adminEllina Mhlanga Sports Reporter
MUTARE-based Malcolm Mutungamiri is this year’s winner of the Select Healthcare Harare Seniors Tennis tournament after he beat Liberty Nzula in the final at Harare Sports Club yesterday. Mutungamiri, who was seeded second, dismissed third-seed Nzula 6-2, 6-4 to walk away with US$400 and a return ticket to Johannesburg courtesy of Air Zimbabwe.
Mutungamiri attributed his victory to hard work as he said it was a tough tournament.
“It was a competitive tournament and there were good players such as Martin Dzuwa and Liberty and all the other guys. I think everyone wanted to win.
“I think this is just hard work, just fighting for every point and trying to win every point, that’s what gave me the win because all the matches I played were tough,” said Mutungamiri.
The 21-year-old, however, said there was need to have more senior tournaments locally to keep the players active.
“I think we don’t have enough tournaments. This year I only played two tournaments in Zimbabwe — Mutare Open and this one. I think there should be more events because we always go outside the country for more tournaments and competition,” said Mutungamiri.
The losing finalist, Nzula pocketed US$200 and a return air ticket to Johannesburg as well.
In the girls section the title went to Pauline Chawafambira who beat Karen Machisa 6-3, 6-2.
There was a poor turnout in the girls’ category with only six players participating and Chawafambira said the competition was also low.
“It wasn’t that tough. It was easy compared to other events I have competed in. I think the turnout affected the tournament but I am happy I won, it feels great to win a tournament,” said Chawafambira.
Tournament director, Israel Chitsa, said they are happy to stage the tournament despite the short notice given to players.
“I think the turnout was better than what we expected due to the short notice that was given to people, it was only two weeks.
“For men we had a good draw but it was disappointing for the women because we ended up having six players.
“The level of competition got better from the quarter-finals. It was mostly the seasoned guys. We are disappointed though with the juniors because only one player came as far as the semi-finals and that was Luca Picci.
“Shingi Kamucheka lost in the round of 16 to a 35-year-old guy, so we are really worried of the competitiveness of the juniors,” said Chitsa.
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