By Douglas Mazune and Shafique Ssenoga

Uganda Tennis Open

Tomorrow, Kampala Club

In the past three editions a single player shouldered hopes of the host nation in the Castle Lite Uganda Tennis Open. It will not be as tense this year with both Duncan Mugabe, the 2011 champion and tittle holder David Oringa in the tournament that gets underway with qualification rounds at Kampala Club this Friday.

When Mugabe was away in the United States of America last year, Oringa stepped in his big shoes — fending off big names in East Africa in Rwandan Jean Claude Gasigwa and Kenyans Francis Rogoi and Allan Cooper among others.

With Mugabe (left) back in town the top Ugandan players are most likely to be seeded first and second respectively —hence a possibility of an all Ugandan final contest for the sh2.5m cash prize.

The tournament referee John Oduke declined to pre-empty the draw but agreed that there was a possibility of the top Ugandans being seeded first and second.

“The draw will be conducted in the presence of players and I am sure Mugabe and Oringa won’t meet in the early rounds. This year’s tournament looks more competitive,” Oduke stated.

The main draw of the tournament will be held on Monday.

Castle Lite sinks sh40m

The incentive of an improved purse could bring the best out of competitors in the 2013 Castle Lite Uganda Tennis Open.

Uganda Lawn Tennis Association chairman Cedric Babu announced the cash structure at the tournament launch yesterday.

Babu said the men’s singles winner will walk away with sh2.5m, up from sh2m last year.

Other top performers will also be rewarded following the sponsors’ sh40m. Prize money will take half of the sponsorshup offer.