Madagascar were on Saturday, June 10, crowned champions of the 2023 Billie Jean King Cup Africa Group IV after beating Tanzania in the final held at Kigali Ecology Club. READ ALSO: BJK Cup: Umumararungu, Tuyisenge shine against Ethiopia Madagascar’s Mialy Ranaivo Madagascar beat Tanzanian Shana Martin Mao 2-0 (6-3 6-1) in the first singles final tie before her teammate Andraina Mitia produced the same score (6-0 6-1) over Esther Muhammed Nankulange to cement the victory. The Madagascans also won the doubles as Narindra Corrine Ranaivo and Harena Voaviandraina beat Tanzania’s Shana Martin Mao and Ester Mohammed Nankulange 2-0 (6-1 6-4) to complete a hat trick of wins in the final. The triumph in Kigali has seen the champions promoted to the Billie Jean King Cup, Africa Group III. Meanwhile Rwanda finished the tournament in the fourth position after losing to Cameroon in the 3&4th place classification match. Gisele Umumararungu lost 2-0 (6-0 6-2) to Karine Marion Job while her teammate Olive Tuyisenge lost 2-0 (6-2 6-1) to Linda Claire Eloundou. READ ALSO: Billie Jean King Cup: Rwandans struggle against Tanzania Eleven African countries were in Rwanda for the Billie Jean King Cup Africa Group IV which was taking place on the continent for the first time. Officially opened on Monday, June 5, the week-long tournament attracted female tennis players from Angola, Congo, DR Congo, Ethiopia, Cameroon, Lesotho, Madagascar, Mozambique, Senegal, Tanzania, and Rwanda. Final standings Madagascar (champions) Tanzania (runners-up) Cameroun Rwanda Ethiopia DR Congo Senegal Angola Lesotho Mozambique Congo Brazza
