admin
Ellina Mhlanga Sports Reporter
FIFTH seed Mark Chigaazira put up a remarkable show in yesterday’s quarter-finals of the New Winners Tennis tournament when he defeated third seed Dereck Namaya to book his place in the semi-finals. Chigaazira overpowered Namaya, who came in as the favourite 6-4, 6-2 in the boys Under-18 section.
He will now take on top seed Luca Picci in today’s semi-finals. Picci beat Munashe Chingono 6-0, 6-2 in the other quarter-final match yesterday.
Chigaazira was impressed with his performance and said he is looking forward to today’s match against Picci.
“The match was quite tough because he plays a different game from the game I play and he is left-handed. I am used to play right-handed people and he was quite a challenge. I last played him a long time ago and he is older than me but I think I played well.
“Tomorrow (today) I am playing Luca Picci and he is again two years older than me. I played him last year and I lost by just a difference of two points because I had too much respect for him and I am sure I can beat him now because I now know how to handle (his) game,” said Chigaazira.
In other matches yesterday, Ngoni Makambawa advanced to the last four with a win 4-6, 6-2, 6-2 over Brendon Lavendale while Michael Gutu beat Keith Wakatama 7-5, 6-2.
Makambwa and Gutu will meet in the semi-finals.
In the girls section, top seed Zarah Finnigan, who had a first round bye, yesterday beat Munashe Kaome 6-4, 3-6, 7-5 in a tightly-contested match that could have gone either way.
Finnigan now has a date against Rumbidzai Ugaro, who dismissed Andrea Makamba 6-1, 6-1. Defending champion Latifah Yasini continued with her winning ways when she beat Amanda Khupe 6-0, 6-0 to reach the last four.
Yasini said there has been “low competition” so far but expects tough matches as they get into the semi-finals.
“It wasn’t so tough . . . The tournament doesn’t have much competition because most of the girls left, some are in Botswana and some have injuries. But tomorrow’s matches are going to be tough though because it’s the semi-finals.
“Although it’s going to be tough I think I will make it to the final. There is pressure but you don’t have to let it get into your head. I have been there before so I just have to be calm,” said Yasini.
In today’s semis, Yasini will play Tariro Dembo who beat Kundai Manyonga 6-2, 6-3 in the other match yesterday.
In the boys Under-14 section, Andrew Kunaka beat Nicolas Maduma 6-3, 6-3 while Valentine Munyawiri overpowered Justin Makamba 6-0, 6-3.
Panashe Wakatama thumped Roland Jasi 6-0, 6-0 and Jason Chigaazira beat Munashe Mukome 6-3, 6-2.
Chengeto Moyana had a good day in the girls category when she dismissed Tadiwa Mateko 6-0, 6-0. Natalia Antkowiak beat Fikile Mangena 6-0, 6-0 while Annette Matumba prevailed over Thandiwe Ncube 6-0, 6-2. Nandi Munyulwa defeated Ruby Rusanga 6-2, 6-1.
It was also a good day for most of the top seeds in the boys Under-12 section with first seed Andrew Chigaazira beating Gamu Madziyire 6-0, 6-1. Denzel Dzokamushu, who is seeded fourth, overpowered Mlungisi Mhlanga 6-4, 6-2 while Tinotenda Mbeleji beat Kameran Jihah 7-5, 2-6, 6-3.
Kumail Mohamed defeated Taona Muhwandagara 6-4, 5-7, 6-1. Tsitsi Mahere beat Makanaka Wenga 6-0, 6-0 to book a place in the girls Under-12 semi-finals while Clare Machisa dismissed Rufaro Magarira 6-2, 6-1.
Lora Kure beat Tafara Bako 6-3, 6-3 and Primrose Chiyambuka overpowered Dilafruz Saidova 5-7, 6-4, 6-4.
The tournament continues today with the semi-finals in all the age-groups.
Online Reporter