Dzuwa Eyes Second Title

Top seed and veteran Martin Dzuwa will be eyeing his second title at the NetOne Zimbabwe Open Tennis, when he meets little-known Vusa Hove (19) in the final at Harare Sports Club today. Dzuwa was a mere Form III student when he became the first black person to win the Zimbabwe Open way back in 1995.

The dreadlocked player has made it into the final this year after dispatching fourth seed Malcolm Mutungamiri in straight sets 6-4, 6-1 in the semi-final yesterday.

Dzuwa was confident of lifting the final after completing his semi-final and urged Tennis Zimbabwe to lure more top players in future competitions.

"I have an advantage over the other player because I can vary my game according to the situation," Dzuwa said.

"The level has gone down because the top players are no longer coming back for this competition like what they used to do in the past.

"I would like to urge the organisers to make it compulsory for all those who wish to represent Zimbabwe in the FED Cup and the Davis Cup to participate in these local tournaments."

Dzuwa's opponent Hove was however pleased to carry the underdog tag going into today's final.

"Martin (Dzuwa) is much older and that means he has got more experience over me," Hove said.

"I go into the final tomorrow (today) with nothing to lose. I just have to play my shots right.

"I am not going to put too much pressure on myself because I am coming up against a much experienced opponent."

In the ladies' section top seed 16-year-old Pauline Chawafambira made it into the final after she made light work of Nashville Dumbujena in the semi final 6-1, 6-2.

Chawafambira is going to meet second seeded 18-year-old Denise Atzinger who beat Senzo Maphisa 6-3, 7-5 in the second ladies' semi- final.

The Zimbabwe Open was last played in 2006 when it was still sponsored by Dairibord. In the last two years it was played on an invitational basis.

Cellular company NetOne then came to the rescue to bankroll the event this year.

Fixtures

0830hrs: Ladies Singles final

1000hrs: Men's Singles final

1130hrs: Men's and Ladies Doubles final

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