Otiti ready for Mugabe test

By Douglas Mazune and Shafique Ssenoga

Uganda Open quarterfinals

Men’s singles

D.Mugabe v M.Otiti

J.Gasigwa v Mubarak

D.Oringa v Nkunda

Muyanja v D. Habyambere

Ladies single

F. Mawisire v J.Keter

Mukombwe v Athumani

DUNCAN Mugabe is an opponent you would not fancy meeting at this stage of the Castle Lite Uganda Tennis Open but Moses Otiti has found solace in the fact they have known each other since childhood.

Otiti who shrugged off a spirited challenge from Rwandan Ernest Kayiranga 7-5, 6-5 at Kampala Club on Monday, finds himself in Mugabe’s path and unlike star-struck competitors he goes for today’s quarter final with the tournament’s 2011 champion with a brave face.

“I know his weakness and I will use that to win the match. I will try my level best to take all chances that he gives me. He beat me in the Nomi Open in 2006 and the 2007 Uganda Open but this time I am ready for him,” Otiti stated.

Mugabe, who is seed No.3 has not dropped a set in the run up to the quarterfinals where he will meet a genuine title challenger in Otiti. 

Rwandan Jean Claude Gasigwa (Seed No.2) who has made more than 10 appearances in the Uganda Open should easily deal with his compatriot Mubaraka Hayarimana in the other quarterfinal.

Defending champion David Oringa who has booked a slot in the quarterfinal will play Olivier Nkunda in the last eight.

Meanwhile, two the Zimbabwean ladies who are playing in the tournament for the first time have qualified for the quarter finals.

Fadzai Mawisire beat Ayato (6/0,6/0) while Bukale Munkombwe got a walk over. The tournament is sponsored by Castle Lite.