Best results ever from tournaments Gauteng East Tennis Association again held a one day tournament and we entered four couples and at the end of the day we achieved the best results ever from this type of tournament. Just over 180 children took part ranging from ages 8 to 19 and the day was played on a round robin basis in a number of sections grouped by age and experience. A number of players have previous experience in the main Tennis SA sanctioned events, but this day is ideal for those who are on the fringe of that standard or nearing the time when they can cope with the major tournaments. We have used these days as a way of introducing our players into tournament play. We had a mixture of those who have played the more advanced events and those just starting out on their adventure. We are extremely pleased to see that two couples won their section. Pride of place must go to first time players, 8 year old Siyamthanda Silinga and 9 year old Banele Xolo. Both show promise and very favourable comments were made about their play from people who are involved with tennis in the province. They both played some excellent tennis showing determination and at times real quality in shot making. Also winning their section were Mpumi Hlatswayo and Wandile Tshabalala. Mpumi played her first Tennis SA event earlier in the month and again has shown us her ability and with Wandile, who represented the province at the recent inter provincial, conquered all that came in their way. Bonolo Nthewane and her cousin Tshepiso and Molokwane came a highly creditable second in their section. Bonolo is a new member of our development program at Vosloorus and we have recently been able to get her a tennis scholarship to a school in near by Alberton. Our two most experienced players, Thando Xolo and Angel Nkosi, although only 13 were placed in the top group playing against older players but did themselves a large amount of credit in finishing 5th. Compared to the others this may not seem to be a good result, but bearing in mind they were playing against far more experienced and older players, their results showed their undoubted ability. We must again applaud the province and in particular, Desire Wilson in organizing these one day events as, for children like ours at Vosloorus this day and kind of tournament, is ideal for them to “cut their teeth” and gain exposure to tournament play.
