adminHarare Bureau
ZIMBABWE Under-19 squash skipper Blessing Muhwati leaves for Sheffield, England tonight for the British Junior Open taking place next week.Muhwati will fly to England alone due to financial challenges and will take on some of the best youngsters in the world in the event running from January 2-6.
The British Open is regarded as the second most prestigious juniors event after the World Games. The Prince Edward School pupil who has had a fantastic season is optimistic of reaching the quarter-finals.
“It is a good feeling that I will be playing in this tournament although I will be going alone because of funds. At the same time it is a challenge, after seeing the draw you feel the challenge to perform but I believe we are almost of the same level with some of these guys,” said the 18-year-old.
“I think I prepared enough going to the gym and playing a lot of squash so I have good chances of at least getting past the qualifying draw which guys like me who play few international games have to play first.
“If I can make it to the last 32 then I am positive of reaching the quarter-finals which is my target,” said Muhwati who was voted the best player in his age group for the January-August schools season.
Muhwati played number one for the league and Mash winter league winners Old Hararians in only his second season in the men’s league.
The prodigy was also impressive, ending the season ranked third in the country as a result of remarkable performances which include coming fifth in the Zimbabwe Men’s Closed tournament, 10th overall and third among locals during the Zimbabwe Open which the Zambians dominated in August in Bulawayo.
Online Reporter