Ellina Mhlanga Sports Reporter
MEHLULI Sibanda concluded his participation in the International Tennis Federation 18-and-Under South Central Circuit on a high note after beating Emile Hudd of Great Britain in the third leg yesterday at Harare Sports Club.

Sibanda, seeded second, prevailed over top seed Hudd 7-5, 7-6(4) to claim his second singles title in this circuit that ended yesterday.

This was their third meeting after they played each other in the first two tournaments. On Thursday the Zimbabwean top junior player had won the doubles with his partner Sheil Kotecha of Kenya when they beat Hudd and of Zyaan Ahmed.

“I played really well, it feels good to get four titles out of the six in three weeks.
“Today (yesterday) I was tired. I just lasted a little bit longer than him maybe he got tired.

“I played really well in the three weeks,” said Sibanda. This is likely to be his last international juniors tournament at home as he graduates into the seniors soon.

“It means more confidence now and hopefully I can win more matches even in the Futures.
“I am going to play more Futures in Egypt and in Cape Town,” said Sibanda.

Tennis Zimbabwe president Martin Lock, who attended yesterday’s finals, applauded Sibanda for raising the country’s flag high as well as Kimberly Bhunu who reached the girls’ quarter-finals.

“We know that the competition is fierce and it is especially pleasing to see when our local players perform and I have to give a whole hearted congratulations to Mehluli Sibanda.

“He has performed really well, winning two of the three and losing in the final of one.
“And winning two doubles, so he has had an unbelievable three weeks.

“On the ladies we have got Kim Bhunu who flew the flag for Zimbabwe, she was really competitive in all the tournaments and got to the quarter-finals of this Grade Three (tournament) and I would like to think that the future is bright for our tennis.

“I would like to think his (Sibanda) exposure by playing Futures, his exposure by being part of the Davis Cup squad for the last couple of years has all been contributory to him coming today with the gold medal and winning. So we are really thrilled,” said Lock.

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