The ITF World Tennis Tour Juniors J30 tournament enters its Day-2 on Tuesday at the Lagos Country Club, Ikeja, showcasing young tennis talents from Nigeria and abroad.

The event, running from November 3 to November 15, offers junior players a chance to earn international ranking points and valuable competitive experience.

Top Nigerian junior players are competing alongside participants from various countries in boys’ and girls’ singles and doubles events.

The tournament provides a platform for young athletes to showcase their skills and test themselves against international standards.

In the opening matches, Australia’s Abhik Khatey defeated Nigeria’s Panshak James 6-0, 7-5, while Iyanuoluwa Taiwo beat Spain’s Javier Jimenez 6-1, 6-3.

Joel Michael overcame fellow Nigerian Seyi Ogunsakin 6-3, 6-4, and Ayomide Oduwawaye earned a 6-2, 6-2 win over Nathaniel Aluko.

Barbadian player David Beckles said his main goal is to perform well and gain ranking points while competing against Africa’s top juniors.

Beckles praised the organisers and described his first experience in Nigeria as positive and inspiring for his development.

“My goal is to give my best in every match, stay focused, and keep improving,” he said.

He commended the facilities and said he looked forward to learning from each round while adapting to the conditions.

Nigerian junior player Ganiyu Mubarak welcomed the hosting of the event, noting that it helps local athletes reduce travel costs and gain exposure.

Mubarak described the competition as one of the strongest J30 events in West Africa and praised the high quality of play.

He said his ambition is to win the tournament while prioritising continued improvement and development in his game.

Mubarak, ranked 801 in the ITF junior rankings, has reached several finals in J30 and J60 events, with a career-high ranking of 446.

Indian junior player Samaira Kohli expressed delight at her first visit to Nigeria, praising the warm reception and local cuisine.

She described the weather as hot but manageable and said her aim is to win the tournament and continue progressing.

Kohli, ranked 3,289 in the ITF junior standings, has competed in several J30 and J60 tournaments in India and Rwanda.

Tournament Director Paul Moses said the event was designed to raise junior tennis standards in Nigeria and pave the way for higher-grade events.

He said the goal was to progress from the J30 level to J60 and eventually J100 and above, boosting Nigeria’s international tennis presence.

Moses said Nigeria lacks major international junior tournaments despite having talented players, and the J30 aims to bridge that gap.

He expressed confidence that Nigerian players would improve as they adapt to home pressure and fierce competition.

He praised officials and Lagos Country Club members for their support and called for more backing for young talents from modest backgrounds.

The competition continues at the Lagos Country Club, with champions set to earn 30 ranking points and trophies.

The finals are scheduled for November 15, with players expected to gain valuable experience and recognition.

 (NAN)