Bezuidenhout, Theron rise to the top in first NTA tourney

At the Namibia Tennis Association (NTA)'s first junior tournament of the season, teenagers Joanivia Bezuidenhout and Johan Theron were crowned champions in the women’s and men’s under-25 sections, respectively.The tournament was held last weekend at Olympia’s Central Tennis Courts, Sport Klub Windhoek and the Namibian Police Tennis Club.With an impressive 72 entries, rising stars from across the country battled for top spots in the under-10 to under-25 categories, aiming to start their season on a high note.U25 winnersSecond seed Joanivia Bezuidenhout emerged victorious in the under-25 women’s final, defeating top seed Leandre Louw 6-2, 6-1. Ndeumono Wilhelm took third place over Bernice Swarts (6-4, 6-4).In the under-25 men’s round-robin format between four entries, the young Johan Theron was outstanding and remained unbeaten against second seed Henlou du Toit (6-4, 7-5), top seed Stephan Koen (walkover) and AJ Bruwer (6-2, 6-1).U16 winnersIn the under-16 girls’ category, played in a round-robin format between four entries, top seed Natalia Ouses remained unbeaten to claim the title, with Simone Huish finishing second and Alicia Hausiku third.In the under-16 boys’ division, Nicolai Pienaar overcame top seed Kondjeni Shivande 7-5, 3-6, 6-4 in the final. Aidan Matroos took the third place play-off 6-4, 6-2 ahead of second seed Lazarus Kanelombe.U14 winnersTop seed Secilia Nghitewapo lived up to expectations in the under-14 girls’ final, overcoming second seed Emma Brinkmann 6-1, 6-0. Third seed Janice Bezuidenhout took bronze by walkover against Zaycriesha Bedja.The under-14 boys’ division saw Daniel Pienaar put on a strong display to defeat top seed Steven Gathuru in the final (6-0, 7-5). The second seed Eric Pretorius took third place ahead of Emilson Ngola (6-4, 6-2).U12 winnersIn the under-12 girls’ final, Albertina Johannes fought back (5-7, 6-2, 10-3) past top seed Madison Hoff. Nissie Mazive finished third by walkover, with no bronze match when Apple Shuro withdrew.The under-12 boys’ category saw second seed Pameni Paulus outclass top seed Shafiishuna Shafa 6-4 6-1 in the final. Jasper Coetzee secured third place with a 3-6, 6-4, 10-6 win over Marcel Diehl.U10 winnersThe under-10 categories also delivered promising performances. In the girls’ round-robin format with only three entries, Immaculate Fundisi emerged as the champion, followed by Tonata Shikololo (second) and Adele Buys.The under-10 boys’ category saw top seed Pwoove Paulus win the final 8-0 against Faan Vermaak. Second seed GJ Visser secured third place by beating Andre Olivier 8-4.Big turnout a rare featSpeaking to Sport Wrap, tournament director Larushka Kruger said they had to reschedule two tournaments that were initially planned for earlier this year.“This is considered our first tournament, as the original opener was cancelled due to the Davis Cup hosted in Windhoek during February. The second tournament was also cancelled that same month following the passing of the Founding Father Sam Nujoma,” she said.Kruger assured that the cancelled tournaments will be played at later dates this year, which are yet to be announced. She also highlighted that the tournament’s 72-player turnout is a rare feat, as they typically receive between 50 and 60 entries.– mariud@nsh.com.na

Bezuidenhout, Theron rise to the top in first NTA tourney

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Bezuidenhout, Theron rise to the top in first NTA tourney

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