SA star takes Botswana Tennis Open title

MOSAH MOKGANEDI
Correspondent | Thursday July 24, 2008 00:00

 

After struggling to win the title in the past, last year's runner-up managed to clinch the top honours while defending champion Benjamin Vanresburg, also of South Africa, did not attend this year's edition. The left-handed tennis sensation gave Lebesa a torrid time. Krisjan, who had more strength on base line balls, capitalised on his opponent's poor defence.

Krisjan and his partner Moss Knott also won the men's doubles title, thrashing Mafara Gilbert of Zimbabwe and Bruce Gama of Swaziland 6/2,6/2. The ladies' singles that were dominated by Lesotho saw Nthabiseng Nqosa beat her counterpart Seapei Senatla 6/2,6/1.Nqosa partnered with Montlha Pinkie to beat Botswana's Katlego Gouwe and Tshidiso Mosinyi 6/2,6/4. Krisjan said in an interview that he had prepared well because he knew most of the players since he has been participating in the competition for as long as he could remember. He, however, explained that it was not plain sailing 'because most of the players came prepared'. Krisjan also gave the Botswana Tennis Association (BTA) a pat on the back for a well-organised tournament. He said the introduction of the junior category is a step in the right direction, as it would give more youngsters exposure. He noted that Botswana was doing well as it has tennis players like Tapiwa Marobela and Bokang Setshogo, who are attending schools in the United States of America (US) on tennis scholarships. Krisjan said though most Botswana players were inexperienced their performance was impressive.

BTA development officer Tuelo Serufho said the turnout was exceptional as it surpassed their expectations. About 208 participants out of the expected 160 took part in the competition. Serufho said though only few Batswana made it to the finals their performance was satisfactory. He explained that there was need to have more tournaments to give children exposure. Serufho said the challenge Batswana players had was that most of them were students preparing to sit for final examinations and that they had to balance studying and training. 

In other categories: Veterans:
Men's singles- 35-44: Peter Ntele.
Men's singles-45 and above: Seate.
Men's doubles: Klaric and Nthele.
Ladies' singles (veterans) J. Denyer.
Ladies' doubles (veterans) J. Denyer and Gakio.

Batswana did well in most of the juniors' categories.

Zimbabwe, Botswana, Lesotho, South Africa and Zambia took part in the competition. Motor Centre sponsored this year's edition to the tune of P75, 000.