Local tennis star Etienne Niyigena has said he wants to make amends for last year’s final defeat and win the 2019 Cogebank Tennis Tournament after securing a sponsorship deal from Premier Bet.

The competition started Monday, at Cercle Sportif de Kigali, and will run through Saturday.

Niyigena beat Mele Bizimana in straight sets (6-4, 6-0) in Wednesday’s third round to set up a quarter-final date with Burundian Issa Cuma on Thursday.

"When you’re financially well and have all the necessary equipment, it gives you stability to focus on the game. Thanks to Premier Bet, I am now only focused on my game without any other hustle.

"I lost in the final last year, and that gives me great motivation to do better this year. I want to win the title this year,” Niyigena told Times Sport after his third round victory on Wednesday.

The 24-year old is one of the four players who are under the sponsorship of Premier Bet in the week-long tournament, along with Mathieu Uwizeyimana, Jean Pierre Niyongira and Joselyne Umulisa.

In Rwanda, Premier Bet has been in business since 2011, and has grown immensely over the past eight years.

The company provides entertainment for people aged above 18 to play sports betting as they spice up their football viewing and turn their loose change into bigger winnings.

editor@newtimesrwanda.com