Top five

Men

1.   Ernest Habiyambere2.   Olivier Havugimana3.   Dieudonne Habiyambere4.   Mathieu Uwizeyimana5.   Hamis Gatete

Women

1. Megane Ingabire2. Gisele Umumararungu 3. Chantal Mutuyimana4. Olive Tuyisenge5. Joseline Umulisa 

Youngster Ernest Habiyambere has climbed to number one in the new Rwanda Tennis Federation (RTF) ranking following his fantastic performance in the previous two major local tournaments.

In August last year, the 17-year-old won his maiden senior’s title, claiming the inaugural Umubano Hotel Tennis Open after beating Olivier Havugimana 6-3, 6-1 before claiming the first Gasigwa memorial tournament last month, again after defeating Havugimana, 6-4,6-1.

Havugimana is ranked second, while Dieudonne Habiyambere drops to third after over 12 months at the top following the death of former number one, Jean Claude Gasigwa, last year.

Habiyambere, who plays for the national junior team, won the Gasigwa memorial tournament men’s singles title after overcoming Uganda’s second seed David Oringa in three sets 2-6, 6-4 and 6-3 in the semi-finals.

"It is official, Habiyambere is the new the number one. He has done tremendously well against older opponents over the last 12 months,” RTF secretary general, Valens Habimana told Times Sport.

In a separate interview, Habiyambere expressed his delight at his achievement; "This is a great achievement, it’s a dream come true for me. To be ranked number one after winning Gasigwa memorial tournament, makes it even more special, because it was him (Gasigwa), who taught me tennis.”

Currently, Habiyambere plays for the U-18 national team.

Meanwhile, Megane Ingabire retained the top spot in the women rankings, followed by Gisele Umumararungu while 15-year-old Chantal Mutuyimana climbed to third. Olive Tuyisenge (4) and Joseline Umulisa (5) complete the top five.

editorial@newtimes.co.rw