Junior stars crowned at Masters Championship

Olympia’s Central Tennis Courts were the battlefield for the country’s top junior tennis stars last weekend, as they gathered in the capital across the boys’ and girls’ U16 to U10 age categories to determine Namibia’s champions.Held under the auspices of the Namibia Tennis Association (NTA), the Junior Masters Championship is a prestigious highlight on the NTA calendar, featuring the nation’s best players ranked according to points accumulated across tournaments throughout the season.The top player in each category received a trophy, with silver and bronze medals awarded to the runners-up and third-place finishers, respectively.Event organisers confirmed that, despite the top-eight call-up, some age groups did not have enough players to fill all slots, with injuries also contributing to the shortfall.Winners of U16 and U14The girls’ U16 event was won by top seed Joanivia Bezuidenhout, who came from behind to beat second seed Mari van Schalkwyk in a tense three-set match 0-6, 6-3, 7-6. Third place went to Natalia #Ouses.The rest of the top seven featured Emma Zalto, Hilya Campbell, Kaylar Amutse and Ndeumono Wilhelm.In the boys’ U16 category, top seed Dante Marcus was crowned champion after a commanding 6-0, 6-0 victory over third seed Aidan Matroos to top his round-robin pool.Third place was secured by Lazarus Kanelombe, with Konjeni Shivande and Liam Olivier also among the top performers.In the girls’ U14 division, top seed Elrica Nakusera clinched the title with a convincing 6-1, 6-3 win over Emma Brinkmann in the final. Third place went to Secilia Nghitewapo, while Milan de Lange, Francis Boshoff, Azalea Nauises, Emelia Coetzee and Alicia Hausiku rounded out the field (in no particular order).In the boys’ U14 category, top seed Johan Theron reigned supreme, defeating second seed Tadiwa Mombeyarara 6-3, 6-4 in the final to secure the title. Steven Gathuru claimed third place, followed by Gabriel Gurirab, Mikko Oliver and Eric Pretorius (in no particular order).Winners of U12 and U10In the girls’ U12 category, Niamey Marcus led the charge, beating Madison Hoff 6-1, 6-0 in the final to take the title. Third place was won by Christina Hoff, while Apple Shuro, Joy Mbangula and Tonata Shikololo were also among the top contenders.The boys’ U12 champion was second seed Breyton Bezuidenhout, who came from behind to defeat top seed Shafishina Shimali 2-6, 6-4, 11-9 in a thrilling final.Pameni Paulus took third place, with Joshua Diergaardt, Peter Gathuru, Nicholas Buys, Jasper Coetzee and Zephan van der Westhuizen also featuring prominently.In the girls’ U10 category, top seed Janice Bezuidenhout dominated the round-robin stage with an 8-0 win over Adele Buys in her final match to clinch the title. Immaculate Fundisi earned silver, while Adele Buys took bronze.The boys’ U10 category was won by top seed Ilan Aisindi, who secured the title with an 8-3 victory over third seed Adriaan Tromp. Pwoove Paulus finished third, followed by Faan Vermaak, GJ Visser, Kunomundu Kavari and Disanka Kabongo (in no particular order).Organisers confirmed that the tennis season will conclude with the Swakopmund Open, featuring both junior and senior divisions from 12 to 21 December.– mariud@nsh.com.na

Junior stars crowned at Masters Championship

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