WATCH: Mixed results for Zimbabwe at ITF South Central Tourney second day

Brandon Moyo

THERE were mixed results from Zimbabwean tennis players in the second round of the ongoing International Tennis Federation (ITF) Under-18 South Central tournament taking place at Bulawayo Country Club.

In both boys and girls’ sections, some Zimbabwean youngsters managed to progress to the next stage while others crashed out of the prestigious event. The flagship tournament started on Monday and is set to end tomorrow, giving players the opportunity to get ranking points.

The Zimbabwean boys who managed to win their games in the singles event include Makanaka Whata who edged Botswana’s Maqhawe Qame with set scores of 6-0 and 6-0. Ronan Mtisi also recorded similar set scores in his win over fellow Zimbabwean, Shawn Mabena.

Brooklyn Jumbe won his game against Botswana’s Ookeditse Ramosweu with set scores of 3-6, 6-4 and 7-5.

In another Zimbabwean affair, Mengezi Sibanda edged Tendai Chihowa with scores of 6-2 and 6-2 whereas Thabani Nhokwara beat China’s Jiahao Kong with set scores of 6-3 and 6-1.

Another Zimbabwean boy, Thompson Thomu won his game against Junzhang Fu from China with set scores of 6-0 and 6-2.

In the girls’ category, Tanyaradzwa Midzi progressed to the quarter finals after a 6-0 and 6-2 win over Simphiwe Malunguza. The remaining round two matches will be played today.

Meanwhile, in the boys’ doubles matches played yesterday, Tafara Nhokorwa and Thabani Nhokorwa suffered a 6-0 and 6-2 defeat at the hands of a Chinese duo of Tianlin Xie and Gaxinga Zhang Lei while Mabena and Evyn Sibanda recorded a win with scores of 6-0 and 6-0 over De Klerk and Hasina Ranaivo.

Felix Tazvivinga and Tinaye Tongoona lost their game against Fu and Kong with scores of 7-6, 2-6 and 10-6. In the girls’ doubles, Akeelah Khanye and Michelle Khanye won their game against Rutendo Chirimumira and Rethabile Moshaoa (Botswana) with scores of 6-3 and 6-4.

Bulawayo Metropolitan Tennis Board (BMTB) Chairperson, Tarwirwa Chikunichawa said he is impressed with the quality of tennis that has been displayed by the youngsters in the first two days of the event. He added that he hopes that going forward, Zimbabwean players will continue playing well as it shows that they have been stepping up.

Play resumes today for the third day as the tournament is now headed towards the end. After the completion of this tournament, which is the first leg, the second leg is scheduled to start next week at the same venue. – @brandon_malvin