Gasigwa shifts attention to Kampala

After claiming victory in last week’s three-day ITF/CAT Money Circuit staged at Hotel Novotel tennis courts Rwanda’s tennis star Jean Claude Gasigwa heads to Kampala today ahead of the week-long money Circuit due to start over the weekend at Lugogo courts. “This is a right start and I hope for a positive result in the Ugandan edition,” said Gasigwa. Gasigwa claimed his third victory of the ITF/CAT money circuit after defeating Kenyan born Francis Rogoi 6-2 and 6-1 in straight sets. Gasigwa last claimed the ITF/CAT money circuit championships during the 2004 edition in Burundi, 2006 edition in Burundi. However, Gasigwa failed to notch another victory in doubles as he paired with Hakizimana to lose in the final game against Zimbabwe born Martin Dzuwa and Kenyan Francis Rogoi. They lost 4-6 and 2-6 respectively. In girls category, Kenyan Everlyne Otula defeated Jane Musoke of Uganda 6-3 and 6-2.However, no Rwandan female tennis player reached the finals stages of the championships as they all bowed out in the preliminary stages. Rwanda’s Megan Ingabire defeated Fildaus Cyiza 6-2 and 7-6 while Joselyne Umulisa defeated Gusele Umumararungu 6-3 and 7-5. Gasigwa claimed $ 800 after claiming the singles category while Dzuwa and Rogoi shared $ 300 for winning the double men’s category. The ITF/CAT money circuit heads to Uganda after winding up in both Burundi and Rwanda respectively. In a related development, according to a Ugandan daily,the International Tennis Federation has delayed a decision to grant Uganda the opportunity to host the Centre for Tennis Excellence in the East African region. Prince Madema, the ITF development officer for East Africa has held talks with the local tennis association ULTA, but the two bodies are yet to reach an agreement. The issue of contention is the number of courts the regional body would need to permanently use at Lugogo. “I thought by acquiring the Lugogo tennis facility they where going to use it for development of the game, but ULTA is more concerned about generating money to maintain the courts.” ITF had earmarked Uganda due to its good facilities and proximity. The centre might be moved to Bujumbura in Burundi. Ends

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Gasigwa shifts attention to Kampala