Sunday

Men’ singles final

E. Habiyambere bt O. Havugimana 6-4, 6-1

Women

M. Ingabire bt G. Umumararungu 6-3, 6-3

Ernest Habiyambere and Megane Ingabire have dedicated their titles to the former Rwanda tennis star Jean Claude Gasigwa after winning the inaugural tournament organized by the local tennis federation in memory of Gasigwa.

The week-long tournament dubbed ‘Gasigwa memorial tournament’ ended on Sunday at Cercile Sportif de Kigali.

Habiyambere, 17, who plays for the national junior team, won the men’s singles title after overcoming second seed Olivier Havugimana 6-4, 6-1 following a stunning victory over Uganda’s second seed David Oringa in three sets 2-6, 6-4 and 6-3 in the semi-finals on Saturday.

Speaking to the media after his victory, Habiyambere dedicated his title to Gasigwa. He paid glowing tribute to Gasigwa for making him the player he is today.

 "I came into this tournament with the ambition to win regardless of the level of the opponents, Gasigwa was my mentor, he was the first person to introduce me to a tennis court and taught me everything. I owe him everything, there is nothing I can do other than dedicating him this title,” he said.

Ingabire, Rwanda’s women number one claimed the singles title after defeating archrival second seed, Gisele Umumararungu 6-3, 6-3 in the final.

The one-week long tournament attracted a total of 32 players in the men’s single category and 14 in the women category from Uganda, Tanzania, DR Congo and hosts Rwanda.

editorial@newtimes.co.rw