Gasigwa confident as Nile Breweries take over

Lugogo

Although he has tough opponents to deal with, Rwandan Jean Claude Gasigwa is confident he can defend the Uganda Open men’s singles title. “Since I am the defending champion, everyone will be trying to defeat me,” Gasigwa said yesterday shortly after Nile Breweries had announced a Shs20m sponsorship package for the tournament that begins today at Lugogo.

The Rwandan defeated Kenyan Francis Rogoi to lift last year’s title but has suffered a dip in form resulting from a foot injury suffered a fortnight ago. Gasigwa fell to Rogoi at the semi-final stage of the ITF/CAT East African Money Circuit Kigali leg at the weekend. Rogoi and homeboy Duncan Mugabe are now the biggest threats to Gasigwa’s title in the tournament to be played alongside the ITF/CAT Money Circuit Uganda leg.

“Mugabe gave me a call saying he wanted to challenge me so I am here for him,” the 28-year-old Rwandan said. Despite massive home crowd support, Mugabe succumbed to 6-2, 6-3 straight sets loss against the big-serving Gasigwa in the semi-finals at Lugogo last year.

“I guess Mugabe is now a better player and should be able to put up a great challenge.” Being the top seed for the four-day tournament, Mugabe has nerves and high crowd expectations to deal with in a bid to win his maiden Uganda Open title. Nile Breweries under their Nile Gold brand, took over sponsorship of Uganda’s most prestigious tournament by injecting in over Shs20m.

Half of the money will be handed over to Uganda Lawn Tennis Association (ULTA) to cater for the prizes and the rest to run the tourney. East Africa Breweries who sponsored last year’s tournament didn’t renew their partnership with ULTA.

“Nile Gold stands for exceptional quality and we are delighted to be associated with ULTA to champion tennis, a game that combines exceptional talent, strength, stamina and willpower,” Nile Gold brand manager Ellis Muhimbise said yesterday.