The two national champions in the boys and girls’ categories, given wild cards into the Zenith Bank Next Generation Masters Tennis Championship have justified their inclusion with resounding victories against older opponents.

Khadijat Mohammed from Abuja, who won the last two 14 & under girls’ titles in Lagos and Port Harcourt, surprised Blessing Otu, the top seed in the competition with consistent and well placed shots, racing to a 7-0 lead before Otu, ranked 14th in the seniors, could gather her composure.

The fight back came but it was far too late as the lanky upcoming star held her ground to win 9-6.

Khadijat confirmed her form with another steady performance against Destiny Okhinaye, ranked 19th in the seniors, in her second round robin match. She (Khadijat) won 9-4 to secure a semifinal place.

Also sure of a semifinal place in the girls’ event is Favour Moses, who beat Timipre Maxwell and Faith Ameh to book her place.

Seun Ogunsakin, winner of the 14 and under boys at the maiden Sapetro Junior National Championships, refused to be outdone by the girls. Ogunsakin clawed back from 3-7 down to edge 17-year-old Miracle Ikeguruka 9-8.

Ganiyu Mubarak, 13, the National 16 and under champion, also displayed some prodigious talent in his match against Daniel Adelye, 18, losing a close 9-7.

The tournament, which is a project of the International Tennis Academy (ITA), is holding at the Luik Recreation Club in Lekki Phase One, Lagos and is scheduled to end with a grand finale on Saturday from 4.00 p.m.