TOP seed in the boys' Under-18, Ronzai Saurombe, booked his place in the semi-finals of the New Winners junior tennis tournament when he defeated Francis Chirinda in yesterday's quarter-finals at Harare Sports Club.

Saurombe beat Chirinda 6-4, 6-1 to progress to the last four and will take on Derrick Namanya today who dismissed Justin Simbaneuta 6-2, 6-1.

Saurombe said he was thrilled with his performance but said there was still room for improvement since this is the first tournament of the year.

"Today's match was quite tough, the player I played was better than the one I played yesterday.

"I tried to stay solid during the match.

"I am quite happy with the performance. I think I have more room for improvement.

"This is just the beginning of the year so I think I am okay with the way I am playing," said Saurombe.

The top seed said competition was getting tougher but he was looking forward to today's match.

"I think it's getting tougher and tougher since the first round, so I am hoping to stay solid," said Saurombe.

In the boys' Under-16, Mark Chigaazira, beat Bongani Mutetwa 6-0, 6-4 while Takunda Dube overpowered Chriswell Sibanda 6-4, 6-4.

Rufaro Chirewa dismissed Andrea Makamba 6-0, 6-1 while Tanaka Chakanyuka beat Kundai Dhlamini 6-0, 6-1 in the girls' section.

Munashe Kaome beat Mitchell Marufu 6-2, 6-2 and Nikita Daka defeated Yolanda Kasipo 6-0, 6-2.

Richard Ngwarwi cruised into the semi-finals when he beat Andrew Kunaka 6-1, 6-4 in the boys Under-14. In the boys' Under-12 Tatenda Mutetwa overpowered Thabo Ncube 6-3, 6-1 and Andrew Chigaazira beat Tinotenda Mbeleji 6-1, 6-1.

Ethan Sibanda beat Denzel Dzokamushure 6-1, 6-1.

In the girls' category, Tsitsi Mahere, thumped Tanyaradzwa Mutungamiri 6-0, 6-0 while Chido Chimbetete beat Charlotte Zhowakinyi 6-2, 4-6, 6-4.

Tanya Murape beat Zanele Zulu 6-3, 6-2 and Nandi Munyulwa overpowered Tanya Kaome 4-6, 6-3, 6-3.

Some of the matches were delayed because of the rains and were still being played late yesterday.

The tournament continues today with the semi-finals in all age groups and the finals are set for tomorrow.