ITF/CAT Prize Money Circuit due next week

ITF/CAT prize money circuit gets underway in Kigali from September 24-28 at Umubano hotel courts.

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

ITF/CAT prize money circuit gets underway in Kigali from September 24-28 at Umubano hotel courts.The Rwanda Tennis Federation chairman, Theoneste Karenzi, said yesterday they are expecting to host over 40 tennis players from Africa and Europe."Preparations are underway and we will have a long list of players who will grace the event,” said Karenzi.Jean Claude Gasigwa is the defending champion after winning the second leg of the ITF/CAF money circuit prize money after beating Kenya’s Dennis Ochieng in the final.After losing the first leg crown to compatriot Dieudonné Habiyambere, Gasigwa went into the second leg with something to prove.The 27-year old needed one hour to dispose of Ochieng in straight sets 6-2, 6-2 to win the trophy and $800 in prize money. Ochieng took home $540.In the women category, Kenya’s Caroline Odour avenged her first leg defeat by trouncing home favourite Gisele Umumararungu in the final 6-0, 6-2.The Rwandan top seed was below average and didn’t have any answer to her Kenyan opponent’s powerful serves. She was consoled with $540 for second-place.The week-long tournament will be sponsored by the International Tennis Federation and the Ministry of Sports and Culture.