Africa-Press – Botswana. Botswana tennis players Seabo Saleshando and Martin Seetso are through to the second round of the ITF World Tennis Tour Juniors J30, boy’s singles held at the National Tennis Centre in Gaborone.
Ranked as one of the country’s top players Saleshando, won a nail-biting clash 6-4, 6-2 against South African William Harding yesterday, while rising star Seetso won 6-4, 6-4 against South African Cameron Corbett. Known for toughness and speed, Harding was dominated and overshadowed by Saleshando’s seemingly good game plan.
His forehand proved to be his strength, as he capitalised on moving his opponent, pilling pressure that forced him to commit errors. Saleshando indicated in an interview that he was happy with his performance, though he started too slow.
He was trailing behind in his first set, but eventually closed in, sailing through in the second set. He said the intention was to make it to the final, and eventually win his first J30 tittle on home soil. Furthermore, he said he was aware that it would not be a simple feat, given that all the players were determined.
On the other hand, Seetso did not win his match on a silver platter as his opponent proved to be a hard nut to crack. He said in an interview that he was happy he played well although he started on a low note.
Seetso said since it was his first ITF this year, he came prepared and believed the match gave him insight of where he needed to improve if he was to reach the finals.
Botswana’s Junior Sportwoman of the Year, Malak Macheng was however, knocked off in the girl’s singles after losing 6-0, 6-0 to Catarina Braun of Portugal.
In an interview, she said the opponent was difficult to win, but tried adjusting to the speed of the ball, where she started winning points, making the game more interesting to her.
“As much as I was trying, I still lost the first set 6-0, but second set I told myself it is a new start, then I was able to relax a bit,” she said.
Angela Chakanyuka lost 7-6,6-2 to South African Nina Pieterse, Bashali Phatswane also lost to South African Lyndsey Philpps 6-2, 6-3. Katlego Regoeng lost 6-2, 6-1 to Tshepang Maisela of South Africa.
The tournament kicked off yesterday and the public is invited to come witness some of the great talent in action.
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