LOCAL tennis ace Jean Claude Gasigwa can’t wait to swing his racket in the upcoming Tanga Cement Open.

The lucrative tournament starts August 23 at Dar es Salaam’s Gymkhana Club and is expected to attract East Africa’s finest players.

Speaking ahead of the event, Gasigwa, who has been sponsored by Computer Bytes, told Times Sport that he is perfect shape.

"I’m in great shape and hope to do well in this tournament. I have played good tennis over the last few weeks and hope to keep it going,” the 28-year-old said.

Last month, Gasigwa won the second leg of the ITF/CAT Money circuit after overcoming Kenya’s Dennis Ochieng in the final.

It was a relatively easy win for the homeboy as he strolled through in straight sets 6-2, 6-2 to pocket $800 (approx. Rwf482, 000). Ochieng settled for $540 (approx. Rwf325, 000).

With the All Africa Games round the corner, Gasigwa knows that a fine display in Dar es Salaam will cement his place on the national team.

More than 70 players from Rwanda, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Sudan, Zambia, Ethiopia and Zimbabwe are expected to compete in the Rwf 5m Tanga Cement Open.

In 2009, Gasigwa won the tournament while the ladies’ title went to Kenya’s Caroline Oduor.Besides the singles category, players will also compete in the doubles and mixed categories.

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