Nigerian tennis youngster, Emmanuel Jebutu, is being celebrated following a 6-1, 6-0 bashing of Bhanu Suthar of India at the qualifying round of the Lagos Open which served off today.

Making his debut at a senior international tournament, Jebutu was at his best form brushing side the Asian in less than an hour.

“I did not believe I could give somebody 6-1, 6-0 in a tournament of this magnitude, even though it’s a qualifying match. To beat an Indian in my first ever match in the Lagos Open is something I’ll love to cherish. I’ll now focus on the second round of the qualifiers and hope to go even better in the next phase.”

While Jebutu had a smooth sailing to the second round, Nigeria’s top-rated player, Sylvester Emmanuel had to fight to the second round with a 6-3, 6-1 win over compatriot Godsgift Timibra.

Port Harcourt-based Timibra showed some good prospects which pushed Sylvester to make series of unforced errors.

The rustiness of the top Nigerian players was reflected in Thomas Otu’s exit at the hands of Emmanuel Oche who won 5-7, 6-2, (14-12).

In the Women’s singles qualifiers, Netherlands Emma van Popple, Nigeria’s Sarah Adegoke, Aanu Aiuegbusi, Blessing Anuna, Serena Teluwo, Omolade Aderemi were among those that progressed to the next round.

The second-round matches will be played on Tuesday, when it’s done, the Main Draw (Singles and Doubles) action will commence.

Other winners of the first round qualifiers include:

Amaud Sewanou of Benin

Darryl Hale of Great Britain

Alexey Dubinin of Russia,

Mohammed Mohammed (Nigeria)

Mathew Abamu (Nigeria)