Habiyambere eyes Umubano Open title

Today: Final Men E. Habiyambere (5) vs O. Havugimana (2) Women M. Ingabire (1) vs G. Umumararungu (2) U-14 boys J. Kiza (1) vs J. Muhire Friday: Semi-finals Men E. Habiyambere (5) bt H. Gatete (4) 6-1, 6-4O. Havugimana (2) bt M. Uwizeyimana (3) 6-2, 0-6, 6-3 Women M. Ingabire (1) bt P. Cyiza (3) 6-1, 6-3G. Umumararungu (2) bt C. Mutuyimana (4) 6-1, 6-0 Rwanda’s 5th ranked tennis player, Ernest Habiyambere beat fourth seed Hamiss Gatete 6-1, 6-4 to reach the final of the inaugural Umubano Hotel Open on Friday in a match that lasted for 59 minutes. It is the first ever final in the semi-professional category for the 16-year-old right-hander Habiyambere who will now face second seed Olivier Havugimana in today’s men’s singles final at Umubano hotel courts. “I really want to win this tournament and reach the final for the first time. I am confident that I can actually realise my dream,” said Habiyambere, who normally competes in the junior category. Havugimana needed 2 hours and 12 minutes to see off Rwanda’s number three, Mathieu Uwizeyimana in three sets 6-2, 0-6, 6-3. In women singles final, it will be a battle between the top two seeds Meganne Ingabire and Gisele Umumararungu. Rwanda’s number one, Ingabire, ousted Phiridaus Cyiza (3) in straight sets 6-1, 6-3 while Umumararungu defeated seed four, Chantal Mutuyimana, 6-1, 6-0. editorial@newtimes.co.rw

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Habiyambere eyes Umubano Open title