Harerimana stuns top seed Habiyambere

Rwanda’s top seed Dieudonne Habiyambere was shocked by third ranked Mubarak Harerimana at the ongoing Umubano Tennis open, yesterday. Harerimana won 7-5, 1-6, 6-2 in the second round of the men’s singles to qualify for the quarterfinals.

Wednesday, August 12, 2015
Mubarak Harerimana defeated number one Dieudonne Habiyambere in the menu2019s singles second round yesterday at Umubano Hotel. (Sam Ngendahimana)

Quarter finals (Today)

Men’s Singles

M. Harerimana vs E. Habiyambere

E. Bimenyimana vs H. Gatete

Women’s Singles

M. Ingabire vs O. Tuyishime

I. Mwamini vs P. Cyiza

F. Kayitesi vs G. Umumararungu

Second round (Tuesday)

Men

E. Habiyambere bt D. Uwimana 6-1, 6-2

M. Harerimana bt D. Habiyambere 7-5, 1-6, 6-2

H. Gatete bt E. Niyigena 6-3, 6-2

Women

I Mwamini bt I. Sacha 6-1, 6-0

F. Kayitesi bt M. Celiane 6-0, 6-0

P. Cyiza bt O. Umukiza 6-0, 6-1

Rwanda’s top seed Dieudonne Habiyambere was shocked by third ranked Mubarak Harerimana at the ongoing Umubano Tennis open, yesterday. Harerimana won 7-5, 1-6, 6-2 in the second round of the men’s singles to qualify for the quarterfinals.

Speaking to Times Sport, the visibly excited Harerimana said it is a great feeling to have won such a big game which earned him a ticket to the quarterfinals. He said it is a game he had looked forward to, although it was hard earned victory.

"I am too excited. I have spent almost a year without playing because of an arm injury and this is the first tournament I have participated in since then, so defeating Dieudonne is a motivation to me,” said Mubarak.

In a separate interview, Habiyambere blamed the poor show on fatigue as a result of intensive training ahead of the All Africa Games to take place in Congo-Brazzaville.

"Mubarak is a tough player and very energetic. Besides he was better today, so honestly he deserved to win but of course that is how the game goes, however, this cannot demotivate me,” said Habiyambere

Meanwhile in the quarterfinals, Harerimana will face Ernest Habyambere today. Habyambere defeated David Uwimana 6-1, 6-2 to qualify for the quarter finals yesterday.