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MORE than 100 junior tennis players will next week converge at Harare Sports Club for the New Winners tournament. The event is scheduled to run from January 7 to 10, with players from across the country expected to compete in the Under-10, Under-12, Under-14 and Under-18 age groups. The Under-18s are combined with the Under-16s to form one age group.
Tennis Zimbabwe administrator Cliff Nhokwara, said registration is already underway and they are expecting 150 players to participate.
“I am looking at 150 players and I would like to believe that we will get over 150 with the bigger number in the Under-10s and Under-12s.
“Our major focus is on the Under-10s and Under-12s and we have had some progress. Currently we have more numbers in those two age groups. Sport generally is about catching them young, you nurture talent at a younger age and it becomes easy to groom,” said Nhokwara.
He said they have combined the Under-16 and Under-18 since most of the players are now competing in the International Tennis Federation competitions soon after turning 14.
“The Under-16s and Under-18s are combined because we noted that anyone of our kids can play ITF Under-18 tournaments. The idea is for anyone above 14 to be exposed to play intense Under-18 events. Usually it starts from the 17-year-olds to go for the African Junior Championships for Under-18s but now we are saying as long as you are able you are allowed to play,” said Nhokwara.
The New Winners is an annual tournament held by Tennis Zimbabwe to start their programmes and this year it was won by Ronzai Saurombe and Latifah Yasini in the Under-18 boys and girls section respectively.
However, Saurombe will not be available to defend his title since he is now based in United States after he got a six-year tennis scholarship.
Online Reporter