RWANDA DEVELOPMENT BANK (BRD) has earmarked Rwf8 million for the 20th Liberation Day Tennis Competition.

The tournament is an annual event although it was not held last year.

Speaking to journalists last week, BRD’s public relations officer Frank Abaho said: "For this year, it is a special occasion as Rwanda celebrates its 20th Liberation Day, and through BRD’s corporate social responsibility efforts, supporting sports, and specifically tennis, is a great opportunity in giving back to society,” Abaho said. 

Rwanda’s top tennis seed Jean Claude Gasigwa won the trophy in 2010 and 2011, while Dieudonne Habiyambere won it in 2012. In the women’s category, Gisele Umumararungu beat Megan Ingabire in two straights sets (6-3 6-2) to clinch the title in the previous edition. 

Gasigwa, 30, who suffered a semi final defeat at the hands of his Ugandan nemesis Duncan Mugabe in the semi finals of Kenya Open a fortnight ago, will be hoping to recover in this week’s tournament.