New rivalries emerge at fifth National Junior Open
Hannah Ainembabazi Bagaya in action. PHOTO | JB SSENKUBUGE
The international circuits and big leagues like Kampala Premier Tennis League are yet to resume. And like they say; when the cat’s away, the mice will play and so have the youngsters.
Having competed in the Kololo Youth League last month, the juveniles were at it over the weekend battling for honours in at the fifth National Junior Open at East Kololo Primary School.
There was a remarkable increase in the numbers with 70 players turning up from hosts Tennis For All Ugana, Let’s Play Tennis Uganda, Kabira Country Club, Prodigy Sports Academy, Sporting Chance, Serving Up Hope and Lugogo Tennis Club among others. But what caught the eye was the improvement in competition amongst the youngsters and the new budding rivalries that were a joy to catch. Latif Ssendyowa’s duel with Cillian Ndilima had the small crowd cheering themselves hoarse before the former sneaked home 10/8, 10/6 in the Boys U-12 final.
Dhaanvi Dechamma put up a relentless fight and deservedly triumphed against hard-battling Hilda Afoyorwoth 12/6, 12/7 in the Girls U-12 final.
In the Girls U-8 category, Rihanna Afoyorwoth made up for her sister’s loss by scooping top honours after outlasting Praise Agenomungu 7/2, 7/2. Arafat Muzamiru also made light work of Lameck Okecho 7/4, 7/4 in the Boys U-8 final.
