WINDHOEK – Codie van Schalkwyk remains at the top of the Kia tennis ranking, despite his absence in last weekend’s Kia tennis tournament in Windhoek. The tennis ace is currently on national duty representing Namibia at ITF sponsored junior events in Botswana and Mozambique respectively.

While the log leader was out of action and unable to collect any points last weekend, his lead of 3 750 points seems too far for any of the opposition to catch up with only two tourneys left. However, the race for 2^nd place in the overall ranking is becoming more intense with each tournament.

Although Oliver Diggle managed to defend his 2^nd overall place after clinching 3^rd spot in the advanced category, his two biggest adversaries, Connor van Schalkwyk and Waylon Wentzel finished 1^st and 2^{nd –} putting them within striking distance for 2^nd place. Another strong contender for a silver medal is Delvin Losper, who won the intermediate division ahead of Roberto Gomes and Deonette Dirkse to be perched in 5^th place overall, 150 points adrift of 2^nd placed Diggle. The beginner’s event was won by Kayden Schnelle, leaving Randal Kavandje to settle for 2^nd place with Jaco Becker having to pick up the pieces in 3^rd place.  Kayden improved her overall standing, moving from 15^th to 8^th position. Last Friday afternoon saw players in the midi and mini categories in action with Samar van der Merwe clinching the midi division ahead of Faith Kahuure, while the 1^st place in the mini event went to Hendrina Apollus, followed closely by Aviel van der Merwe and Tjiji Mbetjiha.

Here are the full results:

 

Advanced:

1. Connor van Schalkwyk

2. Waylon Wentzel

3. Oliver Diggle

 

Intermediate:

1. Delvin Losper

2. Roberto Gomes

3. Deonette Dirkse

 

Beginner:

1. Kayden Schnelle

2. Randal Kavandje

3. Jaco Becker

 

Midi Tennis:

1. Samar van der Merwe

2. Faith Kahuure

3. Megano Sheeya

 

Mini Tennis:

1. Hendrina Apollus

2. Aviel van der Merwe

3. Tjiji Mbetjiha

 

The Kia Tennis Ranking top 10 after last weekend’s tournament is as follows:

 

Ranking               Name                       Points

1.             Codie van Schalkwyk            3750

2.             Oliver Diggle                        3075

3.             Waylon wentzel                    3050

4.             Conner van Schalkwyk          3000

5.             Delvin Losper                       2925

6.             Veri Hinda                            2450

7.             Moyo Nqobilizwe                  2000

8.             Kayden Schnelle                   1960

9.             Silvia Schulz                         1600

10.           Andre Smit                           1600

By Staff reporter