George Chisambo ensured that the Banja la Mtsogolo men's Under-25 singles championship remains in the Capital city for a record sixth time when he easily defeated Ronald Kanduhi in Straight sets 6-2 6-0 in an exiting final played ath the Blantyre Sports Club.

Lilongwe-based Peter Lungu had won the event for the past five years, but be decided not take part this year. His absence raised hopes of an end to die Central Region's dcminance but Chisambo decided otherwise.

In the women's Under 25 category Tadala Kandulu defeated champion, Dembo, 6-1 6-1.

Winners got trophies and K20.000 each while the runners-up received K15.000 and medals.

Chisambo said he was exciied to have won die tournament. "I trained hard for this event and was just hoping to do well but not winning.

I am happy that I have won convincingly and did not struggle. I am looking torward to next year's event," he said.

While Kandulu said: "I knew I would win because I was playing well this year starting from the qualifiers. It is not a fluke beating the defending champion because the result shows not I had an upper hand," she said.

Chisambo then teamed up with Wilson Paul to beat Dave Manase and Tao Banda in the men's Under-25 doubles while Kandulu partnering Emma Msatiyenda beat Regina Dembo and Ino Mkutumula to win the ladies doubles event.

Paul won die Under-18 boys singles beating Richard Katandika while Mike Staples won the Under-16 event, beating Andrew Chililamoto in the final. Exciting young player of the tournament Tingopenya Nazombe beat Chipangano Sandukira to win the Under-14 boys.

Angela Msosa lost to Patricia Matola in the Under-18 girls event while Jane Chapumha beat Brenda Masinga to win the Under-18 girls title.

Tina Chirwa won the Under-14 event after beating Madatitso Nyondo. Tadala and Paul were named the tournament's best players while Precious Njere and Nyondo won the up and coming players awards.

Speaking during the prize presentation BLM head of marketing Chifundo Malunga thanked Lawn Tennis Association of Malawi (LTAM) for running a successful tournament. "This again was a great event and our organisation is pleased to be associated with the game as we complement government efforts to develop sports as well as grooming and moulding the youth who are key to the development of the nation.

"The tennis family should expect more from us next year," promised Malunga. LTAM head coach Thomson Mtengula said he was relieved that they managed to finish the tournament after rains disrupted it on the first day.

"We thank the sponsors and players far putting up a brilliant performance," said Mtengula. Meanwhile, LTAM used the event to select 16 players who were expected to compete in a day-long tournament yesterday to select eight players for a junior tournament in South Africa next month.

The players are: Girls Under-14: Chirwa, Nyondo, Tiwene Kumwenda; Girls Under-16: Matola, Mary Luhanga, Brenda Masinga and Jane Chapomba. Boys Under-14. Chisomo Lumeya, Sondukuira, Nole Kapite and Willy Kaunde; Boys Under-16: Chililamoto, Aggrey Chidothi, Lumbani Phiri and McDonald Kaunde.

Courtesy of the Nation Newspaper

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