adminthe Manicaland Senior Open tournament.
The tournament is scheduled to run from May 27 to 29 with participants from different provinces expected to take part. Tournament director, Freeman Nyamunokora, said they expect a huge draw.
“We expect a draw of 64 entries for both men and women. So far we have 22 participants in the men’s category and 16 in the women’s section who have registered for the tournament. This is an individual tournament and players are entering as individuals but we are looking forward to have players from Masvingo, Harare, Mashonaland East, Midlands and Bulawayo,” said Nyamunokora.
Nyamunokora said the Mutare board will be in charge of the tournament since there were no sponsors who have come on board to fund the competition.
“The tournament will be run by the board. It used to be the Silverback Senior Open but has been run by the board for the past four years because there are no sponsors.
“The tournament has always been successful, it has managed to attract top players,” said Nyamunokora.
Nyamunokora, however, said they would have wanted to have foreign players taking part in the tournament.
“The tournament is affected by the fact that it does not have WTA or ATP points and some of the players opt to go for other competitions with points.
“If it had points we can attract some foreigners because there is always good competition in the region,” said Nyamunokora.
Admire Mushonga won last year’s event but will not be able to defend his title as he is now in the United States.
In the women’s section Pauline Chawafambira will be out to defend her title.
Some of the players expected to compete include Martin Dzuwa, Malcolm Mutungamiri, Liberty Nzula, Innocent Mhere and Takudzwa Muswere.
Online Reporter