The Nigerian, who is ranked number 2130 in the World, shocked Mugabe, who is on number 1186 in straight sets of 6-4, 6-4. Mugabe was runners-up in the men’ singles of the Governor’s Cup last year.
An elated Paul told journalists after the game that his victory over the Ugandan star had boosted his confidence going into today’s quarterfinal match against Llyod Harris of South Africa.
Harris, number three seed, defeated David Pel of The Netherlands 6-4, 3-6, 6-3 in the second round match.
Paul said: “I am very happy to have defeated Mugabe, who is of higher rank. This has boosted my confidence and if I put in more effort, I can make it in the competition this year,” he said.
Paul played qualifying matches before making it to the Main Draws of the first leg (Futures 3) of the ongoing International Tennis Federation (ITF) sanctioned tournament.
Other Nigerians who played their second round matches yesterday were not so lucky.
Number 1 seed from Bosnia, Aidin Stkic, defeated Albert Bisong Bikom in 6-1, 6-0 in the men’s singles.
The Nigerian ladies were worst affected as both Ronke Akingbade and Osariemen Airhunmwunde failed to scale through. Akingbade bowed to number 6 seed, Ulrikke Eikeri from Norway in straight set of 6-0, 6-0, while Airhunmwude lost 1-6, 0-6 to French Tessah Andrianjaftrimo.
The 15th Lagos Governor’s Cup is getting to its toughest stage with the quarterfinal matches holding today. Number one male player, Setkic will slug it out with Alexis Klegou of Benin Republic, while Pere Riba plays Cortes Alcaraz Aaron.
In the women’s games, Number 1 seed, France’s Sherazad Reix will battle Ulrikke Eikeri of Norway, Terziyska Julia will play against Andrianjaftrimo of France, Prarthana Thombare of India will slug it out against Conny Perrin of Switzerland, just as Tadeja Majeric of Slovakia will do battle with Valeriya Strakhova of Ukraine.
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