Chidzikwe, Dzuwa stage strike over prize money

refused to play their semi-final until they had been guaranteed prize money.
This year’s tournament has failed to attract a sponsor.
But Chidzikwe said this was never communicated to the players.
“These guys never told us that we are playing for fun.
“It’s only today (yesterday) that they are telling us there is no prize money for the winner.
“Before the tournament started we told that there will be something though they did not specify the actual figures.
“Everyone participated in the tournament paid an entry fee of US$15 and now they saying we not sure if we will get the money or not,” said Chidzikwe.
Chairman of Harare Metropolitan Tennis Board Barnabas Chipindu said they were struggling to raise money for the prizes.
“It’s very sad that up to now we have not yet engaged a sponsor for the prizes. There is someone whom I had engaged but he is out of the country and I cannot confirm something that is not in my possession. We hope the corporate world will come and assist so that we attract more youngsters out there to come and play the game of tennis.
“The game is not improving owing to lack of sponsorship and today you see Chidzikwe and Dzuwa refused to play pending the break down of the prize money it’s not a good act in the game.”
Malcolm Mutungamiri is set to be crowned this year’s champion after getting the better of number one seed Mlandeli Ndlela 4-6, 6-4, 6-1.
Tournament’s committee member Ant Fynn confirmed that Mutungamiri would be the winner since the other semi final failed to take place.
Meanwhile Pauline Chawafambira and Jessica Picas from South Africa will lock horns in the women’s singles’ finals today. Chawafambira, the number one seed, got the better of Anesu Manjere 6-0, 6-0 in the semi-finals.
In the other semi-final Piccas, who is ranked fifth, dismissed Tsitsi Mugandu 6-3, 5-7, 6-7.