adminEllina Mhlanga Sports Reporter
THE Mantas Junior Open tennis tournament took off in Mutare on Saturday with players from various provinces taking part. The four-day tournament ends tomorrow with participants fighting for honours in the Under-10, Under-12, Under-14, Under-16 and Under-18 age groups.
The matches are being played at Mutare Girls High and Hillcrest Prep School. The tournament attracted players such as Alwyn Mushonga, who is playing in the boys Under-18, and he booked his place in the semi-finals yesterday when he beat Hayley Mazara 6-0, 6-0.
Mushonga takes on Keith Mwashita today. Mashita progressed to the last eight after Tatenda Murape withdrew with the former having won the first set 7-5.
Taremeredzwa Mariga overpowered Batsirai Saurombe 6-4, 7-5 while Ngoni Makambwa defeated Michael Gutu 6-3, 2-6, 6-1.
Keren Muswere started her campaign to retain the title on a good note when she beat Rudo Mahachi in straight sets 6-2, 6-2 in her opening match.
She went on to dismiss Kundai Senderai 6-4, 6-0. The matches are being played in a round robin as there are only five players taking part in this age-group. The player with the most wins will be crowned the champion.
Also in the contest for the title is Sharlyn Thole who outclassed Natalie Senderai 6-0, 6-2 before beating Mutsawashe Kasipo 6-0, 6-0. Tournament director, Tendai Chirochierwa, said the competition started on a good note with 90 players entering.
“We have 90 players from the red ball to the Under-18 from all over Zimbabwe. The quality could be better if we can play a little bit more and have tournaments even during the school term. “The competition has been fairly good. I think the players are starting to pick up and we are starting to see some good tennis,” said Chirochierwa.
Online Reporter