Finals

J.C Gasigwa (Rwa) beat M. Dzuwa (Zim) 6-3 1-6 6-3

E. Otula (Ken) beat M. Sammia 6-3/6-3

J.C Gasigwa/F. Rogoi v M. Dzuwa/G. Togona

Rwanda’s Jean-Claude Gasigwa won the second leg of the International Tennis Federation/CAT Money Circuit which climaxed yesterday at Nairobi club, Kenya.

The 25-year-old beat Zimbabwe’s Martin Dzuwa in three sets 6-3, 1-6, 6-3 to claim the men singles event.

Rwanda’s second seed bagged $600 (approx. Frw0.33 million) in cash prize on top of the trophy for his effort.

The experienced star won the first set 6-3 but his opponent came out strong and won the second set 1-6 however, Gasigwa wrapped up his win by taking the decider 6-3 in a match that lasted close to two hours.

Speaking to Times Sport by telephone from Nairobi yesterday, Gasigwa said he was delighted to win the tournament but thanked the local tennis federation for sponsoring his trip.

"It’s good that I have won but I must thank people at home who supported me to be where am today. I appreciate the Rwanda Tennis Federation for their support," Gasigwa said.

This is Gasigwa’s second victory over the Zimbabwean; the last was during the first leg of the ITF/CAT money circuit finals held in Kigali in early March, where Gasigwa won 3-6, 6-3, 6-4.

However, he has lost to Dzuwa twice in the third leg of the ITF/CAT money circuit finals 4-6 5-7 held in Kenya in April and 4-6, 4-6 during the Uganda Tennis Open finals held in March.

In the Female category, Kenya’s top seed Everlyn Otula won the Nairobi ITF money circuit after ousting Sudanese born Mohammed Sammia 6-3 6-3.

Otula won the first leg of the ITF/CAT money circuit which was held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, a week ago.

Gasigwa, partnering with Kenya’s Francis Rogoi also had a change to win the doubles against Zimbabwean pair of Martin Dzuwa and Tongona however, by press time, that match was yet to be played.

Ends