adminSaurombe came from behind after losing the first set to beat Derrick Nyamaya 4-6, 6-1, 6-0 in an exciting match. He will now face Luca Picci who defeated Taremeredzwa Mariga 6-4, 7-5 in the other semi-final match.
Sarumbo has been complaining about his fitness and had predicted that Nyamaya would give him much tougher comeptition.
And true to his concerns, fourth seed Nyamaya gave him a huge scare when claimed the first set but Saurombe held his nerve to win easily win the next two sets to secure a place in today’s final.
In the Boys Under-16 Tadiwa Chinamo continued with his winning ways as he cruised to the finals after beating Keith Wakatama 7-5, 6-1. Chinamo will play against Muzingayi Sibanda who beat Mark Chigaazira 3-6, 6-4, 6-1 in another semi-final encounter.
Wakatama conceded defeat as he said he lost to a better player.
“He was just too tough for me. I tried, I had some chances but in the end he won,” said Wakatama.
Girls Under-16 top seed Latifah Yasini overpowered Rufaro Chirewa 6-2, 7-6(6) to set up a date with Keren Muswere who dismissed Zarah Finnigan 6-2, 6-1 in the other semi-final match. On a good day for the Saurombe siblings, Ronzai’s younger brother Batsirai beat Tanaka Chabata 6-1, 6-3 to progress to the Under-14 final where he will meet Mehluli Sibanda. Sibanda outclassed Richard Ngwarwi 6-2, 6-1.
In form Karen Machisa, the top seed in the Girls Under-14 section maintained her purple patch when she stormed into today’s finals after prevailing over Danai Chinamo7-6(6), 6-0. She now takes on Beverly Matsiwe who beat Munashe Kaome 7-6(6), 3-6, 7-6(0).
Valentine Munyawiri beat Anesu Kwirirai 6-2, 6-1 in the boys Under-12 while Bret Hounsell dismissed Tinashe Whata 6-2, 6-3.
In the girls section Natalie Antkowiak thumped Annette Matumba 6-1, 6-1 and Nandi Munyulwa overpowered Vimbai Moyo 6-2, 6-1. Antkowiak has a date against Munyulwa today. Most of the matches were delayed to a the
Meanwhile Tennis Zimbabwe held an executive meeting yesterday to map the way forward in preparation for the Davis Cup Africa Group III set for Cairo, Egypt from May 13 to 18.
Zimbabwe will be represented by top player, Takanyi Garanganga, Tinotenda Chanakira, Mark Fynn and Martin Dzuwa who will be a playing captain for the team.
Tennis Zimbabwe administrator, Cliff Nhokwara said the team needs about US$15 000 to cater for the travelling expenses, accommodation and food and the national association is still running around to raise the money.
“We are still battling to raise the money for the Davis Cup team. The team has to go by May 7, we are at visa processing stage and next we will be securing the tickets,” he said.
Online Reporter