adminCaroline Magenga Sports reporter
UNDER-18 top seed Mark Chagaazira says he is determined to collect maximum points and improve his overall ranking by excelling at the New Winners tennis tournament that roared to life in Harare yesterday.Chagaazira started on a high note following his 6-1, 6-2 victory over Alex Yalias and will be proceeding to the quarter finals today where he faces sixth seed Chris Sibanda.
The tournament which has attracted over 130 players from around the country has been threatened by bad weather following the incessant rains last week but the improvement in the conditions encouraged a good turnout of players yesterday.
The matches are being played at Old Hararians and Harare Sports Club.
“It’s quite a good tournament and there has been a good turnout especially for the juniors, it shows that we have a good future for tennis.
“I was feeling nervous in the beginning because in my last tournament I had an injury and I was under stress from exams but I think this time around I am okay and determined.
“I just want to make up for that as well as collect maximum points. This is one of the biggest tournaments in the country… the one with the most points. There are only two and other one takes place midyear so there is a lot at stake.
“Doing well during at this tournament really improves your ranking because it has a lot of points. I am aiming at doing my best and winning,” said Chagaazira.
The four-day tournament which features junior players will see Under-10, Under-12, Under-14 and Under 18’s age groups battling it out for the coveted trophy and more importantly accumulating points.
Other players who qualified for the quarter finals yesterday include Micah Rodrigues who beat Henry Munhengwa 6-3, 6-2. Rodrigues will now face Shingi Kamucheka.
Chatikobo Munesu will also be making an appearance in the last eight after treating Munyasha Mukome to a 6-0, 6-1 beating to set up a date with Alosha Chikanda.
Sean Chikumba also secured a place after winning against Bongani Sibanda 6-1, 3-6, 6-3 and he will be facing Muzi Sibanda who cruised through after beating Jason Chigaazira 6-1, 6-1.
For the girls, top seed Zahra Finnigan will proceed to the semi finals after she thrashed Ropafadzo Mutopa 6-0, 6-0, while seconded seeded Karen Machisa also booked a place after she beat Lorraine Ndiweni 6-0, 6-0.
Online Reporter