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Descent Dube, Sports Reporter
ZIMBABWE’S top seeded player Thabo Ncube will face Alexander Stokbroekx from Belgium in the quarter-finals of the International Tennis Federation (ITF) tournament being held at Bulawayo Country Club.
Ncube, who is based in the United States of America, advanced to the last eight after beating Silas Charama from Botswana 6-4, 6-1, while Stokbroekx beat South African Farai Mareya 6-0, 6-0 in the second round.
The 17-year-old Ncube, who trains with Pro World Tennis Academy in the USA, said he is proud of the progress he has made so far and that the event is taking place in his own country.
“I want to win this tournament and will do everything in my power to make sure I earn as many points as possible. The ITF games are among the most important events, especially for us youngsters, as we seek to earn points,” said Ncube.
“I couldn’t ask for a better place to play these games and I hope that I leave with my head high knowing I did my best. I know my next opponent is one of the best but I will work hard to ensure I win.
“I can safely say that I’m ready to face anyone. I may have my shortfalls, but there must be a way to grind positive results ,” he said.
Zamani Moyo of Emakhandeni Tennis Club lost 6-3, 6-2 to Tatenda Mutetwa from South Africa. Mutetwa will now come up against Canadian Ghoise Ali Faisal, who beat local player Anesu Kwirirai 6-7(2), 6-0, 6-2.
The tournament’s top seeded player Tshepo Mosarwa from Botswana succumbed to Netherlands’ Bastian Weststrate 6-2, 6-1. Weststrate set a date with Zimbabwe’s Ethen Sibanda who beat Steyn Dippenaar from South Africa 6-3, 6-0.
In the girls’ category, only one Zimbabwean Claire Machisa managed to proceed to the last eight after beating Skia Kung from Taiwan 6-3, 6-3. Machisa comes up against Jessica Portwig of South Africa.
In the even Machisa beasts the South African, she’ll meet either Victoria Sasinka from the USA or Tshegofatso Tsiang from Botswana in the semi-finals.
– @DecoDecent2
Online Reporter