Nigeria's Christian Paul carries the unenviable burden of ensuring Nigerians are not totally annihilated at the ongoing Dayak Open in Abuja, Nigeria's federal capital.
The highest ranked Nigerian on the ATP was hailed for his astute performances against Franko Feitt of Argentina in the qualifying rounds and now has the opportunity of consolidating on that when he takes on Markus Erikkson, the number two seed from Sweden, in their first round fixture on Tuesday, 24 April, 2018.
Wild Card Emmanuel Audu is the second Nigerian in the main draw of the $25,000 prize-money event and the locals will hope that he produces moments of ingenuity against Frenchman Thomas Setodji as the tournament nears its big stage.
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| Christian Paul is expected to hit top form during the encounter on Tuesday, 24 April. |
In other matches, Joao Menezes of Brazil, the winner of the Tombim Open, will confront third seed, Kareem Mohamed Maamoun of Egypt just as Jelle Sels of the Netherlands battle fourth-seeded Maximilian Neuchrist of Austria.
Top seed, Youssef Hossam of Egypt keeps a date with Indian qualifier, Dalwindar Singh while Tom Jomby of France meets Arjun Kadhe of India.
In some of the first round matches decided on Monday, Remi Boutillier of France defeated Kento Takeuchi of Japan 6-3, 6-1 while another Frenchman Alexandru Danes eased past Darryl Hale of Great Britain 6-4, 6-0.
Zimbabwean Takanyi Garaganga and Ukranian Danylo Kalenichenko also progressed by beating Adebola Obasoto of Ireland and Hugo Largo of Spain 6-2, 6-1 and 6-4, 3-6, 6-4 respectively.
Swiss Jakob Paul also advanced to the second round following a 6-1 6-1 win over fellow qualifier Anurag Nenwani of India 6-1, 6-1.
In the doubles, Nigeria’s Emmanuel Audu and Michael Michael lost 6-0, 6-1 to Japanese duo of Kazuma Kawachin and Kento Takeuchi just as Abdulmumin Babalola and Diego Fernandez of Chile were beaten 6-1, 6-4 by Youssef Hossam and Mohamed Maamoun of Egypt.
