Tanzania's Shaaban Ibrahim made flying start to the Africa Master Junior Tennis Championship title chase after defeating Thomas Earl of Mauritius by two straight sets in Port Louis courts yesterday.

The thrilling under-16 encounter saw the host exerting pressure in the first, but the Tanzanian shrugged off the opposition to post a deserved 7-5 win at the end.

The second set was easy for the young Tanzania as he faced little challenge on his way to a commanding 6-1 victory.

"It was one of my best matches since I have beaten their prominent player. I will keep it up to ensure I come home victorious," Ibrahim said yesterday.

Tanzania national youth team coach Salum Mvita said Ibrahim's excellent was guided by flexibility and power packed shots, which reduced his opponent to novice.

Burundian Guy Orly Iradunkunda defeated the host Rogers Jason by 2-1 sets in a closely fought encounter. The Burundian won the first set 6-1 but lost 3-6 in the second set before improving his performance with a comfortable 6-1 in the third set.

However, things were tough to another Burundian Ntwali Kedi who lost 2-1 to Revehan Hugo in the hotly contested match. Hugo won the first set 6-3 before losing 3-6 in the second set. He finished his job with an impressive 6-2 win in the final set.

Shaaban Ibrahim, is ranked second in Africa after a successful qualifying campaign in the ITF/CAT Under-14 East African Circuit second edition, held in Rwanda in September.

Burundi's Guy Orly Iradukunda of Burundi is ranked the first after beating Rwandese Hamis Gatete in the finals.

ITF/CAT development officer for East Africa Prince Madema said East Africa sent three players to Mauritius event with Shabani topping the list, while Guy Orly Iradukunda of Burundi ranked eighth in Africa, is a second player.

"Shaaban's quality of play is an inspiration to the entire East Africa. His good performance reflects on the progress of ITF activities in the region, but also the association's efforts in developing the game of tennis," said Madema.

He said Shaaban only needs to win a round in the Mauritius Grade One tournament, to consolidate his qualification for the African Masters.

ITF will cover transport cost for his trip to Mauritius. The ITF development officer reiterated that Tanzania has a bright future in Shabani, saying more investment was needed on the player, if his current steam was to be well kept.