Windhoek
The third NTA senior tennis tournament got into full swing over the weekend with matches played at the NTA Central tennis courts in Olympia on Friday and Saturday. To honour the NTA president of more than 10 years the tournament was branded the Bob Mould Senior Tennis Tournament.
A select group of 40 players, including some Namibian Davis Cup players and promising junior players, registered for singles and doubles matches, which were played in a Men’s A, B and C category and a Women’s A and B section.
In the men’s a singles competition top Davis Cup player Jean Erasmus dictated the match against his Davis Cup teammate Deon Van Dyk with his all-round game and weaponry of a wide shot selection. The final score was 6-3, 6-4 in favour of Erasmus.
The Men’s Singles B section was won by Colin Nyandoro, who outlasted a spirited challenge from Patrick Paulus. Nyandoro, who had prevailed over eternal foe Eno Akpabio in the semifinals, won the match 0-6, 6-4 6-3. Paulus had beaten Sam Kaulinge in the semis 6-2, 6-2.
Oliver Riethmueller had to battle through some tough three-set matches to overcome his opponents in a round robin format to be crowned winner in the Men’s C section. Runner up was Mega Shipanga.
Johannes Swartz and Luca Monteforte claimed the Men’s Doubles B section title after NTA president Sam Kaulinge fell ill and could not partake in the finals with his partner Hilary Tafara.
The Women’s Singles was fought out between top Namibian junior players Tuna Nkandi and Tinashe Mukumba. Nkandi caused an upset by beating her friend Mukumba 6-2, 6-2.
At the prize-giving ceremony NTA president Sam Kaulinge congratulated all the winners. He especially thanked Haikwiya Rauha, who had come all the way from Oshakati to participate in the tournament. Kaulinge also expressed his thanks to Eros Bottle Store, which had once more supported the NTA Senior tournament with valuable prizes in kind.
Former president Bob Mould stressed the importance of Davis Cup players competing in Namibian national tournaments to give future Davis Cup players the chance to challenge the best players in the country. The organiser of the event, Kallie Heese, encouraged the players to double the number of entries at the next tournament, slated for the September 23.