Final Phase

Men
E. Mutabazi & E. Mutabazi bt. M. Marshall & L. Mutesi  2-0

Ladies
E. Uwineza & J. Niyigena bt. Y.Igihozo & D. Mutatsimpunde 2-0

Veterans
J.P Mana &C. Mudahinyuka bt. G. Ruboneza & T. Ndagijimana  2-0

The crowds who flocked the Gisenyi beach to have a glimpse at the Mutabazi brothers were not disappointed as the pair wrapped up the revamped MTN Beach volleyball championship with an absorbing performance in the final of the men’s category on Sunday.

Elie Mutabazi and Emmanuel Mutabazi ran over their opponents; Marshall Kwizera and Leo Fidele Mutesi in straight sets (21-18, 26-24) to seize their first phase win as a pair.

The result capped Emmanuel Mutabazi’s third phase win after victories in Kibuye and Kigali and only a second for APR’s Elie Mutabazi after his Butare victory.

Emmilienne Uwineza and Jeannette Niyigena also clinched onto their third phase win in the ladies’ section after a 21-13, 21-11 win over debutants Yvette Igihozo and Denise Mutatsimpunde.

Jean Paul Mana and Christopher Mudahinyuka held off a late charge by Gedeon Ruboneza and Theogene Ndagijimana to seal off a 21-9, 25-23 win in the veterans’ category.

Like in previous phases, the winning pairs in the three categories walked away with Frw 180,000, the first runners-up bagged Frw 100,000 while the third and fourth pairs settled for Frw 60,000 and Frw 40,000 respectively. Crowning off the championship, the federation commended MTN for bankrolling the championship.

MTN’s PRO Bosco Sendahangarwa also lauded the federation for staging an organized and action packed championship and after a successful championship vowed to continue working closely with the federation in order to make the event more successful.

"We have been thrilled by the championship. It was packed with great action and we hope it will only get better next year,” he said.

MTN is said to have sunk over Frw 20m in the championship.

Ends