adminNetOne are sponsoring the tournament, which will run from December 13 to 17, to the tune of US$18 000.
There were high expectations that this year’s competition would attract more European players after the International Tennis Federation accepted TZ’s request for the tournament to be awarded a Futures event status.
The development would have seen the players playing for both ITF points and prize money.
However, the national association failed to secure enough funds to run the events as they were now supposed to hold two events, one after the other.
TZ administrator, Cliff Nhokwara, said they are hoping for a good turnout because of the prize money.
“We have set the dates for the tournament and registration will start mid November. Although the event is no longer a Futures’ event we are expecting a good turnout in terms of numbers because it is the players from
Europe who will not be able to come. But as far as the Southern Region is concerned we are okay.
“Our prize money is very attractive, we have a total of US$12 000 for the prizes while US$6 000 will cater for the balls, officials and other small requirements,” said Nhokwara.
Benjamin Lock is the defending champion in the men’s event and will be out to defend his title while for the women’s division it is not yet certain if Valeria Bhunu will be there to defend her title as she has been participating in other tournaments in America.
“I still feel the competition will be tight. If it’s a Futures there is a restriction in terms of numbers but now we can have as many players as possible.
“Some who have shown interest include Genius Chidzikwe and Gwinyai Tongoona is willing to come back. Some South Africans have also shown interest,” Nhokwara said.
Meanwhile South Africa-based, Tendai Tapfuma, has been invited for a tour in North America by the International Tennis Federation in December. Nhokwara revealed the development and said it was encouraging to see local players being given such opportunities, as this will go a long way in their development and improving their quality of play.
Nhokwara said other players who are currently doing well, such as Takanyi Garan’anga who won a gold medal at the All-Africa Games in Mozambique, went through the same system.
“He is following the footsteps of our good players such as Gwinyai Tongoona. Takanyi Garan’anga went through the same system as well as Benji who is the Zim Open defending champion and they have been doing well. Tapfuma has the potential to do well,” said Nhokwara.
Online Reporter