WINDHOEK – Codie van Schalkwyk won this year’s edition of the Kia Tennis Series, after the 11-year old tennis ace secured 2nd place in the advanced category in the Pro Tennis Academy tourney at the Windhoek High School (WHS) on Saturday.
Although Codie lost the final match against younger sibling Conner (8) his massive haul of points accumulated over the season was enough to ensure he finished top in the overall standings. Codie went into the final tourney as overwhelming favourite, but a niggling leg injury meant he would have to work extra hard to win the prestigious title, but nevertheless showed his mettle when he cruised through to the final unbeaten. In a hard-fought final, both siblings showcased exceptional skill, but it was the younger Conner who kept the upper hand against his elder brother. The victory gifted the youngster a well-deserved 2nd on the overall standings. Oliver Diggle finished 3rd in the advanced category.
There was no stopping upcoming young tennis sensation Veri Hinda in the intermediate category, leaving Delvin Losper and Logimo Goraseb to pick up the pieces for 2nd and 3rd places respectively. As widely expected, Kayden Schnelle triumphed in the beginners’ category ahead of Randel Kavandje and Jaco Becker in 2nd and 3rd spots. It was Kayden’s 2nd consecutive win at the Kia series. Samar van der Merwe emerged victorious in the midi category with Adam Diggle in 2nd spot trailed by Faith Kahuure in 3rd place. The mini category was won by Karmi Muller followed by Hendrina Apollus and Shaylynn Johr in that order.
Here are the full results:
Advanced:
1. Connor van Schalkwyk
2. Codie van Schalkwyk
3. Oliver Diggle
Intermediate:
1. Veri Hinda
2. Delvin Losper
3. Logimo Goraseb
Beginners:
1. Kayden Schnelle
2. Randel Kavandje
3. Jaco Becker
Midi Tennis:
1. Samar van der Merwe
2. Adam Diggle
3. Faith Kahuure
Mini Tennis:
1. Karmi Muller
2. Hendrina Apollus
3. Shaylynn Johr
The top 10 rankings after last weekend’s tourney are as follows:
Pos Name Points
1. Codie van Schalkwyk 4800
2. Connor van Schalkwyk 4100
3. Waylon wentzel 4050
4. Veri Hinda 3950
5. Delvin Losper 3225
6. Kayden Schnelle 2800
7. Oliver Diggle 2325
8. Nguvi Hinda 2230
9. Randal Kavandje 2075
10. Jaco Becker 2030
By Staff reporter