Zimpapers Logo

Herb failed to withstand the sting of Bhunu’s (pictured) blazing serves and it is no wonder she lost in straight sets

Online Reporter

ZIMBABWE’S Valeria Bhunu easily brushed aside Caitlin Herb of South Africa in the African Union Sports Council Region 5 Under-20 Youth Games girls’ tennis semifinal to reach the final this morning.

Herb failed to withstand the sting of Bhunu’s blazing serves and it is no wonder she lost in straight sets – 6-1, 61.

Bhunu, wearing Zimbabwe’s green and gold colours, didn’t seem bothered by the pressure of making it into the final.

She was confident on the serve and her overall game blew a deflated Herb out of the court.

Bhunu, who is facing another South African, Poluta Kate, in the final tomorrow declared that she was gunning for the gold medal.

“I am preparing for gold. Playing against South Africa is a big challenge. I have played in that country before. I know and have seen how good they are. As for the final, I must win it,” she said.

Bhunu will start as the favourite with the bookmakers, if not with the crowd and, as she pointed out, if she makes best use of a court that is tailored for her draining baseline game, she will cause all sorts of problems for Kate.

It would have been a girls final pitting Zimbabweans, but Rufaro Chirerwa was ignorant of the script as she lost 6-3, 6-2 to Kate.

In the boys’ category, Zimbabwe’s Ronzai Saurombe’s quest for gold was stopped in the semifinal as he lost to Chisomo Lumeta of Malawi 3-6, 6-4, 7-5

More to follow