adminclinching the title when he overpowered top seed Takudzwa Muswere in the final at Harare Sports Club on Sunday.
Mhere beat Muswere 6-1, 2-6, 6-2 to win the title.
He had earlier defeated Tinotenda Alufeyo 6-4, 6-2 in the semi-final while Muswere beat Kuzivakwashe Zvamada 6-2, 6-3 in the other semi-final.
Mhere, who went down to Muswere in the second set, was impressed by the challenge he faced in Sunday’s match.
“I am really happy because the match was really tough, it was not a one-sided affair like it used to be. I am happy tennis in Zimbabwe is improving,” said Mhere.
His counterpart was satisfied with his performance and said he was looking forward to the next tournaments.
“It was not easy to be in the final, I dropped two sets in the in the other matches and the final was tough.
“I just need to step up a little bit and hope that next time I will improve,” said Muswere.
In the girls’ category Latifah Yasini scooped the title when she outclassed Rufaro Chirewa 6-2, 6-1.
Yasini had overpowered Rumbidzai Magwere 6-4, 6-4 in the semi-finals while Chirewa overcame Wendy Rudhu 6-0, 6-0.
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The girls’ competition for the Under-16 and Under-18 was combined because of a low turnout.
The 14-year-old attributed her victory to determination.
“It was a bit tough playing with the seniors. I played with the older players to get more competition and experience because there is no much competition in the 14 and-under-age group.
“I feel special.
“I have improved because in the previous tournament I competed in, I lost in the semi-finals.
“I believe being courageous and having confidence in myself helped me so much and also not giving up,” said Yasini.
Tadiwa Mberi was crowned champion in the Under-16 boys age group when he beat Luca Picci 7-6 (4), 6-0 in the finals while Tonderai Tapfuma beat Keith Mwashita to walk away with the boys’ Under-14 title.
Rumbidzai Ugaro defeated Kimberly Bhunu 7-5, 6-4 to be crowned champion in the girls category.
In the boys Under-12 the title went to Kundai Ganjani when he thumped Tatenda Mutetwa 6-1, 6-2 and Beverly Matsiwe overpowered Munashe Kaome 6-4, 6-2 in the girls section.
In the boys’ Under-18 doubles match the pair of Mhere and Alufeyo beat Muswere and Zibusiso Ndimande 3-5, 5-4 (6) 10/8 in a tightly contested match that was decided by a super tiebreak.
The match was played in a short set format.
Online Reporter