Maltese shocks Mugabe at Lugogo
Sep 23, 2009
MALTA’S Matthew Asciak recorded the biggest upset yesterday ejecting seed six Ugandan Duncan Mugabe in straight sets in the second round of the Kampala F1 futures tennis tournament at Lugogo centre court.
By Phillip Corry
ITF futures tourney
Second Rd
M. Asciak bt D. Mugabe 6-4 6-4
P. Debonnevie bt M. Castro 6-0 7-5
R. Roy bt B. Komakhidze 6-13-6 6-2
J. Feaver bt T. Hodorov 6-1 6-4
MALTA’S Matthew Asciak recorded the biggest upset yesterday ejecting seed six Ugandan Duncan Mugabe in straight sets in the second round of the Kampala F1 futures tennis tournament at Lugogo centre court.
The 19-year-old, who last played in Lugogo four years ago, returned to the same venue this time more vigilant to register the biggest win for himself in the futures event.
Asciak, who is ranked 1354, broke the Ugandan ace twice in the first set with Mugabe leading 2-1 and went on to take the lead at 3-2.
Mugabe, who was not accustomed to his opponent’s slow game, failed to apply his power, slamming to a 6-4 loss in the first set.
The Ugandan raced to a 3-2 lead in the second set, but his erratic game gave way to the calm opponent who once again broke him at 4-3 and completed the set 6-4. Most Ugandan top tennis players have always fallen at the centre court, failing to break the jinx over the years.
“I feel great winning here and reaching the quarter-finals of the futures for the first time,†Asciak said after the game.
“Mugabe was a good player and played well. His serve and back-hand was a problem to me but I am glad I battled my way out.â€
Mugabe will switch his attention to the Nairobi leg next week where he expects less pressure from an expectant crowd.
“I was nervous and didn’t play my game,†Mugabe said. “I need to get back and refocus. I realized it late and I need to work on that come the next tournament.â€
Mugabe reached the semi-finals of the Burundi Futures event and the quarter-finals of the Rwanda legs of the championship.
ITF futures tourney
Second Rd
M. Asciak bt D. Mugabe 6-4 6-4
P. Debonnevie bt M. Castro 6-0 7-5
R. Roy bt B. Komakhidze 6-13-6 6-2
J. Feaver bt T. Hodorov 6-1 6-4
MALTA’S Matthew Asciak recorded the biggest upset yesterday ejecting seed six Ugandan Duncan Mugabe in straight sets in the second round of the Kampala F1 futures tennis tournament at Lugogo centre court.
The 19-year-old, who last played in Lugogo four years ago, returned to the same venue this time more vigilant to register the biggest win for himself in the futures event.
Asciak, who is ranked 1354, broke the Ugandan ace twice in the first set with Mugabe leading 2-1 and went on to take the lead at 3-2.
Mugabe, who was not accustomed to his opponent’s slow game, failed to apply his power, slamming to a 6-4 loss in the first set.
The Ugandan raced to a 3-2 lead in the second set, but his erratic game gave way to the calm opponent who once again broke him at 4-3 and completed the set 6-4. Most Ugandan top tennis players have always fallen at the centre court, failing to break the jinx over the years.
“I feel great winning here and reaching the quarter-finals of the futures for the first time,†Asciak said after the game.
“Mugabe was a good player and played well. His serve and back-hand was a problem to me but I am glad I battled my way out.â€
Mugabe will switch his attention to the Nairobi leg next week where he expects less pressure from an expectant crowd.
“I was nervous and didn’t play my game,†Mugabe said. “I need to get back and refocus. I realized it late and I need to work on that come the next tournament.â€
Mugabe reached the semi-finals of the Burundi Futures event and the quarter-finals of the Rwanda legs of the championship.