OVER 50 players will to take part in the Inaugural Banque Populaire Open tennis championship which started on Friday at Nyarutarama Tennis Club.

Speaking after the official launch which was graced by the Minister of Sports and Culture Joseph Habineza, one of the tournament organisers Aimable Rudashilikoka said that they were expecting a big number to turn up for the event which runs through to March 28.

"What’s exciting about this tournament is that it will combine different categories; professionals, amateurs and ladies,” the official said.

Although Banque Populaire du Rwanda (BPR) has been involved in sports, it’s the first time the bank is getting involved in tennis.

"In the past, we have been involved in soccer and cycling but since we are the bank of the people, we thought we would reach out to more locals through tennis,” the bank’s change manager Peter Bruggeman.

The Open’s schedule of events started off on Friday with a series of games in the amateur’s singles category.

Action in the doubles category gets underway this Monday while the ladies and professionals don’t play until Tuesday.

At the end of the Open, top players in the professional and ladies category will walk away with cash prizes while the rest will win trophies.

Ends