Mosah Mokganedi
18 July 2008
The annual Motor Centre Tennis Open starts at the Notwane and University of Botswana (UB) courts tomorrow.
The three-day event is expected to draw about 160 participants. Botswana Tennis Association (BTA) spokesperson Tuelo Serufho said they expect an "influx" of players from the rest of the Southern African region. At the time of going to press many players from Zambia, Zimbabwe and Lesotho had confirmed participation and the association was awaiting a confirmation form from South Africa.
Most players are expected to arrive today. Serufho said this time they expect more participants after the introduction of new categories.
Unlike in the past when the competition only had an open event and the veterans' section, this year it will feature the juniors' category that will be divided into about three segments. Serufho said it was important that they introduce a juniors' category, as the code did not have a pool of youngsters to feed national teams.
"We want to give our players international exposure while they are still young," Serufho said. The senior men's category will also be divided into two sub-groups of 35-44 years and 45 years and above.
The veteran women's category will not be divided because of a low entry. Tennis lovers have hailed the increase of categories, as many players will have a chance to play. Motor Centre has sponsored this year's edition to the tune of P75, 000.
Serufho thanked all the stakeholders who helped BTA prepare for the competition. He pleaded with more companies to support them as they still have a challenge of running tournaments, especially for young children.
Serufho also expressed concern at the number of women in tennis. He said they are considering ways of luring more of them into the sport. Meanwhile, the winner of the men's open event will walk away with P3,500 while the women winner will get P2,500.
Winners in all the veterans' categories will go home P7,000 richer. Serufho said youngsters will receive shopping vouchers as "BTA is not in the habit of giving kids money".
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