THE long-awaited 2016 ITTF Premier lotto Nigeria Open served off yesterday at Molade Okoya Thomas Indoor Sports Hall of Teslim Balogun in Lagos.

In the women’s singles,  38 players are jostling for the title. In one of the matches yesterday, Esther Oribamishe a 15year old, first year student of Ekiti State University defeated Funmi Ajala 3-2 to advance to the next round.

Esther Oribamishe

In an interview with Sports Vanguard, Esther explained that although it was a difficult match as her opponent Funmi Ajala was a familiar foe, she was able to overcome her. “Actually, Funmi had beaten me once or so in the past and it is expected that such an opponent would be tough. Thank God I was able to win the match,” she said,

Esther praised the organisers of the event, the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation but charged them to organise such events more regularly. “We should be having at least two or three of such events annually so that the local players can improve overtime and enhance their skills.”

She also spoke on her chances in the competition.’’Although,my chances are slim, I hope to get to at least the semi finals. I would be very grateful if I can win a medal. God help me’’.

Meanwhile, Nigeria’s Azeez Jamiu gave the fans something to cheer after coming from 2-0 down to beat Russia’s Andrey Bukin 4-3 in an exciting encounter admired by the fans.

From the start of the match, it was as if Jamiu was going to play second fiddle to the European but applauds from the fans inspired the Nigerian to emerge winner against his Russian opponent.

A joyful Jamiu said he had to change tactics to overcome the Russian. “I discovered I was playing his pattern and I decided to change my tactics and this paid off for me. I am not in the competition to add to the number but to aim for the podium. Being my first time, I am afraid of any of my opponents as my target is to win the title. I am aware of the quality of the players but for me rating does not win title,” he said.

On Thursday, the doubles event will start while the final round of the preliminary round of the singles events in men and U-21 hold with the 16 and eight players expected to make it to the main draw emerging.