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Nigeria Premier League

Tennis: Iga Swiatek, Karolina Muchova set for rematch

Iga Swiatek held off a strong challenge from former world No 1 Karolina Pliskova to reach the third round of the Canadian Open to set up a tasty rematch with Karolina Muchova.

Fresh from winning her maiden title on home soil in Poland a fortnight ago, Swiatek was involved in a scrappy opening set with Pliskova before getting her act together to a secure 7-6 (8-6), 6-2 victory to take her 2023 win-loss record to 48–7.

“This first match was a challenge, it’s always a challenge especially against a player like that,” Swiatek said after the match.

“She for sure used her experience in the first set, but I am happy that I could close it in a tie-break, and in the second set I was more solid because I really wanted to reset, think about what I could do better and I am pretty glad that I did that.”

The world No 1 did get off to a blistering start as she broke in the opening game of the match, but her Czech opponent hit back immediately. Swiatek again got her nose in front in game seven, but again her rival countered with an immediate break.

And so it went to a tie-breaker, which the Pole edged.

From there it was much more straightforward as Swiatek broke in games two and six of the second set, although Pliskova did get one break back.

Roland Garros runner-up Muchova awaits in the third round and when the pair met in Paris just over two months ago, Swiatek came out on top with a 6–2, 5–7, 6–4 win.

But the four-time Grand Slam champion knows she cannot rest on her laurels.

“I think any way we have to be ready for the next match and kind of expect that anything can happen because tennis can be pretty unpredictable,” Swiatek said.

“You know, one player can have a bad day. At the same time the other one can play the best tennis of their life.”

Meanwhile, Wimbledon winner Marketa Vondrousova ended former world No 1 Caroline Wozniacki’s comeback run as she beat the Dane 6-2, 7-5 in the second round.

More than three years after she retired, Wozniacki returned to action in Montreal on Tuesday and comfortably beat qualifier Kimberly Birrell from Australia.

However, Vondrousova was always going to be a step up and the Czech claimed a solid win to set up a clash against sixth seed Coco Gauff, who defeated Katie Boulter 6-2, 6-2.

Second seed Aryna Sabalenka kicked off her campaign with a 6-3, 7-6 (7-5) win over Petra Martic while third seed Elena Rybakina survived a test as she beat the resurgent Jennifer Brady 6-7 (3-7), 7-6 (7-5), 6-3.

“I would say the conditions are little bit tricky,” Sabalenka said. “I was practicing in Florida and the bounce was completely different. I remember in US Open and Cincinnati the ball bounces high. Here the ball is not bouncing at all. So it’s a little tricky to play here but I hope to adjust and play my best tennis.”

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Nigeria Premier League

Bayelsa State PFAN Visit Bayelsa United FC Management Over Unpaid Bonuses Owed Its Players

Bayelsa United FC

 

 

Sequel to a press release making rounds in the media space on the huge amount of money of unpaid match bonuses by the management of Bayelsa United FC of Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, to players of the team, the Professional Footballers Association of Nigeria (PFAN), through the office of the PFAN General Secretary has responded swiftly.

PFAN in its official press release has mandated the Chairman of Bayelsa State Caretaker Committee, Barrister (Chief) Rumson Victor Baribote and his committee, to visit the club and investigate the issues, in view of the disregard for the players welfare by the management of the club.

 

PFAN also tasked the Committee led by Chief Baribote to address the issue within the next five days and report back.

The press release signed by the PFAN General Secretary, Comrade Edema Fuludu, also added, “we trust that the chairman and management of Bayelsa United FC, will with all responsibility as a Nigeria Premier Football League side, cooperate with Bayelsa State PFAN.”

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Nigeria Premier League

Plateau United GM Mutla Confident of Survival Amid NPFL Struggles

Plateau United

Plateau United General Manager, Habila Hosea Mutla, remains optimistic that the club will avoid relegation this season despite their current position in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).

The former champions sit 16th on the table with 24 points from 22 matches. To address their struggles, the Jos-based club recently signed four new players to strengthen their squad.

“Yes, we’ve strengthened the squad with some fresh legs during the January transfer window,” Mutla said. “And it’s our hope that the new arrivals will bring the much-needed spark to the team.”

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Nigeria Premier League

Heartland confident of victory in NPFL Clash against Katsina United

Heartland

Heartland FC are confident of securing a win in their Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) matchday 23 clash against Katsina United.

The Naze Millionaires will face Katsina United at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium on Friday.

Under the guidance of coach Emmanuel Amuneke, Heartland remain unbeaten in their last four league matches, and they are determined to extend their strong form.

“A trip to Katsina is in the offing and the plan is to cage the Chanji Boys at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium on Friday,” Heartland wrote on X.

“Let’s go for it because we are the Naze Millionaires!”

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