BOTSWANA OPEN RETURNS POST COVID-19 LOCKDOWN
BY:Kabelo Seleka
Botswana Tennis Association (BTA) returned to action this past weekend with Botswana Open which attracted only 62 participants in the the midst of covid-19 scare and post extreme social distancing.
The tournament which was hosted from the 18th of July to the 21st of July was hosted at the all famous Notwane Courts.
The tennis association observed the new covid-19 prevention protocols to get a go ahead in hosting the tournament powered by Prokenex.
CORONA VIRUS LIMITED THE NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS AT THIS YEARS BOTSWANA OPEN
Botswana Tennis Association President Oaitse Thipe argued that this year’s tournament has attracted a less number of participants because of corona.
The President narrated that Botswana Open usually attracts international acts particularly from Southern African countries,unfortunately this year it was not to be sue to strict border controls.
“Quality is still the same,we are just unfortunate that corona virus disrupted our competition,assured Thipe.”
BTA INTRODUCES PROKENNEX THE NEW SPONSOR
The tennis association introduced Prokenex as the new technical sponsor of tournament.
Of interest,Botswana Open is usually sponsored by Motor Center,but the company’s branding was nowhere to be seen.
Thipe assured Sportsnation that there is still a great relationship between motor center and the association.
“Prokennex provide us with tournament equipment,balls,athlete clothing and rackets.We still have Toyota Motor Center on board as stakeholder for other events,alluded Thipe.”
LEFA SIBANDA AND TSHEGOFATSO TSIANG WINS BOTSWANA OPEN
The tournament’s top seed Lefa Sibanda did not disappoint as he was crowned tournament champion ahead of Tsholofelo Tsiang in men singles final.Lefa won by 6-2,7-5 winning himself a trophy and P3000.00 cash prize.
In women’s singles,Tshegofatso Tsiang was declared a champion in the category after winning Chelsea Chakanyuka in the final.Tsiang won 6-0,6-1 earning herself a trophy and P1 5000.00 cash prize.
Tshegofatso Tsiang also won women’s double in collaboration with Kelebogile Monnayoo.
Men’s double was won by Tsholofelo Tsiang and Innocent Tidimane whereas veterans category was won by Ricardo Braun and doubles won by Andrew Freeman and Micheal Tuffek.
Botswana Open for the juniors is slated to be hosted at the same venue on the 1st and second of August.
