Zimpapers Logo

Mharakurwa outclassed Masiya 6-0, 6-0 to progress to the second round of the tournament.
The top player won the title last year at the inaugural event.

This year’s tournament is featuring 33 players, including Robinson Mendez and Cristian Aranda, from Chile.
Mharakurwa, who arrived in the country yesterday afternoon, was not happy with his performance despite winning his opening match.

“It was not the best of my performances, I was not there psychologically and technically. Right now it is not about winning but my performance.

“I have just arrived and did not have much time to adjust to the courts because they are a bit bumpy.
“I think it was just luck and I got an opponent who is not so well developed.

“If it was someone else or in another competition I would have been out by now but I am grateful I won.
“Hopefully tomorrow I will be able to do well. I just need to do a warm up and get used to the courts,” said Mharakurwa.

In the other matches, Mendez beat Calvin Hove 6-0, 6-0 while his colleague Aranda dismissed Danson Mawarire 6-0, 6-0.
Mendez, who is in the country for the first time, said he was hoping to win the tournament.

“First I am very happy to be here. Of course I have been in Africa but this is my first time in Zimbabwe and I am very excited.
“The first match was a bit tough. I hope tomorrow (today) it will be fine, I will just focus on that. I have been playing for the past eight weeks and I just want to win this tournament and go back home,” said Mendez. Up-and-coming junior player,

Samson Muroyiwa overpowered Hondono Gondayi 6-0, 6-0 while Collen Makwanya beat Rangarirai Chiware 6-1, 6-4.
Ian Attfield dismissed Hillary Mavengano 6-0, 6-2 and Godfree Ndlovu beat Freeman Mukwena 6-0, 6-1.
Philip Langa beat Moses Chombo 6-4, 7-5 in a tightly contested match.

Meanwhile, the three junior players — Brian Mafuvise, Shepherd Banda and Munyaradzi Mamombe — who represented the country in the World Team Cup in South Africa, recently were voted the team of the year at the event.

Zimbabwe took part in the juniors’ competition made up of eight countries and they finished the bottom of the log.
Team coach, Dereck Ndaramashe applauded the junior players for their effort although they lost.

“It was quite an honour for us to be able to take part. We went there on a wild card after one of the countries scheduled to compete pulled out.

“We lost but we did not lose without a fight and towards the end of the tournament we were voted team of the year 2011. We also learnt a lot.
“We were playing the best in the world and it motivated our players,” said Ndaramashe.