Australia’s Oliver Hancin, 15, and Russia’s Alexandra Talina, 15, emerged winners of the first week of the ITF World Tennis Tour (J30), clinching the boys’ and girls’ singles titles respectively on Saturday at the IPRC-Kigali Ecology Tennis Court. Hancin won the singles title after his American rival Eaden-Zack Harron retired at the end of the first set of the final due to an injury. Hancin won the set 7-6(6). ALSO READ: Rwanda Challenger director on shaping Kigali as gateway for global tennis stars In the girls’ singles final, Talina delivered a commanding performance, defeating Italy’s Ilaria Ughi in straight sets, 6-2, 6-3, to secure the trophy. The doubles events produced mixed outcomes. The boys’ doubles final was cancelled following a walkover from Angelo Chiappelo and Dan Arch Muteramuhwe, allowing Eaden-Zack Harron and Legan Thomas to win the title. In the girls’ doubles final, the Korean pair of Eunseol Choi and Ye Eun Park claimed victory after a hard-fought contest, defeating Natalia Drobca and Alexandra Talina 7-6(7), 3-6, 10-5. There will be little time for rest, as the competition resumes on Tuesday, April 28. The second week of the tournament will run through May 3, with players aiming to defend their titles and build on their performances.
