Palm will also square off in yet another game.

Many will be observing this game with keen interest considering that Palm ensured an early exit for Japhet Bagerbaseh yesterday.

The latter was unable carry on his fight in the fourth game losing the first set 6-4.

He lost steam after the third game in set two and lost 6-3 eventually. This has passed so far as the biggest upset of the tournament as Bagerbaseh, one of the highest ranked players of the tournament, won the maiden edition and finished runner-up last year to US-based George Darko.

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Burkinabe Joel Meda will face Ghana's Isaac Titriku for one of the four semi final spots in the men's event.

The ladies event also has another Nigerian who seems to be quietly creeping into the final stages.

Sarah Adegoke has booked a place in the quarters to face Ghana's Yvonne Bruce Tagoe after seeing off Lucy Multiby 6-1, 6-1.

Kate Coleman will face Ernestina Atiso with the hope of using previous tournament experience to dominate.

Coleman, a product of the Winneba Tennis Academy drew a bye in the first round and went ahead to defeat Evelyn Enumwah 6-0 , 6-3 - a clear indication that she was too strong in that game.

Antionette Cruikshank who plays Portia Allotey later today, drew byes in both rounds making this her first proper test.

It will be interesting to see how she fares against Cruikshank who posted a 6-0, 6-0 win over Rachael Tagoe in the second round.

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