As Habiyambere storms ITF/CAT finals

ITF/CAT E. African money circuit (Kigali leg)
Semi-final results (Men)
D. Habiyambere  bt  O. Nkunda  6-2 6-3
F. Rogoi   bt  J. Gasigwa  0-6 6-4 6-4
 
(Women)

G. Ketty   bt  R. Musoke  5-7 6-1 6-4
C. Odour   bt  A. Rehema  6-3 6-2

JEAN Claude Gasigwa had a smooth run in the ITF/CAT East African Money Circuit Kigali leg until yesterday when he was ejected at the semi-final stage by Kenya’s Francis Rogoi.

The country’s tennis ace, who missed the first leg in Burundi because of a bruised leg, surrendered a one set lead before falling 6-0 4-6 4-6 at Umubano Laico hotel.

After cruising to a 6-0 first set lead, Gasigwa was favourite to go on and win the game, however, instead of solidifying his advantage in the second set, the 28-year-old allowed several opportunities to slip away as Rogoi leveled at 6-4.

Three breaks to start the final set left Rogoi leading 2-1, and although he failed to serve out the match at 5-2, he broke Gasigwa once more at 5-4 to secure his victory.

Rogoi will now play homeboy Dieudonne Habiyambere in the final. Habiyambere earned his finals’ slot after making light work (6-2, 6-3) of Olivier Nkunda in the other semi-final tie.
In the girls’ category, Burundi leg winner Caroline Odour (Kenya) has her eyes on back to back titles when she takes on Burundi’s Gioe Ketty in today’s final.

En route the final, Odour beat Tanzanian Athumani Rehema 6-3 6-2 while Ketty had to come from a set down to see off Uganda’s Rosette Musoke 5-7 6-1 6-4.

US$850 is at stake for the men’s winner while the ladies’ champion will pocket US$650.

Ends