Ndamukunda, Mutabazi take phase one

MTN Beach Volleyball Phase OneMen’s finalF. Ndamukunda/ E. Mutabazi 2-1 E. Mutabazi/ J.L. MbonyuwontumaLadies’ finalE. Uwineza/ J. Niyigena 2-1 J. Mukeshangabire/ D. MukarukundoVeterans’ finalJ.P. Mana/ C. Ndahinyuka 2-0 V. Ntantete/ F. Nzanwenamahoro Experience was to no effect on Sunday as youngsters Flavier Ndamukunda and Emmanuel Mutabazi outclassed Eliya Mutabazi and Jean Luc Mbonyuwontuma in phase one of the revamped MTN beach volleyball Championship in Kibuye. The youngsters, who looked in fine touch, outclassed a more experienced pair in a tightly contested final that ended 16-21, 21-9, 17-15. Ndamukunda who features for APR inflicted most damage on the seniors with his unstoppable spikes and impenetrable blocks while Mutabazi offered cover in the back court. After the victory, Ndamukunda said, “We are very excited about today’s victory. It’s always a good feeling to win against quality players.” “We are also thrilled by the cash prizes,” he added. In the ladies’ category, Emmelienne Uwineza and Jeannette Niyigena made light work of Josee Mukeshangabire and Denise Mukarukundo after a 15-5 tie break to secure a 2-1 set win. Meanwhile, Jean Paul Mana and Christopher Ndahinyuka won the veterans’ section after a straight sets’ victory over Vedaste Ntantete and Faustin Nzanwenamahoro. After the day’s action, cash prizes were awarded to the top performers. The winners bagged Frw 180,000 while the second, third and fourth pairs walked away with Frw100, 000, Frw 60,000 and Frw 40,000 respectively courtesy of MTN, the championship official sponsors. This weekend, the championship heads to Butare for phase two. Ends

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Ndamukunda, Mutabazi take phase one