Annual Tennis Africa Cup Uganda Tournament is a Success

David Nesbitt

13 year old Henry Ayesiga of Sadili Oval is expected to play his best by Nikhil Bonapally of India today in the Boys Under 16 finals of the 2011Tennis Africa Cup ranking tournament  in Lugogo Tennis Centre, Kampala Uganda. The ITF East Africa Under 14 champion, won quickly against Derrick Wambisha (Uganda) 4/1, 4/1 and  3^rd seed Joel Engwedu (Uganda) 6/1, 6/0. Unseeded Nikhil had already mauled down two seeds, Edward Birungi of Uganda (seed 3) 4/0, 4/0 in the quarters, and Sadili’s own player and second seed, 14 year old Dennis Lutaaya, 6/1, 7/5 in the semi-finals.

In the boys U18s, Tennis Africa Cup number 1 player and top seed, Malezi’s Amadi Kagoma (Jamin Luvembe Burundi), met his team mate left-handed 6/4, 6/2 at the semi-finals, setting up a serious match against Uganda’s top Under 18 boy, David Oringa (seed 2), who just slipped past Yasin Shabani (seed 3) of Tanzania 6/4, 7/6 (6) in a nail-biting performance that drew many tennis enthusiasts.

In the Under 10 category, Tom Stonewigg advanced to the second round, losing to Jamilo Kiregeya in a closely contested match, while compatriot, Harry Stichbury lost in the first round to finalist Francis Akankwase of Uganda Schools 1/4 3/5. In the Boys Under 14s, David Nesbitt of Sadili beat Enock Kizito 4/0, 4/0, and Joel Endwedu 4/1, 4/0 to advance to the semi-finals, losing to Job Wambisha 4/3, 4/3 in a tight match. Team mate, Olivier Kigitho beat Michael Koultek 4/2, 4/2 to reach the quarterfinals, losing 0/4, 2/4 to Archie Davis.

In the Boys U16, Euan Nesbitt easily went past Ayub Namawondo 6/1, 6/1, to set up a long and close match against team mate and second seed, losing a close Dennis Lutaaya, 4/6, 4/6, a sign of serious challenge in the coming weeks of tournament.  

Sadili team, comprising of Malezi school and rookie Banda School players descended on the inter-schools tennis championships in Lugogo Stadium Kampala this weekend seeking glory. Malezi School is using this tournament to prepare to defend their national schools title for the 12^th year running.

This premier tournament, which is a Tennis Africa Cup ranking event, is hosted annually by the Uganda Lawn Tennis Association, attracted 112 players from Uganda, as well as upcoming juniors from the neighboring countries.

For more information, please go to www.tennisafrica.info