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Ellina Mhlanga Senior Sports Reporter
LOCAL junior tennis players have the chance to compete in international events at home when Tennis Zimbabwe host ITF J60 and J100 tournaments in the coming days at Harare Sports Club.
TZ are hosting one J60 and two J100 events. The three tournaments are part of the ITF World Tennis Tour Juniors and gives players aged 18 and under the opportunity to travel the world and develop their talent.
The J60 event main draw gets underway this morning at Harare Sports Club with several Zimbabwean players set to participate. It will run until August 5.
The first J100 is scheduled for August 7 to 12 and the second one is due to take place from August 14 to 19. Tournament director Linsent Chitiyo said they are ready to host the events and is hopeful of some improved performance from local players.
“All technical and logistical preparations for the event are complete. “A total of 96 boys and girls will be participating in each event. Players will be drawn from Canada, China, Great Britain, India, Israel, Morocco, Madagascar, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, United States of America and Zimbabwe.
“I have no doubt the next three weeks will bring thrilling tennis action which will improve the ranking and performance of our players. I therefore urge us all to come to Harare Sports Club to support our players,” Chitiyo said. Some of Zimbabwe’s leading junior players expected to take part in the tournaments are Takura Mhwandagara, Thompson Thomu, Ronan Mtisi, Sasha Chimedza, Tadiwanashe Mauchi, Julie Tungamirai, and Zahara El Zein.
Tennis Zimbabwe president Walter Jera said hosting such events is important for the growth of players and they will continue investing in junior tennis development.
Online Reporter