adminTafadzwa Nyakudanga Sports Correspondent
THE chase for a US$15 000 cheque on home soil is all over for Zimbabwean athletes as the two remaining local players crashed out of the Round of 16 matches at the ITF Twenty Third Century Systems Features tournament at Harare Sports Club yesterday. The first to fall was top-ranked Zimbabwean, Mark Fynn, who lost in straight sets 3-6, 4-6 to to second seed Antala Van Der Duim.
“It was, obviously, a very difficult match and he (Van Der Duim) is a very good player,” Fynn conceded.
“I think the biggest thing is he was able to serve very well and I had one opportunity to break his serve.
“The mistake I made was allowing him to break my serve, especially in the second set.”
In the second set Fynn fought back bravely but he could not force the game into a third set as he lost in one hour five minutes.
Tinashe Chikanda also lost in straight sets 1-6, 3-6 to eighth seed Spaniard Oscar Hernandez Perez.
In a one-sided match, Chikanda was also punished for his numerous unforced errors.
“It was a pretty good match although I felt a bit out of shape especially after three years without playing tennis.
“I am definitely pleased with how far I have gone as I earned my first point as well.
“I felt under no pressure at all playing in front of friends and family, instead it gave me motivation,” said Chikanda.
In the other singles match yesterday, Cheevan Davids fought bravely but eventually lost 5-7, 1-6 to Tucker Vorster.
In the men’s doubles, Zimbabwe’s Martin Dzuwa and Derrick Namanya lost 0-6, 1-6 to the Dutchmen Antal Van Der Duim and Boy Westerhof.
Tinotenda Chanakira and his partner Michel Grant from the United States lost 5-7, 1-6 to the South African duo of Keith-Patrick Crowley and Ruan Roelofse.
Online Reporter