Kalega beats Kalungi to singles title

Kalungi defeated Dean Kibirige 6-3 6-4 in the semifinals.

Kampala

William Kalega was crowned Independence Cup singles champion after beating Carey Kalungi 6-1 7-6 7-4 at Makerere University Senior Staff tennis court on Monday.

In winning the title, Kalega denied Kalungi a hat-trick and gained revenge over him having lost to the same rival in the Tennis Ladder final early this year.

Seeded number two in the Makerere tournament that started on October 6, Kalega was always fancied to reach the final but not so many gave him a chance of beating the two-time defending champion and top seed Kalungi. But he started strongly and never gave Kalega a chance in the first set, winning 6-1 on Sunday evening.

Kalungi engaged top gear and matched his opponent shot for shot but darkness halted his rhythm as umpire David Lwanga stopped play due to darkness. When play resumed on Monday, Kalega held on to win the second set 7-6 and sealed victory in the third 7-4.

snakirigya@ug.nationmedia.com