adminHe said no player from Bulawayo qualified to compete at the tournament.
The ITF tournament which runs from tomorrow to 1 December will attract players from across the globe. Bulawayo’s Thesley Mufunda will grace the major event as an umpire and will be in charge of a number of matches.
Tennis Zimbabwe’s Cliff Nhokwara said the ITF tournament is going to be a major sporting event and urged tennis fans to come and witness great matches on display.
“This is a major tournament and I am urging the fans to come in full force and support this special sporting event. Remember the last time we held a tournament of this magnitude was seven years ago when it was held in the City of Bulawayo,” said Nhokwara.
Top Zimbabwe ranked player of the moment, Takanyi Garan’anga who is based in the United States of America will take part in the tournament.
Garan’anga, who arrived in the country recently accompanied by his manager Roland Agenor, is hopeful that he is going to put a good show at the tournament.
Tennis Zimbabwe manager Nhokwara said he was expecting at least five Zimbabwean players to progress to the quarter-finals.
He named Garan’anga, Tino Chanakira who is based in Spain and Mark Fynn who is based in Cape Town in South Africa as good prospects for the tournament.
“This is an opportunity for our top players especially Garan’anga, Chanakira and Fynn to shine,” said Nhokwara.
He said the level of tennis in the country was improving by day.
After this tournament the ITF tournament will move to South Africa and Zimbabwe will be part of the show again.
Online Reporter
derick.khumalo