Bags US $800 after Singles’ final victory

ITF/CAT E.African Money Circuit
Kigali Leg
Men’s Final
J.C Gasigwa (Rwa) bt. M. Dzuwa (Zim) 6-1, 2-6, 6-3
Ladies’ final
C. Odour (Ken) bt. S. Irankunda (Bur) 6-1, 6-7 (8-6), 6-2

JEAN Claude Gasigwa yesterday delighted his raucous home crowd at Novotel Courts after a topsy-turvy three-set victory over Zimbabwe’s Martin Dzuwa in the ITF/CAT E.African money circuit Kigali leg final.

The third-seed claimed the first set but went to pieces in the next before rallying back to win 6-1 2-6 6-3 in one hour and 50 minutes.

Gasigwa broke serve twice in the second set but lost his next three service games as the Zimbabwean swiftly levelled the match.

But, spurred on by his raucous home crowd, the country’s top seed got himself back into the match, capitalising on his three break points while soaking up pressure on his own delivery to serve out the match and win his second successive Kigali leg title.

"I want to thank the fans for their support. They kept me going. I’m now looking forward to the Uganda leg,” an excited Gasigwa said.

Gasigwa bagged US$800 for his singles’ win and another $150 for his doubles win.

In the ladies’ final, Kenya’s Caroline Odour was in top form as she wrapped up an easy 6-1, 6-1 victory over Santiana Irankunda of Burundi.

 The Kenyan also teamed up with Uganda’s Rosette Musoke to secure the doubles accolade after a 6-1, 6-7 (8-6), 6-2 victory over Santiana Irankunda and Gisele Umumararungu.

The tennis players will now head to Uganda for the third and final leg.

Ends