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Ellina Mhlanga Harare Bureau
THE International Tennis Federation South/Central junior circuit started yesterday with Zimbabwe’s players meeting with mixed fortunes.

The tournament is the first of three events that will run until August 22 at Harare Sports Club with players from across the world taking part.

In the boys section most of the top seeds had byes yesterday but in matches played, Zimbabwe’s Mark Chigaazira, sailed through to the second round when he dismissed Burundi’s Ntamba Radjabu 6-3, 6-1.

Chigaazira had a positive start in his opening match making some good serves and powerful returns during the match.

The South Africa-based player said yesterday’s win came at the right time having been going through a bad patch for sometime this year.

“I’m feeling good, I’ve been down in some ITF’s (tournaments) but it feels like I’m back. I’ve practised much harder but now I’ve to work to get my ranking higher, so I think I’m getting there.

“It was a pretty tough match but it didn’t seem like that today (yesterday) I won it in straight sets. In some tournaments I was failing to get past the first round, so I lost my confidence since the beginning of the year but now I’m getting there. I’ve played a couple of local tournaments in South Africa where I’m training these days and I’ve been doing quite well. So I think it’s a good start although tomorrow I’ve a pretty tough match but I’m willing to work hard through to the end. I’m sure if I get past my match tomorrow I’l be able to do well in this tournament,” said Chigaazira.

Batsirai Saurombe remained on course after dismissing Jeremy Hudson of South Africa 7-6(2), 6-3. Zimbabwe’s top player in the boys section, Tadiwa Chinamo, had a bye in the first round and said he was looking forward to today’s match.

“Hopefully, my expectation from this tournament is to do pretty well, get some good results and hopefully win one or two or all of them if possible. Having preparations, just running a bit, practising everyday just getting used to it, getting into that match mentality,” said Chinamo, who got his first call up to the Davis Cup team last month when Zimbabwe played Moldova.

In the girls section, Keren Muswere beat Demark’s Rebekka Hillingso seeded fifth 6-1, 7-5 to progress to the second round.

Muswere was excited after upsetting the seeded player in her first match of the tournament.

“It was quite tough but then I managed to beat the girl. I had high hopes and I’m still hopeful that I’m going to raise Zimbabwe’s flag high.

“I’m looking forward to my next match and I’m very fit for it. Am sure I’m going to win,” Muswere said.

In other matches featuring Zimbabwean players, Tanyaradzwa Magunje lost 0-6, 0-6 to Burundi’s Mariam Mujawimana while Beverly Matsiwe went down 3-6, 5-7 to Salma Zioutti.

Michelle Ncube was defeated 3-6, 2-6 by South Africa’s Ciney Bekker.

Tennis Zimbabwe administrator, Cliff Nhokwara said they are happy with the turnout for the event with a draw of 48 for the boys and 32 for girls.