Mariga, Rudhu set Harare Open pace

Sports Club.
Mariga beat Luca Picci 6-0, 6-2 in yesterday’s matches before beating Tirivashe Zvamada 6-2, 6-3.
Mariga had beaten Takudzwa Tsapayi 6-2, 6-0 in his opening match on Wednesday.
Tadiwa Chinamo was leading in Pool A having won two matches against Francis Chirinda 6-0, 6-0 and Mufaro Mukome 6-1, 6-4. Chinamo was scheduled to play top seed, Takudzwa Muswere late yesterday.
The 14-year-old, who was recently in Egypt for the African Junior Championships, is proving to be a force to reckon with on the local scene.
“I feel good. I have played two matches and have won both. I have got really good chances to make it to the semis.
“The competition is definitely stronger, there are a lot of people but I am just getting ready mentally,” said Chinamo.
Muswere, who came into the tournament as the favourite, said the competition has been tough.
“It’s been so uneasy, like being the top seed, if you play someone they want to beat you. Yesterday I never played very well, I lost in two straight sets. But I am hoping to perform better in my other matches. Actually we have had to play more matches here. We have been to Bulawayo and Gweru were we played three matches but here we have to play five or six matches,” said Muswere.
The 17-year-old said there is need for local players to compete more in both local and international tournaments if the quality of play is to improve.
In other matches played yesterday, Alwyin Mushonga was leading in pool C after beating Kuzivakwashe Zvamada 6-3, 6-1 and Jotham Majaha 4-6, 6-3, 6-1.
In pool D Nigel Muvuti is on top of the tables as he outclassed Derek Mukweva 6-0, 6-0 before he overpowered Michael Mandingwa 7-6 (2), 6-1.
He also beat Simbarashe Mtetwa 6-1, 6-4.
In the girls’ category there are only five participants and Wendy Rudhu was leading with a 100 percent record.
She outclassed Michaela Baker 6-1, 6-2 and went on to defeat Tembela Ndlovu7-5, 2-6, 6-3. She then overpowered Natasha Mandewa 6-1, 6-4.
In the Under-16 boys’ competition, Ngoni Makambwa is leading as he won all the matches he has played while Michael Gutu is on top of the tables in Pool B.
Tatenda Murape is leading in Pool B and Tonderai Tapfuma is leading in Pool D.
In the girls’ category, Tariro Dembo beat Latifa Yasini 6-2, 6-0 in Pool A and Rufaro Chirewa beat Tinaye Muzenyi 6-0, 6-0 in pool B in yesterday’s matches. The two are leading in their pools having won three matches each.
The Under-14s played their deciding matches for the quarterfinals yesterday with Keith Mwashita beating Nelson Madzivire 6-1, 6-1 in Pool B at Old Hararians while Bongani Mtetwa overpowered Farai Mahere 6-1, 6-2.
In Pool C Mark Chigaazira thumped Batsirai Saurombe 6-0, 6-1 and in Pool D Munesu Chatikobo outclassed Richard Ngwarwi 6-0, 6-1. The top two players will progress to the quarterfinals.
In the girls’ section Tanya Magunje beat Danai Chinamo 6-1, 6-2 while Nikita Daka defeated Yolanda Kasipo 6-1, 6-0 and Amanda Mangami beat Zvikomborero Motsi 6-0, 6-2.
The Under-12 and 10 were yesterday still playing their group matches as well at Prince Edward and Alex Sports Club respectively.
The top four in the Under-18 girls age group will proceed to the semi-finals since there are only five players while the other age groups will start the knockout matches from the quarterfinals.