The Sunday Mail
Bryan Zhawi NUST —
Zimbabwe Junior Tennis team had a stern test at the Africa Junior Tennis championships zonals. The tournament ended in Windhoek, Namibia a fortnight ago on the 18th of January.
Zimbabwe had 12 representatives who made up four teams of under 14 and 16 comprising of both boys and girls.
In the singles events Rufaro Magarira U14 was the first runner up after she lost in the final to Sarah Intracaso from Mauritius.
The youngster had a good campaign to the final as she dispatched the tournament’s second and fourth seeds. All players reached round of 16 but only four proceeded to the Quarterfinals.
In the team event the under 14 girls failed to qualify for Junior Davis Cup and Junior World Cup after losing to South Africa.
Overall Zimbabwe were the second runner ups out of 13 countries after the winners South Africa and silver medalists Madagascar.
After a good show case of skill five players qualified for the Africa Junior Championships finals in Benoni South Africa and three are on wildcard to be confirmed by the ITF (International Tennis Federation).
The five are; Rufaro Magarira, Ethan Sibanda, Taona Mhwandagara, Vimbai Moyo and Anesu Kwirirai.
The three wildcards are Claire Machisa, Charlotte Zhuwakini and Thabo Ncube. Other players on the team were Lyle Zaloumis, Tsitsi Mahere, and Tinashe Taruberekerwa.
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Schools Sports Directors send your fixtures and results to Brighton Zhawi on 0733 345 169; zhawibrighton@gmailcom or Bryan Zhawi on 0733 563 044; [email protected]
