The McDan Open West Africa Tournament saw thrilling start with All Africa Games gold medalist Wisdom Na-Adjrago qualifying for the next stage.

The tournament sponsored by McDan Shipping, Rush Energy Drink from Twellium Industries and West Blue Consulting, has a total prize money of  $5000 and is drawing a lot of enthusiasm.

 Wisdom Na-Adjrago who is also the current top seed, showed early signs of a leap into the final stages after seeing off fellow countryman Charles Asmani 6-1, 6-1. In an interview with Joy Sports, Na-Adjrago said his win was as a result of thorough preparations.  had done a lot of training . "I am prepared for every player in this tournament. I worked very hard and want to show it in my performances. My opponent is tough and can easily frustrate you with his play but I kept my cool and played well."

He was excited on his performance and is looking forward to replicating it as he progresses. "I played well today and kept the ball on the court. so it was good. I am looking forward to winning," he said.

In other results, Emmanuel Plange beat Bernard Ashitey Armah 6-1, 6-2. Isaac Titriku beat Francis Gbolonyoh in the best of three sets.

Francis Akpese staged a spirited fight but was not strong enough for Isaac Dapaah, with the game ending 7-6, 7-6, 3-6, 6-2. The tournament's first winner Japhet Bagerbaseh also booked a place in the next stage of the competition in two straight sets.

Some big games are expected on Tuesday on Tuesdayh the likes of Nigeria's Wale Babalola facing Ghana's Andrews Appiah, Togo's Kantanga John Paul will pit his strength against Ghana's Stephen Nartey. Ghana's Daniel Quartey plays  Kulibali Frederick of Cote d'Ivoire while Joel Meda of Burkina Faso faces B. Fumi of Ghana.

Another Ivorian, Guillaime Kofi will seek qualification to the next phase as he battles Cedric Dzelu with Togo's Bernard Alipoe playing Nii Noi Ababio.

In other fixtures, Nigeria's Michael Moses will pay Albert Nti of Ghana, while Benjamin Palm and Felix Hammond face off in an all Ghanaian tie.

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