Veteran tennis players Genius Chidzikwe, Martin Dzuwa, Malcom Mutungamiri and Takanyi Garanganga stormed into the semi-finals of the NetOne Zimbabwe Tennis Open tournament after seeing off their respective opponents at Harare Sports Club yesterday.
However, Chidzikwe’s advance to the next stage came at a cost of defending champion Benjamin Lock whom he beat 6-4, 2-6, 7-6(7) in a closely fought tie.
Chidzikwe will now face Mutungamiri — who prevailed over long-time rival Gwinyai Chidzikwe 7-5, 6-7, 6-3 in a pulsating quarter-final match.
Another exciting semi-final pits forgotten Dzuwa taking on pre-tournament favourite Garanganga after the two respectively beat Mlandeli Ndlela 6-2, 6-4 and Botswana’s Phenyo Matongo 6-3, 6-4.
In the women’s category defending champion Valeria Bhunu easily cruised 6-1, 6-1 past Latifa Yasini in the quarter-finals.
Bhunu will now face Tariro Demo in today’s semi-final. Demo came from a set down to beat Botswana’s Katlego Gouwe 1-6, 6-1, 6-1 in another quarter-final.
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Also in the semi-finals is forgotten Fadzai Mawisire who made light work in defeating young Vimbai Ugaro 6-2, 6-2 in straight sets.
Mawisire now faces Pauline Chawafambira, who got the better of Cynthia Sibanda 6-2, 6-3 in another one sided tie.
The tournament is expected to end tomorrow with the winner in the man’s category expected to pocket $1 500 while the women’s champion will get $1 000.