adminEllina Mhlanga Sports Reporter
THE number one players in the combined Under-16 and Under-18 age group in the Select Healthcare tennis tournament, Ngoni Makambwa and Beverly Matsiwe, lived up to expectations yesterday when they booked their places in today’s semi-finals.
Makambwa overpowered Richard Ngwarwi 6-2, 6-1 in the boys section in the quarter-finals to progress to the last eight.
Makambwa had a shaky start on Thursday but was up to the task yesterday to make light work of Ngwarwi, winning in straight sets.
The top seed will take on Munashe Chingono who is seeded fifth.
Chingono beat Michael Gutu 2-6, 7-5, 6-3 in the other match.
Fourth seed Derrick Namanya dismissed unseeded Kudakwashe Chirazembe 6-0, 6-0 while Mark Chigaazira overpowered Micah Rodriguez 7-5, 6-0.
The two will meet in the other semi-final today.
Namanya was the losing finalist in last year’s tournament and the 18-year-old believes he stands a good chance of being crowned champion.
“I played last year and I lost in the finals against Luca Picci, so this time I think it’s me who has to win.
“This time there are more people playing than last year, so the draw is pretty intense but, hopefully, I will try to make something out of it,” said Namanya.
In the girls section, rising star, Beverly Matsiwe, beat Lisa Mugadza 6-3, 6-1.
Matsiwe has a date against Kundai Manyonga, who dismissed Ruvarashe Chishamba 6-0, 6-0.
The 14-year-old said she is out to improve her game.
“I am really proud being the top seed and I want to maintain my position in this tournament. Some matches were tough but I managed to win because my coaches motivate me and my motto is that I should never give up.
“I think I will win this tournament. I just have to be tough and play to my level best,” said Matsiwe.
The other semi-final will see third seed Karen Machisa playing Zahra Finnigan seeded second.
Machisa beat Yvette Mukondya 4-6, 6-0, 6-0 and Finnigan prevailed 7-5, 6-2 over Catherine Vezey.
Peter Tanyanyiwa
Online Reporter