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BEST OF THE CROP . . . Derick Namaya was yesterday crowned the winner of the Zimbabwe Junior Closed Tennis tournament at Harare Sports Club

Ellina Mhlanga Sports Reporter
SECOND seed in the ongoing Zimbabwe Junior Closed Tennis tournament boys Under-18, Derick Namaya, is the winner of this year’s edition after the top seed, Luca Picci retired from the finals match due to an injury yesterday at Harare Sports Club.
Picci came in as the favourite to win the competition having scooped the Arenel Wimbledon Harare Junior Open tournament on Tuesday and was the top seed in this event.

However, he retired at the end of the first set with Derick Namaya leading 6-3 due to some pain on his right arm and the match was awarded to Namaya.
“I think the level of competition was a bit low and there were few competitors in this tournament,” said Namya.

“I think next time they should advertise the tournament a bit earlier so that they have more entries for tournaments.
“As for my match I think I was playing the best I could and I managed to take the first set. I think it will add value because I earn points for winning this tournament and it will improve my ranking. I think this match I have played was tough.”

The 18-year-old said he is now shifting his focus to the ITF futures event to be hosted here sometime this year.
“I am now looking forward to the futures tournament coming I think in May. I am practising hard and I think by then I will be ready.

“For the seniors it’s going to be my first tournament,” Namaya said.
The Under-18 girls title went to Taririo Dembo who won all her four matches in a round-robin which featured five players.

Dembo first beat Mitchelle Marufu 6-2, 6-0 before dismissing Natasha Mbirikuenda 6-1, 6-0.
She went on to thrash Tinaye Mzenyi 6-0, 6-0 and completed her campaign with a win over Rumbi Paguwa with the same score.

The finals in other age-groups from Under-10 to Under-16 will be played today as well as the doubles matches.